Mobility

MINNEAPOLIS – Reliable Medical has staked a claim in California with its acquisition of Hometown Medical Supplies, a San Jose-based provider of primarily mobility equipment.  Right out of the gate, Reliable Medical will add three ATPs to Hometown Medical’s four ATPs, expanding the company’s ability to serve complex rehab patients from locations in San Jose, Los Angeles, Visalia and Stockton.  “There’s a strong demand in this market,” said Katie...

WASHINGTON – Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Rep. Jim Langevin, R-R.I., each had calls with CMS officials this month to stress the need for the agency to take the next step in reconsidering the national coverage determination for mobility assistive equipment to include seat elevation and standing systems.  Last fall, Duckworth and Langevin orchestrated letters in the Senate and House, respectively, asking CMS to seek public comment on the ITEM Coalition’s request to reconsider...

EAST AMHERST, N.Y. – When Don Clayback steps down from NCART later this year, his parting wish for the organization is increased support – from providers, clinicians, manufacturers and consumers.  “We need to figure out how to double the core that we’ve created,” said Clayback, who will leave his executive director post on Sept. 30 after 13 years. “Our messaging is good – we have a good story to tell – but we need more voices and more financial...

ATLANTA – SageHome, a home modifications and aging-in-place provider, has partnered with strategic advisors Cairngorm Capital Partners to make its first acquisition: New Bath Today, an Indianapolis-based bathroom renovation specialist.  New Bath Today, which focuses on the wet area of a bathroom, a key risk area in the home for aging seniors, serves six states across the Midwest.  “We have big plans and our partnership with the team at Cairngorm Capital will allow us to...

LUBBOCK, Texas – NRRTS has been holding steady at about 1,000 registrants for the last few years—no more, no less—which is why the organization is launching a new committee to develop strategies to increase its ranks.  “We thought we needed to take a different look at how we actually presented ourselves to the ATP community, the manufacturer community and the therapist community, and really put together some good talking points about who we are, what we do and what...

WATERLOO, Iowa – U.S. Rehab’s new course offering on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) fills an education gap for complex rehab companies, says Tyler Mahncke. In particular, it fills a gap for companies with employees prepping for RESNA’s ATP certification, he says.  “We kept hearing from members, ‘We have a tech going through the process, and we understand the exam is more involved in AAC than in the past or that portion is more difficult,...

HARTFORD, Conn. – Lifeway Mobility has acquired Accessible Systems, Inc., expanding its presence in the Rocky Mountain and Southwest regions.  ASI, a full-service dealer of stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, residential elevators, ramps, step-in tubs and overhead lifts, was co-founded more than 22 years ago by John Bixenman, Marty Twaddell and Nathan Colburn.   “We are proud of the reputation we have earned in our mission to serve families who want to stay in their own home...

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA’s upcoming virtual annual conference will focus on emerging technologies, particularly in transportation, and will feature a keynote speech by Kevin Malta, a product manager at Waymo, an autonomous driving technology development company.  Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, operates a commercial self-driving taxi service in the greater Phoenix area called Waymo One.  “He’s an engineer and he’s in...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Regina Evans and Rachael Crocker believe a new resource group at National Seating & Mobility can help women embrace and elevate their more balanced approach to the business and workplace.  Evans, director of HR for the central region, and Crocker, director of marketing, give a rundown on the Women’s Resource Group, which currently focuses on women in leadership positions but will eventually be open to all women at the company.  HME News: What’s...

KEW GARDENS, N.Y. – Vincent Piscopo kicked off the United Spinal Association’s 2022 campaign message, “Strong Wheeled Together,” in a recent address on YouTube.  The campaign will focus on three things: Increasing connection around fitness and athletics and mental health and wellness; and building a platform for achievements.   “United Spinal is excited to reconnect the tenacity and resilience that makes our community strong,” said Piscopo, president...