New Orleans Evacuates for 'Big, Ugly Storm' Sep 1, 2008
The government lined up trains and hundreds of buses to evacuate 30,000 people who could not leave on their own and Nagin said 15,000 had been removed from the city, including hundreds in wheelchairs. Residents boarded up the windows of their shops and homes before leaving town, while others hunkered down as "hold-outs" with stockpiled food, water and shotguns to ward off looters. (Planet Ark, United States)
Blogging the world, from wheelchair's view Aug 31, 2008
They took note of the aquarium's accessible restrooms, the special ticket window that's low enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and the wheelchair spaces in the IMAX theater. They also spoke with the aquarium's communication director, who told them that there are plans to make the top level accessible to wheelchairs within the next five years. (Boston Globe)
Nagin Orders Mandatory Evacuation of New Orleans as Gustav Approaches Aug 31, 2008
It was three hours before the first bus arrived, completely full of people in wheelchairs. "They're not taking care of us down here!" she shouted as the brown-and-white spotted hound mix panted inside his hip-high plastic kennel. (Fox News)
Hurricane Gustav strengthens to Category 4 Aug 31, 2008
In the Central City section, families, elderly men and the visibly infirm people in wheelchairs and with canes lined the sidewalk along Dryades Street for half a long block. "After going through Katrina, that ain't no joke," said Jody Anderson, who spent seven days in the Superdome. (International Herald Tribune)
Dimes and dollars Aug 30, 2008
My MDA Labor Day Telethon will turn your $10 into lifesaving research, medical clinics, wheelchairs, support groups, summer camp for kids in short, your $10 will bring help and hope to thousands of people affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases. Just try getting that kind of satisfaction at the gas pump. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Journalists in Denver get a ringside seat for history Aug 30, 2008
On crutches, in wheelchairs, by the busload, by the thousands - 84,000 to be exact. On deadline again, we wrote, listening to Sheryl Crow and Stevie Wonder. (Toronto Star)
Some want school purse ban bagged Aug 30, 2008
Hammond Grad wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:01 AM:" I would imagine that since last year book bags were not allowed, but purses were (b/c the purse rule wasn't being enforced) there was some sort of size limit so ppl couldn't just say their bookbag was their purse. Is that what this really stems from? If so, then use the size requirement or tell the smart-aleck kids that played that card (kudos to them for thinking outside the box, but I digress)to can it and put their bags away! I would love to see... (Munster Times, IN)
Letter to the Editor; Cars hogging roadways Aug 30, 2008
Unfortunately, those involved with the planning and building of our roadways are focusing on the large, fast, expensive vehicles, at the expense of small cars, those on scooters, those on bicycles, those in tennis shoes, those in walking shoes, those in wheelchairs and those with crutches or walkers, and ignoring universal design that allows for safety of everyone and not just the few. In the past week, our road commission repainted the lines on Old 27 both North and South of Gaylord. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
RE: Committee to investigate unwholesome mmaize Aug 29, 2008
In my view NORPRA did not go far with its Research facilities on the maize and wheelchairs, sources of and for facts before adventurist pronouncements were not exhausted ... Concern 4 Wheelchairs, these were not an official donation to the region ... Because wheelchairs were not donated to govt or region certainly RCC would not have documents on what is not theirs. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Gaming board allows movable seats at The Meadows Aug 29, 2008
Such seats would make it easier for physically disabled gamblers who use wheelchairs to get close to the machines, they said. Currently, the attached seats have to be disconnected and removed, which can take several minutes and cause embarrassment for disabled gamblers, casino officials said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Can't Is A Relative Term Aug 29, 2008
They proved wheelchairs and leg braces are no match for the human spirit. And so there it was, again -- perspective. (WNBC.com, NY)
Terminally ill cancer patients occupy drug adviser's HQ Aug 29, 2008
More than 50 patients, relatives and supporters, some in wheelchairs, crammed into the lobby of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) building in central London to demand that someone from the organisation address them. A small group of the demonstrators had already met Andrew Dillon, the chief executive of Nice, but said they were not satisfied with his explanations for the interim decision, announced this month, not to allow the four drug regimes on the NHS.. (guardian.co.uk)
