Archive for September 2022
Leading Your Best Life
Anam Cara By Chris Slavin When Earle, a handsome male yellow Labrador retriever from NEADS: World Class Service Dogs, and I were matched almost seven years ago, I knew I was getting a dog that was going to increase my independence in a world that is not always easy to negotiate with a physical disability.…
Read MoreVictoria VanValkenburgh
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT NSM ACCESS SALES REP, NEW YORK As a volunteer firefighter and NSM Access Consultant, Victoria VanValkenburgh doesn’t expect her two jobs to intersect. But this past spring, VanValkenburgh found herself using her training as a firefighter to save the life of an NSM client. Last April, VanValkenburgh was on her way to a…
Read MoreExplore Your World
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP By Kerri Knudson Traveling is my favorite thing to do! Long trips,short trips—it really doesn’t matter. I want toexperience the magic of our world and see all thatit has to offer. I typically try to plan at least two bigtrips a year, even if I don’t always go somewhere…
Read MoreDriving Innovation
Innovative technology and creative approaches are driving equipment design in the world of complex rehabilitation technology. In the complex rehabilitation technology industry, creativity and innovation are vital. Because each CRT solution is highly customized, finding the right fit for each CRT user requires a creative approach and an innovative spirit. New advances in the industry—…
Read MoreEmpathy + Equality = Accessibility
Accesibility is rightfully focused on providing access to society– But it’s also much more than that. By Steven Aquino Accessibility has so much more breadth and depth. And it isn’t merely for disabled people. When most people think of accessibility, the images likely to be conjured up in their minds are people in wheelchairs or…
Read MoreRight-to-Repair
What it Means for You By Alaina Leary Right-to-repair legislation is being considered in states across the country, aimed at allowing people to repair everything from electronics to tractors themselves without fear of voiding the warranty. Legislation recently passed in Colorado has extended the right-to-repair to include mobility equipment such as wheelchairs. “Recently, we spoke…
Read MoreA Better Customer Experience
THE NSM CONSUMER INSIGHTS COUNCIL IS HELPING NSM DRIVE INNOVATION WHILE CREATING A BETTER CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE For Kaity Ellis, joining the National Seating & Mobility Consumer Insights Council was an important decision. “I hope what comes out of the council is society sees the people, not just the product,” Ellis says. “Everyone has a different…
Read MoreMake Way for the Mighty Pens
How the University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center support adaptive sports. BY Mandy Crow When John Fitzgerald gets on the ice to play hockey, he feels unstoppable. “When I’m on the ice, I don’t think I have a disability at all,” says Fitzgerald, a member of the Mighty Pens sled hockey team…
Read MoreSocial Sensations
How disability advocates are changing the narrative on social media By Gabe Trujillo Vacation selfies, tortilla challenges and pink sauce. No, it’s not the beginning of a bad joke, it’s a list of just a few of the many things you can find on social media. But beyond all of the viral trends and media,…
Read MoreIn Short Supply
In today’s world, every day brings news of a new shortage or production delay. We’ve scoured the shelves for everything from baby formula to toilet paper and watched as manufacturing and shipping delays have stymied the car industry. The complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) industry hasn’t escaped these challenges. The CRT supply chain is a complicated,…
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