BraunAbility and SAWs are partnering to build 50 ramps in 50 days to celebrate the global mobility leader’s 50th anniversary.

SAWs changes lives by enabling clients to safely get outside of their homes, and our products allow our customers to connect with their communities. It makes perfect sense to mark our 50th anniversary by giving back to those who need greater mobility in our communities. -BraunAbility CEO Staci Kroon

INDIANAPOLIS (PRWEB)
April 06, 2022

BraunAbility, the Indiana-based global leader in wheelchair accessible vehicles and lifts, is recognizing its 50th anniversary by partnering with Servants at Work (SAWs) on an ambitious goal: to build 50 ramps in 50 days in the communities where its employees live and work.

The two organizations have layered missions dedicated to enhancing independence and inclusion for individuals with mobility challenges.

“SAWs changes lives by enabling clients to safely get outside of their own homes, and our products allow our customers and their families to connect with their communities” stated BraunAbility CEO Staci Kroon. “It makes perfect sense to mark our 50th anniversary by giving back to residents who need greater mobility freedom in our communities.”

The majority of the 50 ramps will be built in the Indiana communities where BraunAbility employees live and work, but the company will also build ramps in select markets where it owns retail locations.

“SAWs is honored to partner with BraunAbility to celebrate their milestone 50th anniversary,” said Bob Richmond, SAWs Executive Director. “Our missions are truly complementary, and BraunAbility is a proven leader in the industry nationwide.”

The 50 ramps will be built in July and August by SAWs and BraunAbility volunteers, completely free to the home’s occupant. Each ramp is constructed of wood and adheres strictly to ADA standards. To qualify for the ramp build, recipients must have a long-term disability and have a household income below the Area Mean Income for the state of residence.

BraunAbility was founded in 1972 as The Braun Corporation in Winamac, Indiana by Ralph Braun, a wheelchair user himself who had muscular dystrophy. The company’s manufacturing headquarters remains in Winamac, while the global headquarters is in Carmel. Today BraunAbility has over 1400 employees and serves customers in more than 70 countries with a variety of mobility solutions.

Initiatives like the ramp builds are just one way BraunAbility employees serve as champions in their local communities in support of BraunAbility’s Drive for Inclusion program, a united movement for greater accessibility and independence for those living with mobility challenges and their caregivers.

Donations are being accepted to help cover the costs of ramp build materials. To donate or to learn more about the program, visit here.

-About BraunAbility

BraunAbility is the world’s leading manufacturer of mobility transportation solutions, including wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts and seating, storage and securement products. Founded nearly 50 years ago by Ralph Braun, an entrepreneur who spent most of his life in a wheelchair, the company has grown into the most well-known and trusted name in the mobility industry, bringing independence to millions of individuals across the world. BraunAbility is a wholly owned subsidiary to Patricia Industries, a division of Investor AB Group. Visit http://www.braunability.com for more information.

-About SAWs

Founded in 2003, SAWs® (Servants at Work, Inc.) is a faith-based, volunteer-powered nonprofit organization serving clients throughout Indiana, as well as Arizona and Virginia. SAWs specializes in building wooden wheelchair ramps and for individuals living with permanent or long-term disabilities in low-income households.

In less than six hours, a custom-built SAWs ramp can transform a person’s life. After a SAWs ramp is built at their home, 90% of clients describe accessing their home as “easy” and 67% of clients can access their home independently. SAWs ramps are gateways, re-opening the possibilities of connecting with neighbors and the community, and helping clients choose to remain living in their own homes. In 2021, SAWs celebrated serving their 3000th client, and are excited about growing to serve more clients every year. For more information or to donate online, please visit us at http://www.sawsramps.org

Share article on social media or email:

Firefly Autism

“As we celebrate our annual Laugh Yourself Blue gala, we are honored to have the opportunity to lift up the voices of our wonderful community.” – Dr. Amanda Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Firefly Autism.

