Briefly...

• By Laurie Watanabe
• May 30, 2023

Congress Recognizes Mobility Awareness Month

National Mobility Awareness Month (May) has been officially recognized by Congress.

In its May 25 edition, the NMEDA Short Circuit newsletter said, “NMEDA’s (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) annual celebration of accessible transportation solutions was acknowledged on the House floor by Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), and his remarks were subsequently published in the May 17 edition of the Federal Register.”

Check out #NationalMobilityAwarenessMonth on social media for a peek at how the industry celebrated.

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Q’STRAINT ONE Boasts Updates for 2023

Q’STRAINT has announced 2023 updates to its Q’STRAINT ONE system, which replaces the many parts and obstacles of traditional four-point securement with a simplified, single-platform station.

This all-in-one securement platform’s updates include improved visual design language and prominent yellow markers to make securement procedures crystal clear. All-new rubberized hooks and buckles and a rugged surface texture provide maximum durability. The securement process can be completed more quickly, with even difficult-to secure chairs fully secured in less than a minute, so wheelchair users and drivers can get going faster than ever.

And if you’d like to slow down and take a little break from your workday, test your skills on the Q’STRAINT virtual SeQurement pinball machine (complete with Liability Monster!). Warning: It’s addictive! 

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Auto Mobility Expo Scheduled for September

As a reminder, the 2023 Auto Mobility Expo takes place in Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 30-Oct. 2. The expo features the conferences for both the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) and the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED), co-located at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown hotel.

The expo will feature educational sessions, an exhibit hall, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Attendees can purchase full-event registration or a single-day pass. ADED members who want to receive contact hours credit must register via the ADED Web site.

 

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Review: VMI Shows How Wheelchair-Accessible Vans Are Made

Vantage Mobility International’s (VMI) new video on how wheelchair-accessible vehicles are created is a six-minute film that entertains and enlightens… and will likely leave you highly impressed by the conversion process, even if you’re an industry pro.

The video takes viewers right onto the factory floor and is divided into nine parts: (1) Disassembly, (2) Drivetrain, (3) Floor Removal & New Floor, (4) Powertrain & Undercoat, (5) Paint, (6) Electrical, (7) Assembly, (8) Quality & Touch-Up, and (9) Alignment & Finishing. Viewers get to watch each step of the process as VMI team members work.

The fast-paced film provides a great entry point for consumers and families who are new to the accessible vehicle industry, while also providing a comprehensive enough view to be educational even to mobility dealers, clinicians, and other allied professionals in the accessible vehicle field.