United Airlines Testing Permobil Cushion at Houston Intercontinental
United Airlines is testing a Permobil wheelchair seat cushion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, its hub in Houston.
In a March 28 press release, United detailed several ways it’s attempting to improve travel experiences for people who use wheelchairs, including those whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit or are not promptly returned.
“United is currently testing specialized, adjustable Permobil cushions for loaner wheelchairs at its Houston hub that better match the customer’s needs and improve comfort and stability,” the press release said. “The airline is also reimbursing customers for transportation expenses should they choose to wait at a location other than the airport.”
A Permobil spokesperson said United Airlines chose a Vicair cushion for the pilot program.
“I am immensely proud that United Airlines has chosen Permobil to support this significant initiative, recognizing our leadership in providing cushions with advanced skin protection properties,” said Chuck Witkowski, president of Permobil Americas. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the comfort, safety, and well-being of end users, whether in the air or on the ground.”
OT Becomes First Woman Named to USAWR 2024 Paralympic Team
This year’s USA Wheelchair Rugby (USAWR) Paralympic team includes, for the first time, a female player.
In an April 30 news announcement, USAWR named the 12-athlete team that will compete in this summer’s Paralympic Games in Paris.
The roster includes Sarah Adam, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS, an assistant professor at Saint Louis (Missouri) University who began playing wheelchair rugby in 2019.
The team is co-captained by Chuck Aoki (Minneapolis), the first four-time U.S. Paralympian in wheelchair rugby, and Eric Newby (Godfrey, Illinois). At 17, Zion Redington (Birmingham, Alabama) became the youngest player to make a U.S. Paralympic wheelchair rugby team.
Also making the roster were Clayton Brackett (Birmingham, Alabama); Jeff Butler (Fort Wayne, Indiana/San Francisco); Lee Fredette (East Moriches, New York/Tucson, Arizona); Brad Hudspeth (Stilwell, Kansas); Chuck Melton (Richview, Illinois); Josh O’Neill (Colorado Springs, Colorado); Mason Symons (Hershey, Pennsylvania); and Josh Wheeler (Tucson, Arizona).
The wheelchair rugby competition begins Aug. 29. Great Britain won the wheelchair rugby gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The American team won silver, and the hosting Japanese team won bronze.