DENVER (PRWEB)
April 05, 2022

Firefly Autism is hosting its 11th annual Laugh Yourself Blue gala on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Center for Performing Arts at 5:30 pm. This unique event leverages laughter’s equalizing power to raise critical awareness for the fastest-growing developmental disorder globally and provide an unparalleled fundraising platform for the nonprofit organization Firefly Autism.

Laugh Yourself Blue is filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, top food and wine, and notable philanthropists, creating an experience like no other. The success of the gala ensures that Firefly Autism can continue to provide life-changing support to the local Colorado community while expanding its services across the nation.

The gala will begin with its signature blue carpet arrival leading into an enchanting evening of LED dancers, music, live and silent auctions, and two full comedy sets by world-famous comedians Josh Blue and Cristela Alonzo. The night will kick off with a beautiful social and networking hour, curated by Cuvée, followed by a decadent seated dinner and award ceremony during which the guests will learn more about the tremendous impact of Firefly Autism’s work.

“As we celebrate our annual Laugh Yourself Blue gala, we are honored to have the opportunity to lift up the voices of our wonderful community,” states Dr. Amanda Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Firefly Autism. “It has been a year of great transformation, and we are so excited for the future of Firefly Autism.”

A tradition since 2012, the Firefly Luminescence Community Impact Awards honor those whose dedication and commitment have made a significant and lasting impact on our community. This year’s recipients are community leaders and philanthropists, Kimbal and Christiana Musk.

The beloved co-chairs are Jesse Ogas, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Community Affairs at 9NEWS and former Executive Director of Firefly Autism, and Larry and Mary Kay Mueller, founders of Cuvée. Firefly Autism is proud to announce that the presenting sponsors are value-driven organizations Big Green and The Solich Fund.

This year’s title sponsor, Cuvée, generously donated $100,000, which covers the annual cost of the School-Age program plus supplemental services necessary to maximize learning and success. Dedicated to philanthropy since its inception, Cuvée has raised nearly $20 million dollars for youth-focused nonprofits, locally and nationally. Cuvée is also contributing two highly curated and immersive private villa travel experiences to the live auction, including 3-Nights at Cuvée’s West Wing Penthouse for up to 8 guests and 5-nights at Cuvée’s Seaside La Casita for up to 10 guests.

“Over the past two years, we’ve sought to better understand the diagnosis and support organizations that provide impactful support and education for children, adults, and families affected by autism,” states Larry Mueller. “Mary Kay and I champion Firefly’s mission … this year, we’ve made a bigger commitment to helping Firefly continue to transform their programs with meaningful funding, support, and impact from our friends and family.”

Firefly Autism is excited to welcome back Colorado local Josh Blue, the headliner of the first-ever Laugh Yourself Blue Gala, NBC’s America’s Got Talent finalist and Last Comic Standing winner. Continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities, his stand-up routine is constantly evolving. Critics have said Blue is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy.

Lighting up the room alongside Blue is Cristela Alonzo, the first Latina to create, produce, and star in her own network sitcom “Cristela” for ABC, making history again this year as the first Latina to ever perform at Laugh Yourself Blue. Previously a guest host on ABC’s “The View” and voice of “Cruz Ramirez” in Cars 3, Alonzo’s incredible talent can now be seen on Lower Classy on Netflix and her “To Be Continued” podcast.

2022 is a year of celebration for women with Dr. Amanda Kelly, Ph.D., BCBA-D, as the first woman named as Executive Director and CEO of Firefly Autism in over a decade. The nonprofit is now guided by a leadership team of women focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion. Going along with this empowering theme, this year’s gala is not only featuring its first Latina comedian but is also highlighting the difficulties of being diagnosed and treated as a girl or woman on the spectrum.

To donate, sponsor or attend Laugh Yourself Blue, visit http://www.laughyourselfblue.com.

If you’re interested in learning more, please visit https://fireflyautism.org/ or contact Nicole Abunassar at nicole@nkgroupe.com.

About Firefly Autism

Firefly Autism is a non-profit organization leading the way in services, programs, education, and more for individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum. They achieve this by building innovative, individualized programs and cultivating meaningful, impactful relationships with individuals, families, and communities they serve.

