The Division of Veterans Affairs (VA) works with numerous mobility gear distributors to offer adaptive automotive gear, together with car lifts for energy wheelchairs and scooters. These distributors are contracted by way of a aggressive bidding course of to make sure veterans obtain high quality services and products at a aggressive value. A veteran usually works with a VA clinician to evaluate their particular person wants and decide the suitable kind of raise and car modifications required.
Offering veterans with accessible transportation is crucial for sustaining independence and bettering high quality of life. Car modifications, comparable to lifts for energy wheelchairs, allow veterans with mobility impairments to take part extra totally of their communities, entry employment alternatives, and interact in social actions. These modifications empower veterans to keep up their autonomy and contribute meaningfully to society. The VA’s dedication to adaptive automotive gear displays a broader effort to deal with the distinctive challenges confronted by veterans with disabilities.
This text will discover the method of acquiring car modifications by way of the VA, together with eligibility necessities, the applying course of, and out there sources. It would additional delve into the several types of lifts out there, concerns for car choice, and the significance of ongoing upkeep and assist. Lastly, the article may even deal with continuously requested questions and supply sensible recommendation for veterans navigating the method of buying a car raise.
1. VA Approved Distributors
VA licensed distributors are integral to the method of offering automotive adaptive gear, together with powerchair lifts, to veterans. The VA would not instantly manufacture or set up these lifts. As an alternative, it depends on a community of permitted distributors who meet particular high quality and repair requirements. This ensures veterans obtain dependable gear {and professional} set up. The usage of licensed distributors additionally streamlines the method, permitting for environment friendly coordination between the VA, the seller, and the veteran. This community supplies a vital hyperlink between the VA’s dedication to supporting veterans with mobility challenges and the sensible supply of crucial gear.
For instance, a veteran requiring a raise will work with a VA clinician to evaluate their wants and decide the suitable raise kind. The VA then coordinates with a certified vendor who can present that particular raise and set up it in a car suitable with the raise and the veteran’s wants. This course of ensures the gear is protected, useful, and tailor-made to the person. Selecting a vendor exterior the VA’s licensed community may jeopardize security, guarantee protection, and correct set up. Due to this fact, understanding the function of licensed distributors supplies veterans with essential data for navigating the method and receiving crucial modifications.
In abstract, the VA’s reliance on licensed distributors is important for offering veterans with protected, dependable, and appropriately put in adaptive gear. This course of displays a dedication to high quality, effectivity, and individualized care. Understanding this method permits veterans to higher navigate the method and acquire the mandatory modifications for sustaining independence and bettering high quality of life. Navigating the complexities of car modifications may be difficult, however specializing in licensed distributors simplifies the method and assures high quality outcomes. This strategy ensures veterans obtain the absolute best assist whereas selling environment friendly use of sources and sustaining rigorous security requirements.
2. Contracted Mobility Sellers
Contracted mobility sellers play an important function within the VA’s provision of powerchair lifts for vehicles. These sellers are companies specializing in adaptive gear and car modifications. The VA contracts with these sellers by way of a aggressive bidding course of, guaranteeing cost-effectiveness and adherence to high quality requirements. This contractual relationship permits the VA to leverage the experience and specialised companies of mobility sellers with out instantly managing the logistics of kit procurement and set up. Primarily, contracted mobility sellers function the essential hyperlink between the VA and the veteran looking for car modifications. They’re answerable for ordering, putting in, and sustaining the lifts, guaranteeing correct integration with the car and offering crucial coaching to the veteran.
For instance, after a veteran’s wants evaluation by way of a VA clinician, a prescription for a selected kind of raise is issued. The VA then directs the veteran to a contracted mobility supplier. The supplier orders the suitable raise from a VA-authorized vendor, schedules the set up, and ensures the chosen raise is suitable with the veteran’s car. This collaboration ensures the veteran receives a correctly put in raise that meets their particular wants and integrates seamlessly with their chosen car. With out contracted mobility sellers, the method can be considerably extra advanced for each the VA and the veteran, doubtlessly resulting in delays, compatibility points, and suboptimal outcomes. This method streamlines entry to very important mobility gear, guaranteeing a easy and environment friendly course of for veterans requiring car variations.