Commentary: Keeping my distance from... Aug 29, 2008
I guess it's really hard to drum up anger against your opponent when you say, "John McCain wants to cut taxes for companies that make delicious ice cream sundaes, feed the puppies of toddlers and fix veterans' wheelchairs," but that's just as truthful as what said. Tonight, it's Barack Obama, at a football stadium, in front of what Reuters says looks like a Greek temple. (CNN -- Law)
Sailing Center gives McKinnon-Tucker a royal sendoff Aug 28, 2008
The Center allows people who might never dream of returning to sailing after disabling accidents or who otherwise require the use of wheelchairs to get around on land to enjoy the freedom one can only find on a boat. Brian Murphy, Piers Park treasurer, said that McKinnon-Tucker came into her interview for the coordinator position on a mission, telling the board, This is what you want to do and this is how to do it. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Gimpy Girls a small but tight-knit group Aug 28, 2008
Pam Daly, a disabled sailor and close friend of McKinnon-Tucker, noting that men suffer 80 percent of spinal-injury accidents, making women in wheelchairs a stark minority. Daly s accident occurred when she was 17. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Health Buzz: Incense Linked to Cancer and Other Health News Aug 27, 2008
A review of Medicare payments to suppliers of wheelchairs, oxygen machines, and other durable medical equipment found that nearly 3 in 10 payments were made in error. Such errors happen, according to the study, when Medicare's contractors reimburse suppliers despite incorrect coding or insufficient documentation. (U.S. News & World Report)
In My Blogyard: Road paved with danger for veterans Aug 27, 2008
"I see guys up there driving wheelchairs up huge hills and across busy roads with nothing being done for them.". Another resident, identified as ugyff, wrote that the road is "LONG overdue for work," and a previous widening effort was "terrible at best. It s still too narrow for two vehicles to pass by each other. For all the residents that walk, bike and travel on 10th it s a tremendous hazard.". (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Medicare faulted on audits for fraud Aug 26, 2008
WASHINGTON - The rate of improper payments, including fraud, in Medicare's purchases of wheelchairs and other home medical equipment is significantly higher than the government has estimated, according to a federal audit released yesterday ... He said the agency implemented changes last year to help reduce the error rate, including a requirement of more documentation from doctors who prescribe wheelchairs for patients ... The durable medical equipment program, which costs more than $8 billion... (Boston Globe)
Paraplegics walk Aug 26, 2008
The product, slated for commercial sale in 2010, will cost as much as the more sophisticated wheelchairs on the market, which sell for about $20,000, the company said ... Competing technologies use electrical stimulation to restore function to injured muscle, but Argo's Chief Operating Officer Oren Tamari said they will not offer practical alternatives to wheelchairs in the foreseeable future. (MSNBC -- Health)
30 Juneau golfers compete in first Gustavus tourney Aug 26, 2008
The money pays for a variety of items such as dentures, wheelchairs, walkers and prescription medications. Families also can receive assistance with expenses when traveling Outside for medical procedures. (Juneau Empire)
Medicare Ignored Its Claims Policy, Audit Says Aug 26, 2008
WASHINGTON -- Medicare officials underestimated the amount of incorrect payments in 2006 for medical equipment, including wheelchairs and home hospital beds, because Medicare failed to follow its own policy of making sure the purchases matched orders from doctors, a new federal audit shows ... Medicare said it spends about $9 billion a year for wheelchairs, oxygen and other types of durable medical equipment, compared with total Medicare spending of $429 ... Recent congressional reports found... (Wall Street Journal)
Medicare officials underestimated improper payments - Report Aug 26, 2008
Medicare had concluded it made about $700 million in improper payments in 2006 for equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen and surgical supplies. It assumed that 7. (Reuters)
Medicare: 3 in 10 Payments Made in Error Aug 26, 2008
(WASHINGTON ) A review of Medicare payments to suppliers of wheelchairs, oxygen machines and other medical equipment showed nearly three in 10 were made in error about four times the rate previously cited by the federal government, investigators said Monday. Related Articles. (Time.com)
Adaptive Devices Aug 25, 2008
