In demand: Seats in ATS prep courses

LUBBOCK, Texas - An ATS training program slated to begin in July has a waiting list 50-people long, according to organizer The MED Group. Fifty people have already signed up for the program; MED had to expand a similar program offered in February from 30 to 50 people. "We do commit that every member of The MED Group needing this guided training have the opportunity before April to do so," said Dr. Gary Schwantz in a March 12 release. "These large numbers are a nice problem to have." MED members are scurrying to become certified to meet an April 2008 deadline requiring that ATSs provide certain power wheelchairs. Coming soon: Mr. Wheelchair America IOWA CITY, Iowa - A nonprofit that works to raise awareness on disability issues plans to host the first-ever Mr. Wheelchair America contest this summer. Dreams Incorporated seeks men between 21 years old and 60 years old who use wheelchairs for 100% of their daily mobility to compete in the contest. Judges will evaluate contestants on their achievements and accomplishments--not beauty. The winner of the contest will serve as Dream Incorporated's spokesman and travel across the country to raise awareness about people in wheelchairs. Two men cycle for wheelchair cause IRVINE, Calif. - Don Schoendorfer and Dr. Mike Bayer, the co-founders of Free Wheelchair Mission, planned to embark April 20 on a 3,000-mile cross-country cycling trek to raise money to provide 15,000 wheelchairs to the physically disabled poor in developing countries. The pair planned to kick off their "Ride for Mobility" in Pleasantville, N.Y., the headquarters of Reader's Digest, a sponsor of the trek. Short takes On Sept. 30 in Orlando, Fla., prior to Medtrade, the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology will hold a review course for practitioners and suppliers who wish to prepare for the RESNA ATP and ATS exams. UPitt plans several other dates and locations throughout the year. Visit www.rstce.pitt.edu...The Electronic Retailing Association donated nearly $450,000 in marketing services to the Wheelchair Foundation on March 1. Its goal: to help boost the foundation's efforts to provide wheelchairs to the physically disabled poor in developing countries. On behalf of the foundation, ERA will provide a public service announcement, a radio and print campaign, telemarketing services and media placement for free.