
Industry News
Briefly: RFK Jr. Sworn in as HHS Secretary; DAV Hiring Guide Offers Best Practices
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sworn in as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the 26th secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Kennedy was sworn on Feb. 13, following Senate confirmation along party lines. As NPR reported, Democrats opposed Kennedy’s “conspiracy theories” linking vaccines to autism…NCART Recaps 2024 Achievements, Sets Slate for 2025
Repair reform and Medicare coverage for power standing top the priorities list.
The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) has recapped its 2024 successes while also setting its priorities for 2025. In a Feb. 7 newsletter to members, NCART said, “When NCART was formed, the focus was on federal legislation to protect CRT [Complex Rehab Technology] by keeping it out of competitive bidding. Mission accomplished!…NSM Signs Exclusive Partnership to Distribute Indego Exoskeleton in CRT Market
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has classified some exoskeletons as braces.
National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has become the exclusive distributor of the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry. In a Feb. 10 news announcement, NSM said the new partnership with Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: EKSO), headquartered in San Rafael, California, will “broaden access to the Ekso Indego-powered exoskeleton device…AAHomecare Launches Annual Impact Report of Industry Collaborations, Wins
The report also lists advocacy priorities for 2025.
A new report released by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) demonstrates the impact of “strategic advocacy, innovative tools, and community-driven progress” in 2024. “This comprehensive report highlights the ways AAHomecare worked alongside its members to strengthen the HME [home medical equipment] community, protect patient access to care, and deliver results that directly impact providers…Colours Wheelchair to Pause Production Amid Factory Relocation
The ultralightweight wheelchair manufacturer will temporarily halt production on Feb. 28.
Colours Wheelchair, manufacturer of ultralightweight wheelchairs, said in a Feb. 10 social media post that it would pause production at the end of this month. “We wish to notify all dealers and customers that Colours will temporarily cease production beginning Feb. 28, 2025,” the company said via Facebook. “This decision, though difficult, has been made…Briefly: VA to End Remote Work Arrangements; Wheelchair Travel Advocate Stars in Super Bowl Commercial
Featuring the Department of Veterans Affairs and Curb Free with Cory Lee.
VA Calls for Employees’ Full-Time Return to Offices The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has told eligible employees that they must return to work full time “at their respective duty stations (agency worksites).” The policy change complies with President Donald Trump’s “Return to In-Person Work” memorandum, issued on Jan. 20 and calling for “heads of…Editor’s Note: Join Us for the ‘CRT Defines Innovation’ Webinar
Stan Arledge, Tamara Kittelson, and Julie Piriano are the panelists for the Feb. 25 presentation.
I’m thrilled to invite you to our (free) Mobility Management editorial webinar, starting at 12 noon Eastern time on Tues., Feb. 25. Our topic: CRT Defines Innovation. And I’ll be welcoming three long-time industry friends: — Tamara Kittelson, MS, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, executive director of the Clinician Task Force. — Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS, senior director,…United Spinal Mobilizes Efforts to Preserve Medicaid Benefits
Medicaid funding could be threatened, as the Trump administration seek funds for other priorities.
United Spinal Association is calling on Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) advocates to act immediately to preserve access to Medicaid benefits. “Medicaid is an essential lifeline for people with disabilities,” the organization said in a Feb. 6 bulletin. “It pays for our health care and personal care services. It is what allows millions of people with…Adaptdefy’s LapStacker: Helping Wheelchair Riders to Carry Life’s Loads
Magnetic, retractable strap system fits both manual and power wheelchairs.
So often in life, it’s the little things that add up and make — or break — your day. That might be some of the wisdom behind LapStacker, a “click-and-go” wheelchair carry system that uses retractable straps, magnetic buckles and finger loops to secure a wide range of objects on the laps of power and…iNRRTS Launches CRT Service Technician Survey
The rehabilitation technology supplier organization is seeking input regarding service tech challenges.
The International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (iNRRTS) has launched a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry technician survey “to gather feedback about the quality and quantity of CRT service technicians.” The survey is aimed at “CRT suppliers,” defined as “the person who provides highly specialized seating and mobility equipment and services tailored for individuals with…Mobility News See More >
Briefly: RFK Jr. Sworn in as HHS Secretary; DAV Hiring Guide Offers Best Practices
Featuring the Department of Health & Human Services and Disabled American Veterans.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sworn in as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the 26th secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Kennedy was sworn on Feb. 13, following Senate confirmation along party lines. As NPR reported, Democrats opposed Kennedy’s “conspiracy theories” linking vaccines to autism…
NCART Recaps 2024 Achievements, Sets Slate for 2025
Repair reform and Medicare coverage for power standing top the priorities list.
NSM Signs Exclusive Partnership to Distribute Indego Exoskeleton in CRT Market
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has classified some exoskeletons as braces.
AAHomecare Launches Annual Impact Report of Industry Collaborations, Wins
The report also lists advocacy priorities for 2025.
Colours Wheelchair to Pause Production Amid Factory Relocation
The ultralightweight wheelchair manufacturer will temporarily halt production on Feb. 28.
Features See More >
Power Assist’s Exhilarating Evolution
With more designs available, seating teams can better choose the best option for every client.
Once upon a time, power assist for manual wheelchairs was dominated by hub-mounted designs incorporated into the wheelchair’s rear wheels. But over the years, those venerable in-hub systems were joined by power-assist systems that mount to the front or the back of folding or rigid wheelchairs to provide more choices for wheelchair riders and seating…

Commentary: Barbie Reigns, Seat Elevation Coverage Intrigues in Q1
Reviewing Mobility Management’s most-read stories this quarter.

United Spinal Announces Wheelchair Securement Project
The new SecureRide coalition is working on a new wheelchair securement standard.
CMS Announces Preliminary Coding Recommendations for Powered Seat Elevation
Stakeholders are invited to present comments during a Nov. 30 coding meeting.

University of Pittsburgh RSTCE Launches ISS 2023: On-Demand
Course bundles feature presentations from the live event in April.
Legislation & Public Policy See More >
United Spinal ‘Closely Following’ Executive Orders Impacting People with Disabilities
President Trump’s executive order could impact funding for Medicaid and other programs.
United Spinal Association is keeping a watchful eye on health-care and disability funding policies that could change due to executive orders from President Trump. “Our policy and advocacy team is gathering all the facts about the orders and resulting policies that impact our community,” said United Spinal President/CEO Vincenzo Piscopo in a Feb. 3 bulletin…