In abstract, contracted mobility sellers are important parts of the VA’s system for offering powerchair lifts. Their specialised experience, mixed with the established contractual relationships with the VA, ensures veterans obtain applicable gear, skilled set up, and ongoing upkeep. Understanding the function of contracted mobility sellers supplies precious perception into the general course of and highlights the VAs dedication to facilitating veterans entry to essential mobility options. This method allows veterans to regain and keep independence by providing a streamlined, dependable path towards car modifications that meet particular person wants and empower continued group engagement.
3. Aggressive Bidding Course of
The aggressive bidding course of is prime to how the VA selects distributors for powerchair lifts for vehicles. This course of ensures transparency, equity, and cost-effectiveness within the procurement of adaptive gear. A number of certified distributors submit bids outlining their proposed companies and pricing. The VA evaluates these bids primarily based on pre-defined standards, together with high quality, expertise, and price. This aggressive surroundings encourages distributors to supply the absolute best worth, finally benefiting veterans by guaranteeing entry to high-quality gear at aggressive costs. With no aggressive bidding course of, there’s a danger of inflated pricing, subpar high quality, and potential favoritism, doubtlessly compromising the protection and well-being of veterans counting on these important mobility gadgets. This course of ensures accountability and accountable allocation of sources.
As an example, take into account a state of affairs the place three distributors submit bids for offering and putting in powerchair lifts. Vendor A proposes a high-quality raise with complete set up companies however at a premium value. Vendor B gives a lower cost however with much less in depth companies and a raise with a shorter guarantee interval. Vendor C gives a comparable raise and repair bundle to Vendor A however at a extra aggressive value. Via the aggressive bidding course of, the VA can objectively consider these bids and choose the seller providing the very best worth on this hypothetical case, doubtless Vendor C. This instance illustrates how the aggressive bidding course of drives worth and protects the pursuits of each veterans and taxpayers. It additionally underscores the significance of clearly outlined analysis standards and a clear choice process.
In conclusion, the aggressive bidding course of performs a crucial function in figuring out which distributors the VA makes use of for powerchair lifts. This course of ensures the VA obtains high-quality gear and companies at a aggressive value whereas sustaining transparency and accountability. Understanding this course of supplies precious perception into the VA’s dedication to accountable useful resource allocation and its dedication to offering veterans with the absolute best mobility options. This method contributes on to veterans’ independence and high quality of life by guaranteeing entry to protected, dependable, and reasonably priced adaptive gear.
4. Veteran-specific wants evaluation
Veteran-specific wants assessments are essential for figuring out applicable powerchair raise options. These assessments take into account particular person components like bodily limitations, car kind, and way of life to establish the optimum raise kind, options, and set up necessities. This individualized strategy ensures the chosen raise successfully addresses the veteran’s particular mobility challenges, selling security, independence, and ease of use. With no thorough wants evaluation, there is a danger of offering an unsuitable raise, which may compromise security, hinder performance, and negatively impression the veteran’s high quality of life. The evaluation instantly influences which distributors and gear are most applicable for every particular person’s circumstances.
For instance, a veteran with restricted higher physique power may require a raise with a powered rotating platform for simpler switch, whereas a veteran with a bigger powerchair may want a raise with the next weight capability and totally different mounting necessities. Car kind additionally performs a big function; a pickup truck requires a unique raise fashion in comparison with a sedan. The evaluation considers these and different related components, guiding the number of applicable distributors specializing in particular raise varieties and car modifications. This tailor-made strategy ensures the raise integrates seamlessly with the veteran’s car and meets their particular person wants. Understanding the crucial function of the wants evaluation helps illustrate why seemingly easy requests for a “powerchair raise” require cautious consideration of particular person circumstances.
In abstract, veteran-specific wants assessments kind the muse for profitable powerchair raise provision. These assessments guarantee the chosen gear aligns with the veteran’s particular person necessities, selling security, performance, and improved high quality of life. The evaluation outcomes instantly affect vendor choice, guaranteeing the chosen supplier possesses the experience and sources crucial to meet the veteran’s distinctive wants. This emphasis on individualization underscores the VA’s dedication to offering customized assist and empowering veterans to keep up their independence by way of applicable and efficient mobility options. By recognizing the pivotal function of the wants evaluation, one positive factors a deeper understanding of the complexity and significance of offering applicable car modifications for veterans with mobility impairments.