Share article on social media or email:

MagnaReady®, the original magnetic apparel company, utilizes patented magnetic buttons on flannels, polos, dress shirts, pants, and other apparel to make it easy to dress independently.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 29, 2022

David Peyser Sportswear, a family-owned company that has been at the forefront of innovation and ingenuity in the apparel industry for 74 years, has purchased MagnaReady®, the original magnetic apparel company. The MagnaReady® brand also has its roots in family, created by Maura Horton when her husband was diagnosed at an early age with Parkinson’s disease. The dress shirts with magnetic closures first caught the eye of Paul Peyser, who at age 95 still attends meetings daily as chairman of the board of David Peyser Sportswear, as a customer.

“My dad has been wearing MagnaReady shirts for years and our family has witnessed first-hand how the magnetic closure technology has helped him remain independent without sacrificing his personal style and professional appearance in the workplace,” said Leah Peyser, a principal of David Peyser Sportswear. “The apparel industry has an opportunity right now to serve a growing aging population and there continues to be a gap in the market for fashionable adaptive apparel that is widely available from popular retail brands. With MagnaReady we plan on being the solution.”

MagnaReady® was launched in 2013 with two products – a white and blue men’s dress shirt. Today, the patented magnetic closures that make MagnaReady® clothing unique can be found in short and long sleeve dress shirts, polos, chino pants, jeans, jackets, shorts, athletic clothing, and sleepwear. In 2020, YARROW™ powered by MagnaReady® was launched for women. The collection includes collared tanks, long and short sleeve tunics, jeans, dresses, jackets, cardigans, sportswear, and sleepwear all featuring magnetic closures for easy dressing.

“There are millions of people who at one point, or throughout their entire life, struggle to dress independently. This might be because of age, arthritis, an injury, surgery, a disease, or a disability, but no matter why, there should not be a reason that people don’t have options when it comes to stylish clothing that is also adaptive,” said MagnaReady® creator Maura Horton. “It has always been hearing customer stories that has been the most rewarding part of starting MagnaReady and now to work with the Peyser family and have that relationship stem from a customer experience is very meaningful. I am excited for the future of the brand and to see where MagnaReady goes from here.”

Already, MagnaReady® closure technology is used in apparel by Duluth, Land’s End, DXL, and others.

For more information, visit http://www.magnready.com.

About David Peyser Sportswear

David Peyser Sportswear is a leading manufacturer and marketer of outerwear and sportswear. The company owns Weatherproof®, a leading brand of better men’s and women’s outerwear and sportswear available at top retailers in the US and internationally. In addition to the Weatherproof®, the company owns and operates the 32 Degrees® brand. The company also markets a men’s sportswear collection under the Weatherproof® Vintage brand. In addition the company offers cold weather accessories, footwear, slippers, hosiery, loungewear, children’s, and a variety of other product categories under the Weatherproof® Vintage brand through licensing partners. David Peyser Sportswear also owns MV Sport® and The Game®, leading providers of custom decorated apparel and hats to the college bookstore, resort and corporate markets. The company was founded in 1948 and is based in Bay Shore, New York, with showrooms in New York City.

Share article on social media or email:

By addressing these impairments with specific tools, the EXAIR.com website has become the first in the industry to provide ADA compliant tools.

CINCINNATI (PRWEB)
March 23, 2022

EXAIR.com® has added improved web accessibility for people who are affected by a variety of impairments. By addressing these impairments with specific tools, the EXAIR.com website has become the first in the industry to provide ADA compliant tools. Disabilities come in many forms including hearing, visual, mobility and cognitive impairments. EXAIR has removed many of the barriers associated with text, links, images, navigation, forms, video and audio by providing tools like high contrast visuals, ability to read the website aloud, and allowing navigation via a keyboard, among many other tools. These utilities are available by clicking the accessibility menu icon (bottom left corner of site).