Adaptive switches for electrical equipment, telephone amplifiers, audio books, Braille writing tools, power wheelchairs and scooters, and non-slip placemats and chair pads are more examples. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in cooperation with several other agencies, maintains a website called Eldercare Locator that offers a fact sheet entitled Assistive Technology. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Who is the elitist? Obama or McCain? Aug 25, 2008
Helping with wheelchairs, answering questions, keeping the aisles clear, handing out transfers are just a small part of their jobs. Avoiding red-light runners, getting past double-parked cars and careless pedestrians add to the stress. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
RCC Sets up Committee to investigate sale of unwholesome maize Aug 25, 2008
It again accused the RCC of keeping one hundred wheelchairs donated by one ,Mr. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a cyclist to the physically challenged in the Region through the former Regional Minister, Mr. Boniface Gambila and not given to the people. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
SMU Legends for Charity huge success Aug 25, 2008
Some of them were in wheelchairs, Dickerson said. They said its been 20 years since they could laugh in those UT faces again, and thank you for winning it. (CollegeInsiders.com)
Study: Tongues to Control Devices Aug 25, 2008
The group's Tongue Drive System turns the tongue into a joystick of sorts, allowing the disabled to manipulate wheelchairs, manage home appliances and control computers. The work still has a ways to go one potential user called the design "grotesque" but early tests are encouraging. (Time.com)
Blood stem cells could provide the money for stem cell life extension Aug 23, 2008
People are in wheelchairs when there could be a cure ... People are in wheelchairs when there could be a cure. (Next Big Future)
Heart of the matter Aug 22, 2008
The space will be used to make and assemble off-road wheelchairs for people of all ages in the poorest countries who have lost, or lost use of, their legs due to a variety of medical conditions, or war. The wheelchairs, known as PETs, are sturdy, three-wheeled, hand-cranked carriages engineered with wheelbarrow wheels and tubeless tires designed to perform in dirt and grass ... Because the organization does not have an adequate facility nor the funds to purchase required liability insurance, PET... (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Airline Service Workers Vote To Authorize Strike At LAX Aug 22, 2008
The workers, who earn about $10 an hour to clean airplanes and perform such services as providing wheelchairs for passengers who need them, are not employed by the airlines, but by sub-contractors. Those contractors are Aero Port Services, Air Serv, American Building Maintenance, Aviation Safeguards, Lee's Maintenance, One Source, Service Performance, World Service and G2 Secure Staff, according to the Los Angeles Times. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Seniors question plans to dump day care Aug 22, 2008
Some of the clients are fairly able-bodied and just need company, while some suffer from mental handicaps or are confined to wheelchairs. "We don't make it boring here," Bruno said while seated at the center's craft table. (The Union Democrat)
Santhera First-Half Loss Widens as Spending on Medicine Research Increases Aug 22, 2008
It's the first treatment for Friedreich's Ataxia, which confines patients to wheelchairs and leads to premature death. Santhera in July failed to win the backing of a European health panel, and is seeking a review of the initial negative opinion. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Medicare fraud cutting disputed Aug 21, 2008
As a result, Medicare did not detect that more than one-third of spending for wheelchairs, oxygen supplies, and other medical equipment in its 2006 fiscal year was improper, according to the report. Based on data in other Medicare reports, that would be about $2. (Boston Globe)
Enjoy a walk with a beautiful view Aug 20, 2008
There are lovers (and sometimes oldsters) strolling hand in hand; singles with cell phones pressed to their ears; pet lovers walking their dogs; one or two expectant moms hoping perhaps to hurry things along; and even a few disabled folks being pushed in wheelchairs. There is the occasional horse and rider, which never fails to bring smiles and excited shouts from the little ones. (Los Angeles Daily News)
Georgia reeling Aug 18, 2008
Clusters of green and blue-clothed doctors and nurses sat outside, sitting on wheelchairs and trolleys, on walls and on the grass, hardly talking, smoking, staring straight ahead - exhausted and traumatised by the constant flow of injured. But new wounded were being brought in every few minutes. (BBC News)
Companies get disabled back in driver's seat Aug 18, 2008
