Around the Industry

United Spinal Association announced Vincenzo (Enzo) Piscopo, an experienced professional in diversity, inclusion and social causes, was appointed president and CEO by the organization’s board of directors.

Piscopo began his tenure as United Spinal’s president and CEO on November 16, 2020 replacing James Weisman, who is retiring after 40 years of service to the disability community as an advocate for disability rights and accessible transportation.

Gerry Davis, Owner - Personal Mobility, recently shared that the NMEDA member dealership was chosen by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services to receive the “Extra Mile Award.” This award is presented to businesses that go “above and beyond in their work for persons with disabilities.”

Gerry shared the news via LinkedIn accompanied by a photo depicting “...four generations of our family owned company.”

BraunAbility has introduced its newest wheelchair accessible vehicle—the BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse. According to a recent press release, the vehicle boasts more interior cabin space than many wheelchair accessible minivans and an extra-wide ramp and doorway to accommodate even the largest power wheelchairs.

Superior interior maneuverability plus other comfort features earned the BraunAbility Traverse the 2020 Mobility Product Award from Mobility Management.

VMI recently announced an exciting, innovative new parking feature. According to a press release, ParkSmart is a built-in sensor that is easily activated by the vehicle owner as needed. When the sensor is switched on, it goes to work within 30 seconds after the doors are shut, scanning for objects placed within eight feet of the parked accessible vehicle. If an obstruction is detected, a friendly audible warning sounds, stating “Excuse me! You’re blocking entry to this wheelchair accessible vehicle. Could you please move the vehicle or object so the owner can access their vehicle? Thank you so much!” This friendly alert system will repeat three times and has multiple measures to enable battery conservation, as well as to avoid activating the alert when the vehicle is in drive mode.