Move over, Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam. IKEA, the Netherlands-based manufacturer of affordable home furnishings has entered the accessibility market. In an April 2 news announcement, IKEA introduced its BÄSINGEN line, “an inclusive design for the many, consisting of six products designed for convenient support in the bathroom and throughout the rest of the house.”…
IKEA Enters Accessibility Market with Launch of BÄSINGEN Line
International Briefly: ‘Standing’ Voting Method Ended in French National Assembly; At-Home MS Dosing Offered in England, Wales
Featuring the National Assembly of France, the National Health Service, and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.
France’s National Assembly Abolishes ‘Sitting and Standing’ Voting Method Thanks to the efforts of French politician and wheelchair rider Sébastien Peytavie, the National Assembly has discontinued its par assis et levé (“sitting and standing”) voting method because it excludes people who are unable to stand. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly, said afterward on…
United Spinal Launches Advocacy Impact Fund to Protect Disability Rights
Association references recent threats, including possible Medicaid cuts and airlines’ lawsuit.
United Spinal Association has created an Advocacy Impact Fund in response to multiple new threats to disability rights and programs that support people with disabilities. “United Spinal is fighting to protect decades of progress toward accessibility and disability inclusion that are under threat by cuts to Medicaid, attacks on accessible air travel, and efforts to…
Airlines Sue Over DOT Rule Strengthening Protections for Wheelchair Riders
The rule, which began taking effect in January, holds airlines accountable for wheelchair damage and delays.
Five U.S. airlines have filed a lawsuit asking the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (New Orleans) to review the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers for Disabilities Using Wheelchairs rule. On Feb. 18, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways Corp., Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines asked the court…
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…
HME, Accessibility Veteran Jim Greatorex Announces Retirement from VGM
Greatorex has devoted more than 30 years to the home medical equipment industry.
Jim Greatorex, a veteran of the home medical equipment (HME) and accessibility industries who has been vice president of VGM & Associates’ Live at Home business since 2015, has announced his retirement. In a Jan. 30 announcement, VGM noted that Greatorex has more than 30 years of experience in HME and accessibility. “He has been…
Briefly: CMS Announces California Wildfire Flexibilities; First 2025 Abilities Expo Scheduled for March
Featuring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Abilities Expo.
CMS Announces Flexibilities in Response to California Wildfires The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced flexibilities in response to ongoing wildfires that began last week in Southern California. In a Jan. 10 news alert, CMS said state of California waivers are available for affected providers. Medicare beneficiaries who have lost their durable…
DOT Final Rule: Airlines Required to ‘Meet More Rigorous Standards’ for Passengers with Disabilities
Starting in January, airlines will have additional standards for handling wheelchairs and supporting passengers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new final rule that includes “new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel that will ensure that they can fly safely and with dignity.” A Dec. 16 DOT announcement from DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that the new, “more rigorous standards” applied “especially for…
Mobility Management Announces 2024 Mobility Product Award Winners
This year’s winners came from the pediatric, adult, power and manual wheelchair and seating segments.
Mobility Management has announced the winners of the publication’s 2024 Mobility Product Awards. Mobility Management Editor in Chief Laurie Watanabe said of this year’s entries, “Once again, Mobility Management is honored to recognize these companies for their extraordinary technology on behalf of people with disabilities. These award-winning seating, mobility, and accessibility equipment and services demonstrate…
Commentary: 3 Takeaways from the DOT’s $50 Million American Airlines Fine
Why this historic penalty could change the way airlines treat wheelchair riders and their equipment.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $50 million, saying in an October announcement that the carrier “failed to provide safe, dignified, and prompt wheelchair assistance and mishandled passengers’ wheelchairs.” This is hardly the first time airlines’ poor treatment of wheelchair riders and their equipment has made the news. But this particular DOT…