Most are working with standard minivans that have gone first to a secondary manufacturer, who lowers or removes the floor of the van to accommodate wheelchairs and typically installs a ramp on the side or the back. Then those vans go to places such as Adaptive Driving. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Community buses for PJ folks Aug 18, 2008
It can fit two disabled persons in wheelchairs at a time, who are lifted into the van via a hydraulic jack that cost RM10,000. . (The Star Online, Malaysia)
At long last: Playground is for all Aug 18, 2008
There are a lot of playgrounds that don t have that type of sensitivity at all, said volunteer Bud Ames on Sunday evening as he watched children in wheelchairs playing on the structure. It s great to see. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Some men going for the package deal Aug 18, 2008
At Bottoms Up, Jack Timlock says he gets a lot of men with HIV, "also cancer patients and men in wheelchairs. I sold butt pads to a Las Vegas detective who didn't like sitting on the hard courtroom benches. I also sold the Pouch Pad and butt pads to a bull rider in the rodeo.". Silicone Body founder Pauline Rous, whose Package Booster will be included in gift bags at this year's Latin Grammys, says she caters to another demographic. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Business Briefs Aug 16, 2008
The larger store allows more room to display home medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. The mastectomy and compression stocking fitting areas are updated. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
More of this story Aug 16, 2008
They were limping around him on crutches, moving tentatively on prosthetic legs, cautiously lifting artificial arms or pushing wheelchairs. Of the 50 or so soldiers and Marines mingling in the New York City club that night, Hopper needed six or seven volunteers. (Newport Daily News, RI)
When healing needs a hand Aug 15, 2008
People who are in wheelchairs are also at increased risk because of reduced circulation. "The big issue for people in wheelchairs and who are bed bound is pressure relief," Johnson said ... For folks in wheelchairs the problem is two-fold - weight focused in one place and decreased circulation in their legs, Johnson said. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Elderly worry over Senior Alert cuts Aug 15, 2008
But if they re going to add senior alert citizens [to MTED] also, then there s going to be a lot a lot more wheelchairs. They may have enough busses, but they don t have enough drivers to take care of that many citizens at one time. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Seniors get new wheels Aug 15, 2008
The new van seats 10, one more than the older van, or up to three wheelchairs with room for one additional passenger. The old van could only hold two wheelchairs. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Around Town Aug. 13 -- More plaza stores come out of the Kloset Aug 15, 2008
Campers experience a wide range of activities, including swimming, fishing and horseback riding, that are specifically designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. Campers say the week they spend at MDA camp is the best week of the year. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Home turns parking lot to rose-filled courtyard Aug 14, 2008
"They wanted roses, a waterfall, walkways wide enough for wheelchairs and seating areas.". Mello said she competed with other landscapers for the project. (New Britain Herald, CT)
Tulloch townhouse project floats Aug 14, 2008
The access, complete with an hydraulic lift for wheelchairs, will be turned over to the county before building permits are issued. The board's approval also was conditioned on reducing the number of boat slips in the development from 40 to 30. (The Union Democrat)
Use of anti-snoring device rises Aug 14, 2008
Spending on wheelchairs fell 17. 6% after a fraud crackdown. (USA Today)
Hospital plagued by pests Aug 14, 2008
"In the emergency department there were marks on the wall that had obviously been there for some time. Even the wheelchairs seemed really old. "Maybe they are concentrating too much on teaching and waiting lists. They are forgetting about the simple things like hygiene that keep hospitals ticking over. (Islington Gazette)
Youth experience adventure at Camp Attitude Aug 14, 2008
Ostergren was all grins listening to Westendorf relate how his wheelchair flipped over backward on a swing set modified for to wheelchairs. The highlight for many of the campers was sliding down 100-foot zip line a cable running down hill between two platforms on specially made harnesses. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Golf carts stay parked in Desloge Aug 13, 2008
Scooters under 50 cc and motorized wheelchairs are allowed on city streets if operated by licensed drivers. Ward 2 Alderman J.D. Hodge also voted against the golf cart proposal. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
More people paying $1 to ride a van north, south on I-5 Aug 13, 2008
