Personal Mobility

Just two years after being involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident, Michelle Salt was back on her snowboard, becoming the first Canadian woman to compete in her sport in the 2014 Paralympics.

Recently, Salt traveled across the country in a wheelchair accessible RV, documenting accessible travel destinations for people with disabilities. Ready to take an accessible road trip? Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to get on the road to accessible travel.

The Indomitable Spirit of Paralympian Michelle Salt | BraunAbility What makes a Paralympian? Today, Michelle Salt is a two-time Paralympic Snowboarder, a TEDx speaker, and a devoted accessibility advocate. But that's not where she started.

Looking to brush up on your disability etiquette? The United Spinal Association has put together a guide for you! A great tool to learn the basic do's and don'ts of disability etiquette, this guide can help you foster respectful interactions with people with disabilities. You can download the Disability Etiquette Guide here: https://unitedspinal.org/disability-etiquette/

You can learn more helpful disability etiquette tips here: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/blog/disability-rights/disability-etiquette.html

Disability Etiquette Educators, employers, & community leaders can build understanding with this Disability Etiquette Guide for creating inclusive environments.

In recognition of Black History Month, we'd like to introduce you to three Black disability activists- each of whom have unique lived experiences exemplifying the diversity within the disabled community.

1. Brad Lomax - Brad Lomax was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during his freshman year of college. He got involved with the D.C. chapter of the Black Panther party and in 1977, he was among the activists who assisted disabled activists during the 504 sit-ins, ensuring clothed, fed, and provided adequate shelter during times of protest.
2. Fannie Lou Hammer- Hamer had polio as a child. Her lived experiences as a Black disabled woman led her to fight for voting rights in her adult life. Throughout her life she helped ensure the right to vote for thousands of people across Mississippi and beyond.
3. Johnnie Lacy- Diagnosed with polio, Lacy used a wheelchair for most of her life. Her experience facing accessibility barriers fueled her passion for advocacy. She helped found the Berkeley Center for Independent Living in 1981- an organization that has continued to provide people with disabilities the resources they need to live independent lives.

You can learn more about diversity and inclusion of disabled people here: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/community/the-driving-force/disability-inclusion-in-the-workforce.html

Our partner, BraunAbility had the honor of hosting Officer Dustin Moody and Conquer Paralysis Now CEO Chad Towner at its manufacturing headquarters. Officer Moody was paralyzed in an on-duty crash while in pursuit of a drunk driver outside of Trafalgar, Indiana. Today, Officer Moody Drives a BraunAbility Toyota Sienna wheelchair van. Want to test drive a BraunAbility Toyota Sienna? Contact us today at: (217) 241-1548 to get behind the wheel.

Wondering what to expect when you visit your local mobility dealership? Our mobility specialists take time to learn all about your wants and needs, as well as your budget to help you get behind the wheel in an accessible vehicle. Want to learn more about what you can expect? Find common questions, and a dealership checklist here, so you can get on the road to mobility independence: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/help-me-buy/dealership-checklist.html

Ready to unlock the door to accessibility? Follow these ten tips to make your home more wheelchair accessible: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/blog/accessible-living/handicap-accessible-home.html

You can unlock the door to a wheelchair accessible vehicle too. Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to get behind the wheel in a handicap accessible vehicle to fit your needs and your lifestyle.

10 Ways to Make a Handicap Accessible Home | BraunAbility Do you need to make your home more handicap-friendly for yourself or a loved one? Here are 10 ways to make a handicap accessible home.

Ever wondered how a quadriplegic drives? Our friends Cole and Charisma showed us how their BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with adaptive controls so Cole can drive from his wheelchair. Check out their ride here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDvgjJPWkMg

Ready to get behind the wheel? Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to test drive a BraunAbility Traverse today.

How I Drive from My Wheelchair! | Chevrolet + BraunAbility I was completely surprised by how much I love the new wheelchair accessible 2023 Chevrolet Traverse! A big thank you to Chevy and BraunAbility for letting me...

As winter officially sets in, it's a good time to think about being anywhere else...like this Carnival Cruise Line that was recently installed with a wheelchair lift to help passengers who need assistance to safely reach the ship's amphitheater and atrium! Looking to get away from the cold temperatures? Contact us today at:(217) 241-1548 to learn more about renting a wheelchair van for your next adventure.

Did you know Zappos- an online clothing retailer- has a single shoe service? Ideal for amputees and people who wear leg braces, this service allows people with disabilities to order one shoe, or two different sized shoes, rather than having purchase shoes that otherwise would not be worn. You can learn more about the single shoe service here: https://www.zappos.com/e/adaptive/singleshoes-community

Looking for more ways to increase accessibility in your daily life? Contact us today at: (217) 241-1548 to learn more about resources for people with disabilities.

Meet Austin Reininger. Your typical second grade student, Reininger is a fan of Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and in his case, the BraunAbility Toyota Sienna Hybrid he takes to and from school every day. Ready to get behind the wheel? Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to test drive a Toyota Sienna today.

The inventor of the wheelchair accessible vehilce, Ralph Braun left a lasting legacy, changing lives for millions of people with disabilities. Did you know there's two books about him? This childrens book, and his autobiography, Rise Above, both of which examine Ralph's life, the invention of the accessible vehicle, and the founding of BraunAbility. Which book will you be adding to your collection?

Meet Shari and Doug MacGregor. Shari, an amputee of 65 years, has owned and driven nine BraunAbility wheelchair accessible vehicles. The pair recently picked up their latest vehicle - a BraunAbility Honda Odyssey from the company's headquarters in Winamac, Indiana. Interested in a Honda Odyssey? Call us at: (217) 241-1548 to test drive a vehicle today.

