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…
Accessibility Advocates: WestJet Power Wheelchair Weight Limit Excludes CRT Consumers
Raz Design Adds Travel Kit, Upholstery Options for Raze Line
The Raze functions as a raised toilet set, transfer tub seat, and shower bench.
Raz Design has added a travel kit and a tension-adjustable upholstery option to its Raze lineup. The Raze system functions as a raised toilet seat, a transfer tub seat, and a shower bench. It features a compact aluminum frame and multi-position, rotating legs to provide optimal stability in multiple configurations. The new Raze travel kit…
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center Joins United Spinal as New Chapter
The association’s latest addition has campuses in Maine.
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC), based in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, has become United Spinal Association’s latest chapter. In a Nov. 14 announcement, United Spinal said, “There are few things as empowering as learning how to navigate the outdoors as a wheelchair user. After you’ve figured out how to slide down a snowy mountain, traverse a…
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…
Department of Justice Sues Uber for Discriminating Against Wheelchair Riders
The lawsuit alleges that Uber drivers refused to provide rides to passengers with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued Uber Technologies for discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or service animals. The DOJ announced on Sept. 11 that it was suing the ride-hailing company “under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including blind…
Airchair II Transport Chair Launches for US Airline Use
The new wheelchair conforms to Department of Transportation requirements.
A new folding-frame transport wheelchair is now available for use on airplanes in the United States. The Airchair II, launched in mid August, is constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy and features antimicrobial powder coating on the frame. It has a 550-lb. (250-kg) weight capacity while weighing just 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) itself. The wheelchair’s rear…
Briefly: NAIPC Adds Board Member; New Conference for CRT Professionals Launches Website
Featuring the National Aging in Place Council, Live at Home, and the Abilities International Accessibility Conference.
Cindi Petito Joins National Aging in Place Council Cindi Petito, OTR/L, MBA, ATP, CAPS, CEAC, is the newest member of the board of directors for the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC). “I look forward to working with this exceptional team to enhance our outreach and impact, ensuring that more individuals have access to the…
Briefly: Researchers Find a Cause for Familial ALS; ADA’s 35th Anniversary Upcoming
Featuring Okayama University and the ADA National Network.
Researchers: Gene that Maintains Protein Quality Linked to Familial ALS Japanese researchers based at Okayama University have discovered a cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the Asahi Shimbun newspaper has reported. In the July 1 story, Associate Professor Toru Yamashita and Professor Hiroyuki Ishiura from Okayama University’s medical school said that when a gene…
BraunAbility, Q’STRAINT Make Forbes’ First Accessibility 100 List
The list honored individuals and companies in a range of fields, including communication, software, and sports and recreation.
Forbes has announced its first-ever Accessibility 100 list, “which highlights the top innovators and impact-makers in the field of accessibility for people with disabilities,” the publication said. “Some, like Apple and Google, make ubiquitous devices that introduce new and vital accessibility features year after year,” Forbes said in unveiling the list. “Others are less visible…
RESNA Calls for Comments on WC19 Position Paper
Comments will be accepted until July 21 on the paper discussing wheelchairs used as seating in motor vehicles.
The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) is seeking comments on a new paper: Position on WC19 Wheelchairs Designed and Tested for Use as Seats in Motor Vehicles. In the June 20 announcement, RESNA said it would accept public comments until July 21. The organization has also provided a comments template,…