lola*in*longview wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:32 PM:" I've rode the van it has room to add seats if they need more, or to take them out to make room for wheelchairs and every seat has seatbelts. ". Beavis Carries a. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Overcoming the Impossible Aug 12, 2008
I was afraid, as everywhere I looked there were people in wheelchairs and I could not stand the idea of Benji having to be in one, JoBett recalled. Family was not allowed to stay in the room, so that night I left my helpless husband in a bed with a straw placed near his mouth for him to use to call for the nurses. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
All that extra weight puts pregnant mothers and their unborn children at risk Aug 11, 2008
Yale-New Haven Hospital, for instance, has had to get extra-large wheelchairs, larger tables for the delivery and operating rooms, bigger scales for weighing patients and longer instruments like retractors to hold tissue out of the way during operations. There are even special ultrasound machines for women whose abdomens are so large that it's difficult to capture the sonar image of the fetus through the layers of fat tissue. (New Haven Register, CT)
Proposed assisted living rules assailed by both sides Aug 11, 2008
Ms. Halperin said the living space would be too small to be safe and comfortable for people in wheelchairs. Among other concerns from providers: Licensing fees would be far higher than for personal care homes; kitchens shouldn't be required for people who frequently prefer communal meals; no provisions are made for facilities that want to have some units for personal care and some for assisted living; and excessive supervision of licensed practical nurses by registered nurses is required. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
A mobile solution for disabled pets Aug 10, 2008
The 10-year-old blue Doberman, who suffered from spinal degeneration and disc disease, was the inspiration for Eddie's Wheels For Pets, a Shelburne Falls business that designs and constructs wheelchairs for canines and other animals ... Wheelchairs for a dog ... What other animals do you make wheelchairs for. (Boston Globe)
The Future of Crossing the Street Aug 10, 2008
"Transportation commissioners of the past have always been about 'move the car, move the car.' The world is so different now. It's cars and bikes and wheelchairs.". The new reality, however, is still playing out inside an old reality. (Boston Globe)
United Cerebral Palsy's new building has room to expand Aug 10, 2008
United Cerebral Palsy of Stanislaus County made certain its new center in north Modesto was accessible to wheelchairs ... Those in wheelchairs used the activity areas on the ground floor ... Later, some put their wheelchairs in a circle for an exercise session. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Proposals for disabled fans worry leagues Aug 10, 2008
Sports teams across the country may have to pay for expensive stadium changes, including additional space for wheelchairs and equipment to get public safety messages to the deaf, to meet newly proposed federal regulations for the disabled, Major and Minor League Baseball are warning their clubs. It is unclear how the changes would immediately affect South Florida's sports venues, including Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter and Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens. (The Palm Beach Post)
2008 Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Aug 9, 2008
Players use custom-made wheelchairs and the game is filled with bumps, crashes and falls. Source. (Suite101.com)
Leadership little to do with rank Aug 9, 2008
Innes says we still think about issues such as creating access for wheelchairs as charitable or medical. Making people welcome in a public place should be about social equality, about individual dignity. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Iraq veterans encouraged as Paralympics participants Aug 8, 2008
-- Competitors are grouped based on the nature and severity of their disabilities, from impaired sight to intellectual disability to use of wheelchairs or prosthetics. (E-mail Peter Fimrite at pfimrite(at)sfchronicle. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Common Sense Aug 7, 2008
And all this barely a month after a separate probe found $93 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for wheelchairs and drugs based on prescriptions from dead doctors, and get this. doctors who had been dead ten years or more. (Fox News)
Lessons From The Segway Guy Aug 7, 2008
So here's to the inventions that so many in our community need: wheelchairs that let the disabled venture confidently onto a grassy field for a picnic; dialysis machines that quietly wash poison from a body overnight; low-cost machines that can make dirty water clean or power lights with cow dung. I will be discussing these and other topics with Dean Kamen in Mountain View, Calif. (Forbes -- Technology)
