Van Life in a Wheelchair? This Man is Proof it’s Possible

Van life can open doors to connection and adventure for anyone – even if you bring an extra set of wheels along for the ride.

Benjamin (Ben) Woodford is a solo van lifer who lives on the road with his rescue dog, Letty. As a self-proclaimed homebody, he figured he might as well take the comforts of his home with him anywhere he wanted to go. 

Ben is a wheelchair traveler who lives in a Freightliner StepVan. His wheelchair-accessible van is intentionally designed with ample space, a flat floor, and easy-to-find parts.

He believes that “life is about making memories together,” so his travel style prioritizes people over locations. Ben appreciates how his van allows him to visit friends and family without worrying about accessibility or his basic needs – he can simply bring his entire home with him.

In this feature, Ben opens up about his lifestyle, accessible van build, and tips for anyone considering van life.

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1. Please give us some background on yourself. What inspired you to start living in your van?

When the pandemic hit, all my work went remote. I’ve always liked tiny homes and traveling but never felt ready to take the plunge. With everything going crazy and being stuck at home, I figured if I’m going to be stuck, it might as well be in a home that can go to different places. I’ve always been a homebody, and now, my home can go anywhere.

2. How did you go about choosing and customizing your van for wheelchair accessibility?

I looked at many different vehicles to figure out the best option. I considered a kneeling access bus, which was one of my top contenders before I ended up choosing the Stepvan. The Stepvan is great because it has lots of room, a flat floor from front to back, and parts that are easy to find, unlike a specialized wheelchair-accessible van.

3. Can you share some of your favorite places you’ve visited since starting van life?

I get asked this a lot, and my answer is always about the people I’m with rather than the location. I feel at home no matter where I go. It’s the people that make a place special. I’ve been very happy in desolate deserts, sandstorms, snow, and everything in between as long as I have good company. Life is about making memories together.

4. What are some unexpected benefits or joys you’ve discovered while living in your van?

As a disabled person, it’s really nice to have accessibility wherever I go. I can visit friends and family and make new friends while always having the comforts of home. This makes it easier to exist and do everything I need to do.

5. What kind of challenges have you faced with accessibility while traveling, and how have you overcome them?

Accessibility challenges are everywhere, but it’s all about how you handle them. Having my accessible van means I can meet my basic living needs anywhere. I can visit friends even if their houses aren’t accessible. Nature is the least accessible place of all, but my good wheelchair makes a lot possible that wouldn’t be otherwise. When my chair is broken, I really feel the isolation that comes with not having it working.

6. What do you do for work while living on the road?

When I started, I was a grad student doing research and teaching classes remotely. Since graduating, I’ve started a business that allows me to travel and serve a community I care about. This mission-driven work lets me do what I love without being tied to a stationary job.

7. How do you find and prepare accessible campsites or parking spots?

I almost never pay for camping, and accessible campsites are almost a non-issue since my van is self-sufficient. I prefer dispersed camping in public lands, preferably near water, or staying in cities to enjoy the food and people. I use campsites when I have friends who need more structure and resources.

8. Are there any communities or networks you’ve found helpful while living van life?

The nomad community has been amazing. I’ve made some great friends on the road. I attended Van Aid last year and made a friend who helped me with my van’s flooring. I was part of the Kift community for a while and made a few friends there, too. Each new place brings new adventures and people to meet.

9. How do you handle maintenance and repairs for your van, especially considering accessibility needs?

I’ve been lucky that my van has low mileage and few maintenance needs. When repairs are necessary, I can usually stay where the work is being done, or it’s completed within a day.

10. What are some essential items or modifications in your van that you couldn’t live without?

In a minimalist lifestyle, everything has a purpose. There’s almost nothing in my van that I don’t use regularly. That’s the beauty of minimalism—keeping only what is useful and shedding the rest.

11. How has living in a van changed your perspective on life and travel?

Van life has shifted my focus from achievements to rich experiences and friendships. I used to be an overachiever, but now I value my health, sanity, and experiences more than any traditional measure of success. It’s incredibly freeing.

12. Do you have any tips for making the most out of small living spaces, particularly for those using a wheelchair?

Maximize floor space and keep things off the ground. Use your space efficiently and clean it regularly. Being a homebody in a mobile home means constantly changing views and perspectives, which enriches life immensely. Build the rig of your dreams and let it open new possibilities for you.

13. What advice would you give to someone considering a nomadic lifestyle?

If the nomadic lifestyle is calling you, go for it. You can always sell your rig and return to a stationary home if it doesn’t work out. Expect a learning curve of nine months to a year as you figure things out, but it gets better with time. If it’s not for you, that’s perfectly okay, too.

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Connect with Ben

Want to keep up with Ben’s adventures? You can find him on Instagram (@perspectivan) where he shares his adventures on the road (and plenty of cute photos of Letty, too – who also has her own page @lettyis2fast). 

The nomad community is interesting and unique because all van lifers have different backgrounds, travel styles, and life circumstances. We’re thankful Ben shared about his journey and hope you enjoyed reading!