About our Founder

The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality. The program was developed to elevate the level of dealer performance to reliably meet consumers’ transportation needs in the safest manner possible.

The QAP designation is indicative of enhanced vehicle modification and adaptive equipment installation consistent with the highest industry standards. Dealers are required to follow guidelines written in accordance with motor vehicle safety standards, a professionally managed dynamic and static testing program and proven quality control practices that advocate the highest level of performance and safety.

QAP Requirements:

Dealers who participate in the QAP are held to extremely high standards. They are required to:

•Maintain Product and Completed Operations and Garage Keepers insurance for liability purposes.

•Have certified welders if they perform structural modifications to vehicles.

•Have technicians certified for the equipment they sell, install and service.

•Maintain records of all adaptive work.

•Undergo an inspection/audit process at least annually by an independent auditing firm to ensure compliance to the NMEDA Guidelines, certain aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and “Make Inoperative” mandates.

•Abide by the Mediation Committee’s decisions when a complaint is lodged by a consumer, a Dealer, or any other person or entity.

•Provide 24 hour service to their customers.

•Meet shop facility and equipment requirements.

•Have four-corner scales.

About GOLDENWEST

History of Goldenwest

Goldenwest was established as a Washington State corporation in 1980. Roland Lamarche, the company’s founder and President, is the sole shareholder. The company initially started in Spokane Valley as a vehicle modification company with customers such as Washington Water Power (AVISTA) with a fleet of service trucks and R & R RV requiring recreational vehicle modifications..

In 1983, Mr. Lamarche purchased a larger facility on the north side of Spokane. Annual sales continued to increase with the addition of Goldenboy wheelchair

lifters. In 1986, Braun lifts were added as the primary handicapped product.

In 1990, Goldenwest joined the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, (NMEDA), which sets the standards in the industry.

In 1995, recognizing the need to be more retail oriented, Mr. Lamarche purchased a retail facility on a busy arterial with easy access, a handicapped entrance, an indoor vehicle showroom with room for expansion, and a large service shop. The new location was an instant success as it was ideally suited for both Goldenwest and its customers. Goldenwest’s annual sales have grown from $100,000.00 per year to over $1,000,000.00 per year.

As NMEDA set increasingly higher industry standards, Goldenwest became one of the first companies on the west coast to be certified at NMEDA’s highest level. Goldenwest employs an electrical engineer as its primary service technician. Every person on Goldenwest’s staff is trained and dedicated to provide our customers with exceptional service. Goldenwest is the ONLY NMEDA and QAP rated facility in the Inland Empire.

Roland Lamarche and the

Braunability flag on Denali in 2009

About NMEDA

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers, driver rehabilitation specialists and other professionals dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment. All members work together to improve transportation options of people with disabilities.

NMEDA was originally formed as an association of mobility equipment dealers in the state of Florida. In 1989 membership opened on a national level and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association was established. The organization promotes and supports individual members engaged in the modification of quality transportation for people with disabilities. Membership has grown to more than 600 members with the bulk of the membership located in the United States and Canada. All members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and to follow the guidelines set by NMEDA. Every member agrees to follow these guidelines when they join the association. The guidelines, which are actually a living document providing detailed recommended practices on equipment installation and modifications, are updated yearly.

About QAP

About Adaptive Driving Alliance

The Adaptive Driving Alliance is a nationwide group of vehicle modification dealers who provide van conversions, hand controls, wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, tie downs, conversion van rentals, paratransit and other adaptive equipment for disabled drivers and passengers.

We are members of the Adaptive Driving Alliance. The ADA member network dealers are professionals who take pride in their work and strive to exceed your expectations. We look forward to serving your needs.

As a member, we would like you to know:

We utilize Factory Certified Technicians, and Certified Welders.

We are Quality Assurance Program (QAP) Certified, a program developed and managed by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA). Feel secure with our policy of 24-hour emergency assistance.

Avoid costly mistakes. Choose an Adaptive Driving Alliance Dealer. We work with Driver Rehabilitation Specialists to assess your needs, and help you select the right mobility equipped vehicle.

We promote quality testing and safety programs, and maintain the highest level of training and certification standards in the industry.

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Sales and Service Specialists for Handicapped Vehicles, Wheel Chair Lifts, and Mobility Equipment in Spokane