Truly managing pressure injury risk requires a wide-angle lens that takes in everything a wheelchair rider does — and everywhere that rider sits — all day long. “People think it was just that car ride over the weekend or sitting on a commode for too long that caused this pressure injury,” said Nicole LaBerge, PT,…
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pressure Injury Prevention
Chuck Witkowski to Become CEO of Permobil on July 1
Witkowski succeeds Bengt Thorsson, the manufacturer's CEO for the last seven years.
Chuck Witkowski, president of Permobil Americas, has been named the new CEO of Permobil effective July 1. Permobil’s board of directors chose Witkowski to succeed Bengt Thorsson, who has been CEO for the last seven years. Witkowski, the manufacturer said in a May 20 announcement, “has been leading Permobil’s operations and expansion in North America…
Seat Elevation: Why a Heavy-Duty Code Matters
Understanding the physics of seat elevation and how it compares to other seating functions.
It’s all about access, engineering … and physics. The spring 2024 coding and funding decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for power seat elevation was a textbook case of good news and bad news. The good news: CMS, citing how seat elevation can support and facilitate transfers and reaching tasks, affirmed…
Commentary: What Schoolhouse Rock’s ‘Bill’ Would Want You to Know About Policy
Bills S. 247 and H.R. 1703 to upgrade ultralightweight wheelchair frames are currently in the Senate and House.
I grew up watching Schoolhouse Rock! between Saturday-morning cartoons. While those short videos on grammar, math and American history were great for my education — the preamble song is why my entire civics class scored 100% on that quiz — one video had an outsized impact on my understanding of the legislative process. “I’m Just…
Defying Gravity: Wheelchair skills can enhance riders’ opportunities
Clinicians examine the abilities that can make environments more accessible for power and manual wheelchair riders.
Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) is defined by individualized configuration: Every seating and wheeled mobility system fits one person only. The owner of that system is also unique — not just in personal goals and function, but also in how well and how fully that person uses that device. For every rider who casually pops wheelies…
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…
Permobil Launches Ultralight TiLite X, Z Models
In the brand’s 25th year, Permobil debuts the TiLite X folding frame and TiLite Z rigid.
Permobil has launched two TiLite ultralightweight wheelchair models, both aluminum framed. In an Oct. 15 press release, Permobil said the folding-frame TiLite X and rigid-frame TiLite Z feature “best-in-class performance, over 1 billion possible configurations, and five-day lead times.” Permobil also launched the Permobil Store, a web-based system “that allows customers to configure, quote and…
Medtrade 2025 to Launch ‘CRT Live’ Showcase for Complex Rehab
The new feature was created to boost Complex Rehab Technology participation.
Medtrade is making changes to attract more Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) exhibitors to its February 2025 event in Dallas. In an Aug. 28 news announcement, Medtrade said it’s created a new feature — CRT Live — to focus on seating and wheeled mobility manufacturers. Among the CRT exhibitors committing to Medtrade’s next show is Rifton,…
Briefly: ‘Solutions for Every Body’ Microsite Debuts; Ki Mobility to No Longer Offer Permobil Seating Products
Featuring Permobil and Ki Mobility.
Permobil Debuts ‘Solutions for Every Body’ Microsite Permobil’s new “Solutions for Every Body” microsite turns the spotlight on the manufacturer’s seating and positioning solutions. This portion of Permobil’s website focuses on the ROHO and Comfort Company brands of wheelchair seat cushions and backrests. The microsite also provides education on cushion media (foam, air, hybrid designs)…
Permobil Updates SmartDrive Firmware, Software
The power-assist system update can be downloaded via the SmartDrive wearable app or PushTracker app.
Permobil has released a firmware/software update for its SmartDrive power-assist system for self-propelled manual wheelchairs. In a July 31 announcement, the manufacturer said the update “is now available for download via the PushTracker mobile app or the SmartDrive MX2+ wearable apps. “SmartDrive Firmware v3.3 introduces wire control detect and decreases the default power assist timeout.…