I've been doing some thinking (probably not a good thing for me to do).  Instead of installing a wheelchair lift to bring me to the van, why not bring the van to me?  If the van would drop down, I would need just a short ramp to get in.  This also wouldn't take up as much interior space.  Hydraulics was the first thing that came to mind, but all the cars I've seen with hydraulics have a rough ride, and it would add quite a bit of extra weight.  Would it be possible to put an airbag suspension in a Vanagon?  Has it ever been done?  

I think this would work, as long as I don't put on a set of gold-plated multi-spoke 13" wheels and whitewall tires. :-)

Kenneth
'85 Westy
'02 Golf TDI
'91 Corrado