5. Prescribed Elevate Sort
The prescribed raise kind instantly influences which distributors the VA makes use of for powerchair lifts. Following a complete wants evaluation, a VA clinician prescribes a selected raise kind tailor-made to the veteran’s particular person necessities and car. This prescription dictates the mandatory specs, together with lifting capability, platform dimension, and mounting technique. Consequently, the VA selects distributors able to offering and putting in the prescribed raise kind. This ensures the chosen vendor possesses the mandatory experience, gear, and stock to satisfy the veteran’s particular wants. With no prescribed raise kind, the choice course of would lack the mandatory specificity, doubtlessly resulting in delays, incompatibility points, and finally, an unsuitable raise for the veteran.
As an example, a prescription for an inside raise, designed for placement inside the car’s inside, necessitates a vendor specializing in inside modifications and possessing the abilities to combine the raise seamlessly with the car’s current construction. Conversely, a prescription for an exterior raise, usually mounted on a car’s hitch, requires a vendor specializing in exterior modifications and possessing experience in several hitch varieties and weight distributions. Take into account one other state of affairs: a veteran requires a raise with a rotating platform because of restricted higher physique mobility. This particular requirement narrows the sector of potential distributors to these providing lifts with this function. These examples exhibit the direct hyperlink between the prescribed raise kind and vendor choice, highlighting the significance of an in depth wants evaluation in guiding your complete course of.
In abstract, the prescribed raise kind serves as a crucial determinant within the VA’s vendor choice course of for powerchair lifts. This prescribed kind ensures the chosen vendor can present and set up the suitable gear to satisfy the veteran’s particular mobility wants. Understanding this connection emphasizes the significance of the person wants evaluation and underscores the VA’s dedication to offering customized mobility options. This course of finally contributes to veterans’ independence and general well-being by guaranteeing entry to protected, useful, and tailor-made adaptive gear.
6. Car Compatibility Checks
Car compatibility checks are important in figuring out applicable powerchair raise distributors and guaranteeing protected and useful installations. These checks take into account the veteran’s car make, mannequin, yr, and current modifications to make sure the chosen raise integrates seamlessly and operates safely. Compatibility points can vary from minor match issues to vital structural limitations, underscoring the significance of thorough checks earlier than raise set up. Ignoring compatibility can compromise security, restrict performance, and necessitate pricey rework, making these checks a crucial part of the VA’s course of for offering powerchair lifts.
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Car Dimension and Construction:
Car dimension and structural integrity are major concerns. A compact automotive might not accommodate sure bigger lifts because of restricted house or weight restrictions. Equally, a car with a weakened body might require reinforcement earlier than a raise may be safely put in. Assessing these components ensures structural soundness and prevents potential harm or security hazards.
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Elevate Sort and Placement:
Totally different raise varieties have various set up necessities. Inside lifts, positioned inside the car’s inside, require ample house and particular mounting factors. Exterior lifts, connected to the car’s exterior, require suitable hitch methods and enough floor clearance. Evaluating these components ensures the chosen raise aligns with the car’s design and meant use.
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Electrical Methods:
Powerchair lifts require a secure energy provide from the car’s electrical system. Compatibility checks assess the car’s electrical capability to make sure it will probably energy the raise with out overloading the system or inflicting malfunctions. This prevents electrical points that would compromise the raise’s operation and doubtlessly harm the car.
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Current Modifications:
Pre-existing car modifications, comparable to hand controls or lowered flooring, can affect raise compatibility. These modifications may require changes to the raise’s set up or necessitate selecting a unique raise kind altogether. Contemplating these components prevents conflicts and ensures all modifications combine seamlessly.
These compatibility checks instantly affect which distributors are appropriate for a given set up. A vendor specializing in exterior lifts for vans wouldn’t be applicable for a veteran with a sedan requiring an inside raise. Due to this fact, compatibility assessments slim the sector of potential distributors, guaranteeing the chosen vendor possesses the mandatory experience and gear for the particular car and raise mixture. This meticulous strategy ensures protected, useful, and dependable raise installations, selling veterans’ independence and enhancing their high quality of life.
