DIESTCO Manufacturing Corp., creator of cup holders, storage bags, canopies and other accessories for scooters, manual and power wheelchair, will remain open for business. After owner and president Dan Diestel passed away in October, the company initially announced it would be closing. But the company has since reversed course and will now stay open. DIESTCO…
Take 5: A Welcome Return, Differences Among Wheelchair Riders
CRT Veteran Matt Filippis Named to VGM Business Development Position
Filippis will work with members and vendor partners on new business opportunities.
Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) veteran Matt Filippis has become VGM & Associates’ new director of business development for clinical mobility and accessibility. Filippis, whose previous positions have included tenures at Wright & Filippis, National Seating & Mobility, and AdaptHealth, “will focus on executing the business development strategy to drive growth and profitability for the clinical…
Commentary: Location, Location, Location for MRADLs Is Crucial to Independence
On brushing teeth, the NCD and customary settings.
In my 30s, I had major surgery and was hospitalized for more than a week. Internal bleeding, multiple blood transfusions, the works. I was kept in bed the first two days. On the second day, a nurse brought me a dusty-rose-colored basin (you know the type), a cup of water, a toothbrush and toothpaste so…
Manual Wheelchair Skills Peer-Coaching Study Seeks Participants
The University of Pittsburgh project is being led by Principal Investigator Lynn Worobey.
A new research study using virtual coaching to teach manual wheelchair skills is seeking participants. The University of Pittsburgh project, led by Principal Investigator Lynn Worobey, Ph.D., DPT, ATP, will match peer coaches with participants who are at least 18 years old; have a non-progressive spinal cord injury; can speak and read English; reside in…
Proposed Rule Changes Surety Bond Amounts for RID Competitive Bidding Categories
Remote Item Delivery participants would need surety bonds of $100,000.
A new proposed rule would require a higher surety bond amount for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) who want to participate in the upcoming Remote Item Delivery (RID) portions of the Medicare competitive bidding program. The proposed rule — Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal…
Ability Drive Now Compatible with Smartbox Evo Eye-Gaze Camera
The Evo was designed to tackle real-world applications such as varying light conditions.
Tolt Technologies’ Ability Drive system, which enables eye-gaze power wheelchair operation, is now compatible with the Smartbox Grid Pad Evo eye-gaze camera. “This integration enables Grid Pad EVO users to independently drive and adjust seating on their power wheelchair using only their eye movements, combining Smartbox’s latest intelligent eye tracking technology with Tolt Technologies’ patented…
2026 Future Leaders Awards: Final Entry Deadline Approaching
Submit your nominations no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026 by 11:59pm CDT.
The final entry deadline for the 2026 Future Leaders Awards program is almost here. Submit your nominations no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026 by 11:59pm CDT. The Future Leaders Awards program shines a well-deserved spotlight on the providers and vendors who are transforming the future of the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry. A Future…
Take 5 Coffee Break: Improved Accessibility, Funding Needs in the Spotlight
Advocating for Greater Accessibility This coffee break submission comes from Danette Kashawlic, digital marketing associate for Sunrise Medical. “David Daw is an ambassador advocate for MDA [Muscular Dystrophy Association],” Kashawlic said. “He is committed to improving accessibility in everyday environments. Through advocacy and honest storytelling, he highlights the real barriers wheelchair users face while encouraging…
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…
Mobility Management Parent Company WTWH Acquires HealthLeaders
Mobility Management’s parent company, WTWH Media, has acquired HealthLeaders, a media and events platform serving hospital and health system executives – a move that expands the company’s health care portfolio and strengthens its ability to connect decision-makers across an increasingly interconnected care continuum. The combination with HealthLeaders’ executive community and flagship Exchange events will deepen…