With the addition of the ADA compliance widget, EXAIR.com is assured to maintain compliance with WCAG 2.1 level AA success criteria. This feature will scan EXAIR.com and offer remediation instructions if there are non-compliant elements of the website, including the downloadable .pdf files or specific areas within those files which need to be modified to reach compliance. EXAIR will remain committed to remediating ADA compliance issues and we now have a powerful tool to aid our efforts of inclusivity.

For more information about EXAIR’s Intelligent Compressed Air® products, including Air Knives, Cabinet Cooler® systems, Industrial Vacuums, Air Guns, Air Nozzles, Vortex Tubes, Static Eliminators and Spot Cooling products visit EXAIR.com and use the new ADA compliance features if they will help you. EXAIR manufactures and ships product from Cincinnati, OH USA.

Share article on social media or email:

Dave McCann, IBM Canada

I am proud to support Lime Connect Canada in their mission to break stereotypes and lead organizations in welcoming employees with disabilities to the workplace. Embracing diversity is central to creating a successful work environment, and I am honoured to be a part of Lime.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 16, 2022

Lime Connect (Lime) is pleased to announce that IBM Canada President Dave McCann has joined the not-for-profit organization as a member of its Canada board of directors. His position is part of the overall commitment of IBM Canada as a long-time supporter of the organization.

In addition to his role of president, Dave is the managing partner of IBM’s consulting business in Canada. He is known for a leadership style that empowers teams to be passionate about delivering value to clients, and helping Canadian organizations use innovative technology to transform their business. Dave is committed to building and growing diverse teams, a focus that intertwines with the mission of Lime.

IBM Canada has collaborated with Lime since 2008, supporting talent acquisition through recruitment and networking events. IBM Canada Employee Resource Groups have also partnered with Lime for events and panel discussions, providing guidance and awareness for training employees with diverse capabilities.

Devorah Lithwick, SVP & Chief Brand Officer of Bell and president of Lime Connect Canada’s board of directors, says, “Dave is an outstanding business leader, and Lime has respected his results-oriented drive and focus on community building. We are proud to welcome him to the board, and are excited about bringing even more attention to people with disabilities as highly sought-after talent as a result.”

McCann, speaking of his role with Lime Connect, states, “I am proud to support Lime Connect Canada in their mission to break stereotypes and lead organizations in welcoming employees with disabilities to the workplace. I truly believe that embracing diversity is central to creating a successful work environment where teams can bring a variety of skills and capabilities together. As a business leader and an IBMer, I am honoured to be a part of Lime.”

Lime Connect is a not for profit organization that is rebranding disability through achievement. The organization’s focus is to attract, prepare, and connect high potential university students and alumni (including veterans) with disabilities for scholarships, leadership programs, internships, and full time careers with their partners – the world’s leading corporations. This work showcases the vast strengths and talents that are found in disabilities, and provides disabled individuals with the tools, confidence, community, and connections to realize their dreams.

For more information on Lime Connect, visit https://www.limeconnect.com.

###

Share article on social media or email:

“Case managers are prioritizing professional development and ethical practice, while affirming their role as client advocates.” – Jared Young, Psy.D., CAADC, LCSW, CCM, Commission Chair, The Commission for Case Manager Certification

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (PRWEB)
March 09, 2022

Just 30 years after the first class of case managers earned the Certified Case Manager® (CCM®) credential, the Commission for Case Manager Certification is celebrating a milestone: More than 50,000 highly skilled professionals in the field currently hold the CCM® credential, the largest and oldest case manager professional certification and the only interdisciplinary, cross-practice setting case manager certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

With professional training in nursing, social work and allied health areas, case managers work in a range of settings—clinics and physician offices, hospitals and home care, health plans, health management, workers’ compensation and rehabilitation organizations. The Commission ensures case managers are prepared for the critical role they play in coordinating care and advocating for clients to achieve their health goals through the management of the knowledge and role-based CCM assessment. It supports case managers with preparation and lifelong learning opportunities through recertification. In addition, the Commission’s Code of Professional Conduct for Case Managers outlines the principles, rules of conduct and standards for professional conduct for the profession.

