Why-or if-does dashboard need to be pulled to replace AC compressor ?

What is your question?

AC quit with no warning. Hve blower, some Freon in system.Power going to both sides. Took van to 3 shops-finally Sears;they Said they could do the work, without pulling the dash,3 hours later after ordering $900. worth parts, informed me " they couldn't do the repair because the dash had to be pulled and they didn't have equipment"-maybe knowledge? As it was a Sat. afternoon, of course, everything was closed. My son-in-law tells me he doesn't understand the dash-pull; my husband is NOT a mechanic. He says our only option is the Dealer-hate to pay their prices, but gets awfully warm in Florida! Any suggestions and/or advice as to where and how much this repair should cost-or entail? Thanks to any andall who are able to help.