World renowned as the “greatest automotive show in the world, where everything new makes its debut,” the 2006 SEMA Show runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, and is expected to attract approximately 140,000 automotive industry professionals, including representatives from major news organizations around the world.  Further OPTIONS’ display will be in Booth Number 34833, in the show’s Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road section.

Gotter and Darnell established Further OPTIONS in 2003 to develop innovative vehicle entry systems, and other breakthrough products, for wheelchair-bound individuals.  Gotter also owns and operates two successful machine shops, D & R Machine and Alton Machine Works, and stemming from his experiences growing up with a younger sister who was confined to a chair, he brings a heartfelt desire to help people in wheelchairs enjoy all that life has to offer.  Darnell suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury in 1991, and as a C-5/6 quadriplegic, has pursued his dream of helping create important new mobility options for others in wheelchairs.  Having met at their local place of worship, over the past three years, with a great deal of support from many friends and family-members, the two men have persevered in bringing their first Patent-pending product to market.

"I've made it my personal mission to devise unique, innovative solutions to help myself and others in my situation to be able to experience the freedoms that able-bodied people enjoy every day," Darnell said.  "After my accident, I had essentially one choice for a vehicle to drive:  a full-size van, that essentially said ‘handicapped’ all over it.  At that point, I began dreaming of a lift system that would allow me to drive a pickup truck.  After learning all I could about other products that might allow me to drive a truck, I knew I could do better, and working with David, I’m very proud to say I was right.  The DMS-3 has allowed me to drive safely and in style for the past year.  With the latest modifications, we can offer our standard installation in numerous vehicles, with major cost, cosmetic and installation advantages over any competitive products.” 

The U.S. Patent for the DMS-3 is the result of years of painstaking research, and it establishes a hybrid method, system and apparatus for moving a person in a wheelchair into a vehicle.  Gotter will personally be on hand at the company’s booth to demonstrate the heart of the DMS-3 system, answer questions and meet with potential business and marketing partners.

According to Darnell, the standard price of having a DMS-3 installed is in-line with having a full-size van equipped for a wheelchair-bound driver, and includes door openers/closers, a dropped floor, installation of a wheelchair lift apparatus and tie-down system, and a remote control.  Bearing in mind the current lead-time of 12 weeks, Standard Installations are currently available for most full-size, extended-cab, 2-wheel drive pickup trucks offering “suicide” side doors. 

A full listing of vehicles that can accept a Standard DMS-3 Installation is available on the Further OPTIONS website, and includes numerous 2007 and earlier year Chevrolet/GMC, Ford/Mercury, Dodge/Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and Honda models.   The website also offers information on vehicles appropriate for Custom Installations and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  When the SEMA Show launches on Oct. 31, the site will feature a video showing Darnell using the lift to get into and out of the DMS-3 equipped 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab that he currently drives every day from his Quickie P200 wheelchair. 

“From the time I met him, Scott has been determined to bring this lift to market, and the venture that began with building Scott a lift to allow him to drive his Dodge Ram pickup truck has led us to a very exciting place,” Gotter said.  “The first DMS-3s are scheduled for availability as of 6 a.m. EST on Mon., Feb. 1… so we’re going to have a lot to talk about with installers, retailers, jobbers and others in Las Vegas next week.”

Another important aspect of Further OPTIONS is to do as much as possible to benefit wheelchair-bound individuals through their success.  Several promotions are being organized to enlist the company’s marketing and business partners, with the goal of being able to give away one DMS-3 installation per year.  “As I’m sure most people can imagine, I can hardly describe the extreme joy and excitement I experienced the first time I drove this truck,” Darnell said.  “We are building a business around the ability to offer that exact experience to others in wheelchairs, and we fully intend to do everything we can to ensure that everyone has a chance to benefit, including those of limited financial means.”

About Further OPTIONS
Established in 2003 by co-founders Scott Darnell and David Gotter, Further OPTIONS is a developer of innovative mobility systems for wheelchair-bound individuals.  After debuting its first product at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the company's Patent-pending DMS-4 will be unveiled at the 2009 National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Annual Conference, in competition for the 2009 Adaptive Driving Alliance New Technology Award for Innovation in Engineering and Technology for the physically challenged.  For additional information, please call 1-618-664-3178, or visit www.further-options.com.