Transportation can be a complex and common concern for wheelchair riders, their families and caregivers. While power wheelchair transportation tends to make headlines in the Complex Rehab Technology world, transportation over longer distances is also challenging for manual wheelchair riders, particularly those who don’t use power-assist systems. Ferla Family Bikes has a long and wide-ranging…
In It for the Long Haul: Ferla Tackles Extended-Distance Wheelchair Mobility
Advocacy Organizations Decry DOJ Notice Calling Olmstead Decision ‘Not Enforceable’
The 1999 Supreme Court ruling is the foundation of providing healthcare at home to people with disabilities.
Organizations that support people living with disabilities are denouncing a Department of Justice (DOJ) notice that called the landmark Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision “unenforceable” — while also expressing concern over an erosion of inclusion-related rights. The DOJ published the notice in the Federal Register on July 20, saying it “is issuing this document…
Take 5 Coffee Break, the LEGO Edition
New Mobility’s LEGO master; building a working prosthetic arm.
Abilities Expo 2026: Long Beach in Pictures
The first event of the consumer show series drew big crowds in Southern California.
Long Beach, California, was a gorgeous setting for the first Abilities Expo of the year, co-located with the inaugural Abilities International Accessibility Conference for seating and wheeled mobility professionals. The consumer-focused Abilities Expo was its usual blend of camaraderie, canines, resources and technology. Event Director Katy Roberts told conference attendees that more than 11,000 attendees…
Manual Wheelchair Skills Courses Now Available for Clients, Caregivers, Professionals
The free courses focus on teaching skills to maximize independence in a range of scenarios.
Moving efficiently through a less-than-accessible world requires more than just an optimally fit wheelchair. Wheelchair riders also need the skills to use their mobility devices in a number of situations, from curbs to ramps, small spaces and thresholds. The latest series added to the Wheelchair Skills Program is a free-to-learn collection of self-directed, web-based manual…
Accessibility Advocates: WestJet Power Wheelchair Weight Limit Excludes CRT Consumers
The Canadian-based airline has a 300-lb. weight limit for power chairs it transports.
Accessibility advocates say Calgary, Alberta-based airline WestJet has published weight limits that prevent many Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) wheelchair riders from bringing their Group 3 power chairs with them when they fly. WestJet’s website says wheelchairs and scooters that weigh more than 300 lbs. (approximately 136 kg) are not allowed on its Boeing 737 or…
Briefly: CMS Announces Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible; New Mobility Seeks a Print Return
Featuring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and United Spinal Association.
CMS Announces Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible Increases for 2026 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $202.90 in 2026. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $283. That’s an increase of $17.90 for the monthly…
Cure SMA Equipment Grant Program Offers Travel Power Chairs
Recipients will keep the power chairs permanently.
Cure SMA has launched an equipment grant program to provide Fold & Go travel power chairs to children and adults living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the United States or Puerto Rico. Recipients of the travel chairs will own the equipment outright. Less than 12 hours after launching the program on Oct. 8, Cure…
Briefly: Southwest Changes Wheelchair Rules; Biotechnology Company Wins $5M Parkinson’s Grant
Featuring Southwest Airlines, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Lys Therapeutics.
Southwest Changes Wheelchair Battery, Size Policies Southwest Airlines has changed its policies for transporting wheelchairs and mobility devices, with new rules going into effect Sept. 25, 2025. Starting on that date, “wheelchairs and devices with a height that exceeds 34 inches (86.36 cm) or a width or depth that exceeds 45 inches (114.2 cm) will…
Briefly: Numotion Ally Podcast Debuts; ReWalk 7 Ready to Sell in Europe
Featuring Numotion Ally and Lifeward Ltd.
Numotion Ally Podcast Launches for Catheter Users The first episode of the Numotion Ally podcast for the provider’s catheter customers is live. Episode 1’s topic — “Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask” — covered topics from “bathroom fails to TSA [Transportation Security Administration] stories to the worst catheter advice ever.” (Hint: Always wash your hands,…