Airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and their wheelchairs or scooters must now receive annual hands-on training. The final rule was announced Dec. 16, 2024, by Pete Buttigieg, who at that time was secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The training requirement in the “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air…
DOT: Education Now Mandatory for Airline Employees Handling Wheelchairs, People with Disabilities
Take 5 Coffee Break: The Adaptive Automotive Edition
A closer look at Kia’s new wheelchair-accessible PV5; celebrating National Mobility Awareness Month.
If you saw this week’s story on Kia’s new PV5 wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) — aimed at rideshare and taxi applications, among others — check out @mikethecargeek’s 3-minute video tour at the New York Auto Show. PV5 WAV features include a laser indicator to guide wheelchair riders inside, a wheelchair securement system, and an occupant restraint…
Kia Unveils Wheelchair-Accessible PV5 at New York Auto Show
The new electric vehicle, a collaboration with BraunAbility, could be used for rideshare and taxi applications.
Kia Corporation is partnering with BraunAbility to develop the PV5 WAV, a wheelchair-accessible version of the automaker’s electric PV5 vehicle created to transport both people and cargo. The PV5 WAV was on display at April’s New York International Auto Show in Manhattan. An announcement from Kia described the PV5 WAV as a concept model compliant…
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…
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…