The Commission traces its roots to 1991, when 29 representatives of case management organizations convened to discuss the need for a standardized, professional certification. The task force they formed became the Commission for Case Manager Certification, which crafted a certification process and held the first CCM exam in 1993.

Employers and consumers look to the CCM as a proxy for case management excellence. With growing demand for CCMs, the Commission has sought to diversify the settings where they can enhance client outcomes. Social workers in particular represent a growing segment of the CCM community, which the Commission will celebrate in March during National Social Work Month.

The growth in the number of CCMs is especially notable given the changes in case management practice precipitated by the pandemic. Case managers have delivered essential care coordination, team communication, client education and other case management services while overall health care resources were strained. In many cases, client interaction and health care team communication shifted to virtual rather than in-person modes, introducing new challenges.

“This is a powerful statement about the resilience of professional case managers and their ability to pursue excellence, despite challenging circumstances,” said Commission Chair Jared Young, Psy.D., CAADC, LCSW, CCM. “Case managers are prioritizing professional development and ethical practice, while affirming their role as client advocates.”

Case managers continue to persevere by preparing for and sitting for the CCM exam despite the known barriers COVID-19 placed in their paths. The Commission’s surveys of case managers and disability management specialists during the pandemic show that many are coping with COVID-related increases in caseloads and the mental and emotional burdens resulting from their work with clients and their own unprecedented levels of grief and loss. Like other professionals, they must overcome these hurdles while juggling increased personal challenges, such as gaps in child care, elder care and social isolation.

“We are seeing case managers not only carry on, but excel and professionally advance,” said MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP, CEO of the Commission. “The growing number of case managers who have earned the CCM is a testament to their commitment to continually improve professionally, even when confronted with enormous challenges.”

About the Commission for Case Manager Certification

The Commission for Case Manager Certification is the first and largest nationally accredited case management certification organization, credentialing more than 50,000 professional case managers and disability management specialists. The Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the process of case manager certification with its CCM® and CDMS® credentials. Offering an extensive portfolio of certification and professional advancement activities, the Commission is the most active and prestigious certification organization supporting the practices of case management and disability management. For more information, visit http://www.ccmcertification.org and http://www.cdms.org, connect with the Commission on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CCM_Cert.

Share article on social media or email:

“Joining the United Access family allows us to expand our inventory selection and offer new products while continuing to offer superior service to our loyal customers,” said Mike Murphy, General Manager of the ADA North Houston location.

HOUSTON (PRWEB)
March 09, 2022

Adaptive Driving Access (ADA), a full-service mobility vehicle dealership based in Houston since 1995, announced it will rebrand each of its five Texas stores to United Access this month. The two originally partnered in 2019. The name change brings the total number of United Access locations in Texas to 10, making it the largest mobility dealer in all of Texas.

“We’re changing our name, but not our passion for serving our customers,” said ADA Pasadena’s General Manager James Norris. “When you enter our stores, you’ll be greeted by the same great staff and same big smiles. The only difference is the sign on the building.”

United Access, the second largest mobility dealer in the United States, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Like ADA, each United Access dealership works with individuals with mobility challenges to customize their ideal mobility solution. In addition to new or preowned wheelchair accessible vehicles, the dealerships also provide rental wheelchair vans, wheelchair and scooter lifts, driving controls, scooters, transfer seats and more.

Customers will now have access to the largest selection of new and preowned wheelchair vans, trucks and wheelchair accessible SUVs in Texas. “Joining the United Access family allows us to expand our inventory selection and offer new products while continuing to offer superior service to our loyal customers,” said Mike Murphy, General Manager of the ADA North Houston location.

Including the ADA locations in Houston, Pasadena, Bryan, McAllen and Corpus Christi, United Access operates 30 retail stores across 11 states.

About United Access

Established in 1997, United Access is the second largest provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles, equipment and products in the U.S. Part of the BraunAbility Arch Retail family of brands, United Access partners with leading manufacturers to offer the best and safest products, including new and used accessible wheelchair vans, trucks and SUVs, wheelchair lifts and scooter lifts, hand controls, scooters, power transfer seats and more.

Share article on social media or email: