2024 Paralympics Get Underway The summer Paralympic Games are underway in Paris, where hundreds of elite athletes with disabilities will compete in 22 sports. Access Mobility Management’s Paralympics primer for information on how to view the Games and when your favorite sports will be contested. Competition continues through Sept. 8. Dax the Robot Looks for…
Briefly: Paralympians in Paris; AI Robot on Sidewalk Patrol
Briefly: Colin Farrell Launches a Foundation; CP Foundation Updates Research Study Opportunities
Featuring the Colin Farrell Foundation and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Actor Colin Farrell Launches Foundation to Support Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Irish actor Colin Farrell has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, “committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy and innovative programs.” In an Aug. 7 announcement, the Oscar-nominated actor launched his foundation’s website, which noted…
Commentary: All Attention on the Paris Paralympics
Murderball! Wheelchair fencing! Get ready to cheer on your favorite elite athletes.
With the Paris Olympics officially in the record books as of Aug. 11, it’s time to gear up for the Paris Paralympics. Popcorn? Check. Favorite fizzy beverages? Check. Viewing guide? Sports rosters? Understanding the athlete classification system? Read on for what you need to know about the Paralympic Games, Aug. 28-Sept. 8. A Paralympics primer…
AAHomecare Survey Reports HME Access Under Serious Threat
Home medical equipment suppliers described curtailing the services and products they provide following January’s funding cuts.
The results of an American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) survey starkly shows the “devastating impacts” Medicare funding cuts have had on home medical equipment (HME) suppliers. In an Aug. 6 press release, AAHomecare noted “the profound impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts for home medical equipment suppliers that took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. “The survey,…
Briefly: Fall Management, Fire Preparedness Studies Announced; American Airlines Debuts Mobility Device Tagging System
Featuring the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and American Airlines.
Participants Sought for Fire Preparedness, Fall Management Studies of Wheelchair Riders The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking wheelchair riders, age 18 or older, to participate in a pair of research studies. The first study — funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research —involves the university’s development of “a wearable…
Airbnb Partners with United Spinal for Entrepreneurship Academy Webinar
Webinar will focus on hosting wheelchair-accessible homes.
Airbnb has partnered with United Spinal Association on an Entrepreneurship Academy webinar on hosting accessible homes. “Turn your space into a source of income and help make travel more accessible to travelers who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices,” Airbnb said in describing the webinar. “Join our free Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, in partnership with United…
Briefly: United Airlines Debuts a Cushion Program; OT Becomes First Woman to Qualify for USAWR Team
Featuring United Airlines, Permobil, and USA Wheelchair Rugby.
United Airlines Testing Permobil Cushion at Houston Intercontinental United Airlines is testing a Permobil wheelchair seat cushion at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, its hub in Houston. In a March 28 press release, United detailed several ways it’s attempting to improve travel experiences for people who use wheelchairs, including those whose wheelchairs are damaged during transit…
Numotion, United Spinal Collaborate with United Airlines on Wheelchair Fit Tool
Wheelchair riders can check a flight’s ability to accommodate their mobility devices.
A new tool on the United Airlines app that helps wheelchair riders to find flights that best fit their mobility devices is the result of a collaboration among the airlines, Numotion and United Spinal Association. “United Airlines has launched a new digital tool on its app and united.com that makes it easier for customers who…
Editor’s Note: Abilities Expo Kicks Off in Los Angeles
The consumer show series has plenty to offer professionals, as well.
The Los Angeles Abilities Expo — the series’ first stop of 2024 — provided the perfect start to my Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) event year. Yes, the Abilities Expo is a consumer-focused show series. But even as an event that focuses on families, the Abilities Expo’s Los Angeles stop had plenty to offer CRT professionals,…
Canadian Government to Launch National Air Accessibility Summit in May
Wheelchair riders have been vocal about airlines severely damaging their wheelchairs and seating.
Canada’s federal government plans to host its first National Air Accessibility Summit in May in Ottawa. A March 18 news announcement said the summit will be cohosted by Pablo Rodriguez, the Canadian Minister of Transport, and Kamal Khera, the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. “The government of Canada continues to work towards…