7. Set up and Coaching
Set up and coaching are integral parts of the VA’s powerchair raise provision course of, instantly influencing vendor choice. Correct set up ensures the raise operates safely and reliably, integrating seamlessly with the car. Complete coaching empowers veterans to make use of the raise confidently and independently, maximizing its performance and selling their security. The VA depends on distributors able to offering each professional set up and thorough coaching, guaranteeing veterans obtain an entire and useful mobility resolution. Selecting a vendor missing experience in both space may compromise security, restrict performance, and diminish the veteran’s independence. Due to this fact, set up and coaching concerns considerably slim the sector of potential distributors.
For instance, putting in an inside raise requires specialised information of car modifications and electrical methods, guaranteeing correct integration with out compromising structural integrity or different car capabilities. Coaching for an inside raise should cowl protected operation of the raise’s controls, correct securement of the powerchair, and emergency procedures. Conversely, an exterior raise requires totally different set up experience associated to hitch methods and weight distribution. Coaching for an exterior raise emphasizes protected maneuvering with the raise platform prolonged and correct securement procedures particular to that raise kind. These examples illustrate the numerous experience required for various raise varieties, influencing which distributors are deemed appropriate for a selected set up and coaching state of affairs. A vendor specializing in a single kind of raise might not possess the mandatory abilities and gear for an additional, demonstrating the interconnectedness of those parts.
In abstract, set up and coaching are inseparable parts of offering powerchair lifts, considerably influencing which distributors the VA selects. Competent set up ensures the raise capabilities safely and reliably, whereas thorough coaching empowers veterans to function the raise confidently and independently. Recognizing the significance of those interconnected parts underscores the VA’s dedication to offering complete mobility options that improve veterans’ high quality of life and promote their long-term independence. Specializing in distributors able to delivering each professional set up and complete coaching contributes on to the general success of the raise provision course of, guaranteeing veterans obtain protected, useful, and user-friendly mobility gear.
8. Upkeep and Repairs
Upkeep and repairs are essential features of powerchair raise possession, instantly influencing vendor choice inside the VA’s provision course of. Lifts are advanced mechanical and electrical methods requiring common upkeep to make sure continued protected and dependable operation. When repairs are crucial, well timed and efficient service is important for minimizing disruption to the veteran’s mobility. The VA considers distributors’ upkeep and restore capabilities when making choice choices, prioritizing those that provide complete service agreements and exhibit a dedication to ongoing assist. Selecting a vendor with no strong upkeep and restore infrastructure may depart veterans stranded with a malfunctioning raise, jeopardizing their security and independence. Due to this fact, upkeep and restore concerns are integral to the VA’s vendor choice course of.
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Preventative Upkeep
Common preventative upkeep, together with inspections, lubrication, and changes, is important for stopping untimely put on and tear and increasing the raise’s lifespan. Preventative upkeep duties, comparable to checking hydraulic fluid ranges, inspecting electrical connections, and lubricating shifting components, assist establish potential points earlier than they escalate into main repairs. Distributors who provide complete preventative upkeep applications and available service appointments exhibit a dedication to long-term raise performance and person satisfaction.
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Restore Companies
Well timed and environment friendly restore companies are essential when lifts malfunction. A immediate response to restore requests minimizes disruption to the veteran’s mobility and prevents extended durations of immobility. Distributors with available components, expert technicians, and environment friendly service scheduling exhibit a dedication to minimizing downtime and guaranteeing continued entry to important mobility gear. Elements like service space protection and common restore turnaround time considerably affect vendor suitability.
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Guarantee Protection
Guarantee protection supplies monetary safety in opposition to sudden restore prices. Complete warranties protecting components and labor provide peace of thoughts and defend veterans from doubtlessly vital monetary burdens related to raise repairs. Distributors providing strong guarantee protection exhibit confidence of their merchandise and a dedication to buyer satisfaction. Guarantee phrases and circumstances, together with protection length and particular inclusions/exclusions, are important concerns throughout vendor choice.