If a wheelchair accessible vehicle or a mobility product is on your resolution list, we've got you covered. Cruise into the new year with style and accessibility by checking out a range of mobility products from our partner, BraunAbility.

Mobility Solutions | Leader in Mobility | BraunAbility BraunAbility is the leading manufacturer of mobility solutions: including, accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts, and other adaptive vehicle equipment.

Don't let colder temperatures put a freeze on your mobility. Preserve your vehicle by proactively maintaining it!

- Be sure to schedule routine check-ups with your local mobility dealer and don't neglect winter vehicle maintenance tips.
- Keep your vehicle running smoothly by removing snow, ice, and salt.
- Don't forget to monitor your tire pressure too.

Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to schedule a routine maintenance check-up today!

It's officially the winter season, which, for those driving a wheelchair accessible vehicle, can lead to some slippery situations on the road. Call us today at: (217) 241-1548 to learn more about winterizing your vehicle, and follow these tips to keep your vehicle in good working condition throughout the winter months: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/blog/service-and-maintenance/quick-tips-to-winterize-an-accessible-vehicle.html

Throwing a holiday party soon? Planning a disability-inclusive celebration may sound challenging, but these tips will make your festivities accessible and fun for everyone. Contact us at (217) 241-1548 to learn more about creating a disability inclusive holiday.

Top 5 Tips for Hosting an Inclusive Holiday Party | BraunAbility Top 5 tips for hosting an inclusive party ensuring all your family members, friends, or co-workers are comfortable and able to enjoy the festivities

Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a person with a disability? You're in luck. Our inclusive gift guide is full of 12 gift ideas for wheelchair users. Find the perfect holiday gift here: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/blog/accessible-living/christmas-gift-ideas-wheelchair-user.html

Our partner, BraunAbility, welcomed local high school welding students on a tour of our facilities to show the critical role skilled welders play in making wheelchair accessible vehicles. Want to learn more about BraunAbility and accessible vehicles? Call us today at: (217) 241-1548

Buckle up for an epic adventure with Blaze and the Monster Machines! Join Blaze as he travels back in time to meet Ralph Braun and helps his friend AJ by transforming into an accessible vehicle. With Ralph's help, AJ and Blaze conquer the Mega Mud Mile and emerge victorious! 🏁🏆

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kckD4nguPxs

Blaze’s Amazing Race Through Time! #8 | Blaze and the Monster Machines Blaze is getting ready for the upcoming race, but unfortunately, AJ has hurt his leg! Blaze and AJ decide that they can go back in time to help them out! The...

Published in recognition of National Family Caregiver Awareness Month, our partner, BraunAbility published the 2023 Drive for Inclusion Report Card highlighting the rewards and challenges faced by the backbone of the disability community: our caregivers.

Read, share and remember to show support to the caregivers in your family and community, especially heading into a stressful holiday season: https://www.braunability.com/us/en/community/drive-for-inclusion.html

Wondering how you can make your Thanksgiving more accessible to people with disabilities? Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to learn more about hosting an inclusive holiday. And don't forget to take a moment to express gratitude to the incredible individuals who tirelessly support and uplift those with disabilities.

Blink, and you just might miss him – not because he's speeding by, but because Dale Helton drives a 2023 BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse with camouflage accents. An avid outdoorsman, Dale’s love of hunting and fishing can be seen on his custom wheelchair and his BraunAbility accessible SUV, both of which are camo-covered.You can learn more about the Chevy Traverse, and get behind the wheel for a test drive by calling us at: (217) 241-1548

Our partner, BraunAbility, recently hosted the the next generation of innovators at their factory headquarters in Winamac, IN. Local high school students visited the company's manufacturing plant to learn all about accessible vehicles and the millions of lives the company has changed over the years. Contact us today at (217) 241-1548 to learn more about BraunAbility and its life-changing accessible vehicles.

Looking to get away from the cold Fall temperatures? Curb Free with Cory Lee has rounded up a list of his top 5 wheelchair accessible beaches, so you can soak up the sun and sand this season. Find your next accessible beach getaway here: https://tinyurl.com/wheelchairfriendlybeaches

Contact us at: (217) 241-1548 to learn more about wheelchair accessible travel and vehicle rental.

This legislation represents a significant step forward in empowering Medicare recipients. Please take the time to read the benefits of carbon fiber or titanium wheelchair frames.

Contact your local representative to voice your support of H.R. 5371

Join us for for an eye-opening discussion on the importance of material choice in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. Our special guests, Jim Stephenson and occupational therapist Thomas Halka, delve into the clinical applications of aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber.

They also shed light on the bill H.R. 5371, known as the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023, which was recently presented in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 8th. This bill is designed to enhance patient access to a wider range of wheelchairs. It allows for code upgrades for titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs under Medicare. This legislation seeks to offer wheelchair users a choice of products that align with their medical and lifestyle needs and remove financial barriers that have prevented some Medicare beneficiaries from accessing titanium and carbon fiber mobility solutions.

Check it our here: https://bit.ly/3Mf1ynV, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Can you imagine traveling 9,146 miles across the country and visiting 27 states in just 33 days? Well, that's exactly what Henry Eichner did this past Summer in his 2021 BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse with adaptive driving controls. Learn more about Henry's road trip and his wheelchair accessible SUV here: https://tinyurl.com/henrysroadtrip

Ready to take an accessible trip? Contact us at:(217) 241-1548 to learn more about renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle for your next adventure.

Our partner, BraunAbility is ensuring accessibility for the next generation. Volunteers visited a local preschool to paint an accessible parking spot for a wheelchair using student. Contact us at (217) 241-1548 to learn more about BraunAbility and its wheelchair accessible vehicles.