People with disabilities in Winnipeg can now travel in the same style, comfort and safety as other Manitobans. Winnipeg's first accessible MV-1 limousine from Mobility Ventures hit the streets in January after two years of lobbying for equal rights to accessible transportation.

The Winnipeg Taxi Board initially denied Sunshine Transit Services an accessible limousine license in 2012. With the signing of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), help from the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) and the Public Interest Law Center, Manitoba's one and only accessible limo license was granted to Sunshine Transit Services in August 2014.

"Sunshine Limo was created to support the disability community. I sincerely thank all those who helped us advocate for accessible limousine service in Winnipeg," says Gary Jakeman, owner of Sunshine Transit Services.

Sunshine Limo is universally designed to accommodate everyone, regardless of ability. Large groups and wheelchair passengers alike will appreciate the spacious interior, high-end finishes and accessible features of the MV-1 luxury limousine, including:

• A large and comfortable cabin for five passengers or one wheelchair and three passengers.

• Extra wide 36-inch by 56-inch side access door and ramp.

• High-end finishes including French-stitched supple leather seating, walnut trim and armchair comfort.

• Refreshment center, power outlets and entertainment system.

"People with disabilities experience the same life events as people without disabilities, such as trips to the airport, graduations, weddings and funerals. All situations in which you might want access to a limo", says Allen Mankewich, a wheelchair user. "Having the option to ride in an accessible limousine ensures we are able to enjoy the world the same way other people do.”