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Lengthy-Time period Help
Lengthy-term assist concerns prolong past the preliminary guarantee interval. Elements like the provision of substitute components, ongoing technical assist, and the seller’s long-term viability affect the raise’s usability all through its lifespan. Distributors with established observe information, secure enterprise operations, and commitments to long-term components availability present higher assurance of continued assist for the veteran’s mobility wants.
In conclusion, upkeep and restore concerns are important components influencing vendor choice inside the VA’s powerchair raise provision course of. By prioritizing distributors with strong upkeep applications, environment friendly restore companies, complete warranties, and long-term assist capabilities, the VA ensures veterans obtain not only a raise, however a complete mobility resolution that helps their independence and enhances their high quality of life all through the raise’s lifespan. These concerns underscore the VA’s dedication to offering sustainable and dependable mobility options for veterans with disabilities.
9. Guarantee Protection
Guarantee protection performs a big function within the VA’s number of powerchair raise distributors. The presence of a strong guarantee influences vendor choice, reflecting a dedication to product high quality and long-term buyer assist. A complete guarantee safeguards veterans from sudden restore prices, guaranteeing entry to crucial upkeep and repairs with out incurring substantial monetary burdens. This safety is especially essential for advanced mobility gear like powerchair lifts, the place repairs may be pricey and disruptions to mobility considerably impression a veteran’s independence and high quality of life. Distributors providing sturdy guarantee protection exhibit confidence of their merchandise and a dedication to buyer satisfaction, making them most popular companions for the VA.
Take into account a state of affairs the place a powerchair raise malfunctions shortly after set up because of a defective part. A complete guarantee protecting components and labor ensures the veteran receives immediate repairs or substitute with out incurring out-of-pocket bills. With out guarantee safety, the veteran may face vital monetary pressure, doubtlessly delaying important repairs and impacting their mobility. Conversely, a restricted guarantee or lack of protection may depart the veteran answerable for substantial restore prices, making a monetary barrier to important upkeep. Due to this fact, the presence and scope of a guaranty instantly have an effect on the general cost-effectiveness and reliability of the raise resolution for the veteran.
Guarantee protection just isn’t merely a contractual element however a vital issue influencing the VA’s vendor choice course of for powerchair lifts. It represents a tangible dedication to product high quality, buyer assist, and the long-term well-being of veterans. Understanding the importance of guarantee protection supplies precious perception into the VA’s prioritization of sustainable and dependable mobility options. This emphasis on complete guarantee safety underscores the VA’s dedication to empowering veterans by minimizing monetary dangers related to important mobility gear, finally selling their independence and enhancing their general high quality of life.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the VA’s course of for offering powerchair lifts for vehicles. Readability on these factors assists veterans in navigating the method and acquiring crucial car modifications.
Query 1: How does one provoke the method of acquiring a powerchair raise by way of the VA?
The method begins with a session with a VA clinician. The clinician conducts a complete wants evaluation to find out eligibility and applicable raise kind. Following the evaluation, the clinician supplies a prescription for the mandatory car modifications.
Query 2: What are the eligibility necessities for receiving a powerchair raise from the VA?
Eligibility is set by service-connected disabilities impacting mobility. The VA assesses the extent to which the incapacity impacts the veteran’s potential to enter, exit, or function a car. Particular eligibility standards are outlined in VA laws.
Query 3: Does the VA cowl your complete value of the raise and set up?
The VA usually covers the price of the raise, set up, and crucial car variations deemed medically crucial because of service-connected disabilities. Co-pays might apply in sure conditions. Particular protection particulars can be found by way of the VA.
Query 4: Can a veteran select their most popular vendor for the raise set up?
Whereas the VA maintains a community of contracted mobility sellers, veterans can typically categorical preferences. The VA strives to accommodate preferences at any time when doable whereas guaranteeing the chosen vendor meets required high quality and repair requirements.
Query 5: What occurs if a powerchair raise malfunctions after set up?
The VA’s contracted mobility sellers present upkeep and restore companies. Guarantee protection usually covers repairs inside a selected timeframe. Veterans ought to contact their designated supplier or the VA instantly for help with malfunctions.
