The Abilities International Accessibility Conference — a professional conference by Raccoon Media, owner of the consumer-focused Abilities Expo — made its debut at the Long Beach Convention Center, March 26–27 (with the Southern California Abilities Expo co-located over the weekend, March 27–29). The general setup: The conference featured several different tracks, though attendees were free…
Commentary: My Takeaways from the Premiere Abilities International Accessibility Conference
Paul Banz Joins Kalogon Sales Team
The CRT industry veteran will oversee international growth for the seating manufacturer.
Industry veteran Paul Banz has joined seating manufacturer Kalogon as vice president of sales. “The hire comes on the heels of the company’s recent opening of a new 20,000 square-foot production facility and supports Kalogon’s aggressive growth strategy in both domestic and international markets,” the seating company said in a March 23 news announcement. Banz…
Commentary: 4 Takeaways from the DME MAC PMD/Seat Elevation LCDs Meeting
Individual consideration, prior authorization and other key talking points from the March 25 virtual event.
If our same-day coverage of the March 25 DME MAC-hosted local coverage determinations (LCDs) meeting for power mobility devices and seat elevation was TL;DR — here are the highlights, as well as our take on their potential impact. — It’s all about preserving individual consideration and access. The DME MACs — Noridian Healthcare Solutions (Jurisdictions…
DME MAC Meeting: Industry Advocates for Individual Consideration of Seat Elevation on Group 2 Power Wheelchairs
The March 25 meeting included remarks from the ITEM Coalition and NCART.
Two industry speakers shared policy history, clinical evidence and personal experiences in making a passionate case for preserving seat elevation access at the March 25 DME MAC meeting on local coverage determinations (LCDs) for power mobility devices (PMD) and wheelchair options and accessories. The public meeting was cohosted by DME MACs Noridian Healthcare Solutions (Jurisdictions…
Merits Partnership with Motivation Restarts Global Wheelchair Production, Distribution
Motivation supports wheelchair provision and training in areas with limited access to mobility devices.
Merits Health Products has partnered with Motivation to restart the production and global distribution of the Motivation wheelchair line, “restoring access to mobility solutions relied upon by rehabilitation providers, humanitarian organizations, and adaptive sports programs around the world,” the manufacturer said in a March 16 press release. “For more than three decades, Motivation Charitable Trust…
Mobility Management Take 5: Play Ball!
Jason Benetti, creator of the “Awkward Moments” series with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, will call MLB Sunday night games.
With Major League Baseball’s (MLB) opening day set for March 25, this week’s Take 5 highlights Jason Benetti, lauded broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers who will also call the play by play for Sunday primetime games on NBC and its Peacock streaming service. Benetti, who has cerebral palsy, worked with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to…
Sunrise Medical Launches JAY LitePro Seat Cushion for Active Self-Propellers
The adjustable skin protection cushion has a profile of less than 2 inches.
Sunrise Medical has introduced the JAY LitePro for highly active, self-propelling wheelchair riders. The manufacturer described the new adjustable skin protection cushion as “one of the lightest and lowest profile” on the market. “Designed specifically for highly active self-propellers, the JAY LitePro delivers adjustable pressure management, enhanced breathability and exceptional stability — all in an…
Briefly: Getting Ready for the March 25 LCDs Meeting
The DME MACs’ meeting will cover power mobility devices and options/accessories, including seat elevation.
Noridian Healthcare Solutions (Jurisdictions A and D DME MAC) and CGS Administrators (Jurisdictions B and C DME MAC) are hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, March 25, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss proposed local coverage determinations (LCDs) for power mobility devices — specifically, Group 2 power wheelchairs (HCPCS coded K0830/K0831) with…
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…
Permobil Launches TiLite TR, ZR Titanium Ultralight Wheelchairs
The new models are available in fixed-frame and adjustable configurations.
Permobil has introduced its latest additions to its TiLite family of ultralightweight titanium wheelchairs. In a March 16 news announcement, Permobil debuted the TiLite TR (dual-tube) and TiLite ZR (monotube) chairs, calling them “a purposeful evolution” with updated designs that “bring refined aesthetics, lighter components and enhanced adjustability — elevating performance, simplifying daily use, and…