Query 6: Can a raise be put in on any car?
Car compatibility is a crucial consider figuring out applicable raise choices. The VA conducts compatibility assessments to make sure protected and useful set up. Not all automobiles can accommodate all raise varieties. Seek the advice of a VA clinician or mobility supplier for vehicle-specific steerage.
Understanding these continuously requested questions supplies precious perception into the VA’s course of for offering powerchair lifts. Additional inquiries ought to be directed to the VA or a chosen mobility supplier.
The following part will discover the several types of powerchair lifts out there by way of the VA and their particular functionalities. This data will additional help veterans in understanding out there choices and making knowledgeable choices concerning their mobility wants.
Suggestions for Navigating the VA Powerchair Elevate Course of
Navigating the method of acquiring a car raise by way of the VA can current challenges. The next suggestions provide steerage for a smoother expertise. Cautious consideration of those factors can considerably enhance outcomes and scale back potential frustrations.
Tip 1: Provoke Early Contact with the VA:
Early contact with the VA is essential. Connecting with a VA consultant initiates the method and permits ample time for assessments, paperwork, and scheduling. Proactive engagement can considerably expedite the general timeline.
Tip 2: Keep Organized Documentation:
Sustaining organized documentation is important. Preserving information of medical evaluations, correspondence with the VA, and vendor interactions simplifies the method and ensures essential data is available when wanted. Disorganized information can result in delays and problems.
Tip 3: Perceive Eligibility Necessities:
Thorough understanding of eligibility necessities is essential earlier than initiating the method. Reviewing VA laws concerning service-connected incapacity and mobility impairments ensures candidates meet crucial standards, stopping potential disappointment and wasted effort.
Tip 4: Analysis Out there Elevate Choices:
Researching numerous raise varieties and their functionalities permits veterans to make knowledgeable choices aligned with particular person wants and car compatibility. Understanding the benefits and downsides of various raise types empowers knowledgeable selections.
Tip 5: Take into account Car Compatibility Rigorously:
Cautious consideration of car compatibility is paramount. Guaranteeing the chosen raise integrates seamlessly with the meant car prevents pricey modifications or replacements. Consulting with mobility specialists concerning car and raise compatibility is very really useful.
Tip 6: Talk Successfully with VA Representatives:
Open and efficient communication with VA representatives is important. Clearly articulating wants, preferences, and considerations ensures a smoother course of. Sustaining respectful and proactive communication facilitates environment friendly collaboration.
Tip 7: Comply with Up Frequently on the Course of:
Frequently following up on the applying standing helps guarantee well timed progress. Periodically contacting the VA or designated mobility supplier retains the method shifting ahead and addresses potential delays proactively.
Following the following pointers can considerably streamline the acquisition of a powerchair raise by way of the VA. These proactive measures empower veterans to navigate the method successfully, minimizing potential challenges and maximizing optimistic outcomes.
In conclusion, acquiring a powerchair raise by way of the VA includes navigating numerous processes and concerns. Understanding eligibility, vendor choice, car compatibility, and upkeep necessities empowers veterans to make knowledgeable choices, finally selling independence and enhancing high quality of life.
Understanding VA Powerchair Elevate Acquisition
Figuring out which distributors the VA makes use of for powerchair lifts includes a multifaceted course of encompassing veteran wants assessments, car compatibility checks, prescribed raise varieties, and adherence to a aggressive bidding system. This structured strategy ensures veterans obtain applicable, protected, and dependable gear tailor-made to particular person circumstances. The VA’s community of licensed distributors and contracted mobility sellers performs a crucial function in delivering these important mobility options, encompassing set up, coaching, upkeep, and repairs. Guarantee protection supplies additional assurance of long-term assist and performance. This complete framework displays a dedication to veterans’ independence and well-being.
Empowering veterans with mobility options requires ongoing refinement of processes and continued dedication to assembly particular person wants. Thorough understanding of those procedures, coupled with proactive engagement by veterans and their assist networks, can additional optimize entry to those very important sources, guaranteeing continued enchancment in veterans’ high quality of life and group participation. Finally, profitable integration of adaptive automotive gear contributes considerably to veterans’ potential to steer fulfilling and impartial lives.
