Posted by Ann Bransom on Tue, Jan 24, 2012 @ 08:10 AM
If you are in the Cincinnati, OH area, head out to the Tri-County Mall Febuary 11, 2012 to the 8th Annual Summer Adventures EXPO. This event pairs kids and young adults with disabilities with camps, activities, and learning activities for the summer and even year round!
Summer (and other) Adventures Expo (formerly known as Summer Adventures Expo for all Kids) is in its eighth year. They've grown from a camp expo, to an event that entertains and informs families throughout Ohio and the surrounding region. Vendors from Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties are represented at the Expo. Whether your child is into science, the arts, sports, or dance, at the Summer Adventures Expo you'll find:
- Summer camps and activities
- Year-round activities
- Community Resources
- Transition to Adult Life Resources
- Respite Resources
- A FREE event catalog of helpful information
- and Equipment Vendors like M.C. Mobility Systems!
M.C. Mobility Systems will be there to demonstrate how mobility equipment, such as wheelchair vans, can help families with special needs children enjoy life to its fullest, whether it's heading out to summer camp or taking a family trip.
8th Annual Summer Adventures EXPO
Saturday, February 11, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tri-County Mall
11700 Princeton Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
To learn more about the event
Families with questions should call (513) 732-4912
Posted by Ann Bransom on Wed, Dec 28, 2011 @ 12:20 PM
Lawrence and Linda Swartz's holiday weekend began much like anyone else's. At around 7:00 pm Christmas Eve, they parked their 2001 Dodge Caravan wheelchair van at the Gemini Recreation Center and walked across the street to Journey Community Church on Lorain Road in Fairview Park, OH for the Christmas Eve service.
When they came back out after the service was over, their van was gone, along with some Christmas presents and a camera inside.
Lawrence and Linda both use power wheelchairs. So the thief, didn't just steal a van. He or she stole the Swartz's freedom.
While the police are investigating the surveillance tapes at the rec center, M.C. Mobility Systems is providing the Swartz's with a wheelchair accessible rental van, until a permanent solution can be found for the couple.
If you are in the Ohio area and see a van matching the following description or resembling the photographs below, please contact the authorities immediately:
- 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
- Steel Blue/Gray Ohio License Plate ETU5012
- M.C. Mobility Systems stickers and license plate cover
- Fold Out Ramp
For more information on this story, visit Fox 8 Cleveland website.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 @ 11:30 AM
Recent studies have shown that people with disabilities turn to their healthcare professional first for information about mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, ramps, and lifts. Unfortunately, studies also show that these healthcare professionals don’t always have the most current information about this equipment. So they often turn to consumer sources for information, such as yellow pages and the internet.
“Healthcare professionals are an integral part of making sure that people with disabilities get the proper equipment for their lifestyle and condition,” says Dennis Charvat, General Manager for M.C. Mobility Systems. “Given the statistics we are getting on their overall knowledge of the mobility industry, we knew it was critical that we provide some sort of objective education on the equipment that is currently available.”
M.C. Mobility Systems responded to the need for increased education for healthcare professionals by launching a new continuing education website, specifically geared towards those healthcare professionals that work most closely with patients suffering from illnesses and conditions that effect their mobility: case managers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, driving rehabilitation specialists, and mobility engineers.
“We didn’t want this to be just another brochure for the mobility industry,” says Charvat, “We really wanted to offer something that gave an in-depth understanding of different conditions and how they necessitate different types of equipment. The equipment that will work for someone with spina bifida is not necessarily the same as the equipment for someone with multiple sclerosis.”
The new site, ceu.mcmobilitysystems.com, offers a series of courses in a variety of formats to the aforementioned healthcare specialties. Participants can choose from online formats that they complete at their own pace or live formats ranging from courses that can be completed in a lunch hour to a full day course.
Because M.C. Mobility Systems is a retail operation, they wanted to ensure that the continuing education courses being offered were clearly a separate, objective part of their business. So in the interest of keeping the continuing education courses completely informational in nature, the company decided to offer them free of charge to learners.
“Offering these courses is our way of trying to close the gap on missing information about the mobility industry among healthcare professionals,” Charvat continues. “We want our potential customers to be getting the right mobility equipment information the first time they ask, and also give back to the healthcare professionals that have entrusted us with their patients’ safety.”
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to visit the new continuing education website at ceu.mcmobilitysystems.com, to view the full line of current course offerings. Courses range from 1 credit hours up to 7 credit hours, depending on the chosen length and format. Some accrediting agencies include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC), the Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA), Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED). The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Wed, Nov 16, 2011 @ 11:48 AM
In 1995, a freak accident on the ice sent hockey player Travis Roy crashing into the boards. That single moment in an otherwise promising athletic career left Roy with a cracked fourth vertebra and paralyzed from the neck down. It was the death of one dream, but fortunately for others with spinal cord injuries it was also the birth of another.
The Travis Roy Foundation was established in 1997, with a dual mission. First, it was founded to help individuals with spinal cord injuries secure funding for adaptive equipment, so that they and their families could continue leading an independent life. Second, it was founded to fund research that will find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
“I’m extremely proud of how the Travis Roy Foundation has turned out. I quickly realized after my accident that I was fortunate to have good insurance, a significant amount of fundraising done on my behalf, and great family and friends. I also realized that there were many people in my condition that did not have the support, and I wanted to help them out,” said Roy in a September 2011 interview. “The TRF has since helped out hundreds of other spinal cord injured survivors through the purchase of adaptive equipment grants. These grants range from the purchase of wheelchairs, voice-activated computers, simple home modifications. My other goal for the Foundation was to raise money for research. It would be a dream come true to end paralysis. My hope for the future is that we’ll continue to be able to help more spinal cord injured survivors and fund research. Ideally, I would love for a cure to come so that the Travis Roy Foundation would no longer be needed."
This foundation, headquartered in Boston, MA, has helped families nationwide. For more information on how you can help, visit the Travis Roy Foundation website and consider volunteering or making a donation. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and are in need of adaptive equipment, and live in the Ohio area, contact us by calling 1-800-503-0052 or requesting a mobility consultation. We can provide you information on securing an individual grant from the Travis Roy Foundation.
M.C. Mobility Systems is happy to partner with any organization that helps bring independence and quality to the lives of people with disabilities. If your organization is interested in partnering with us, start by becoming a resource we can blog about. Contact our Marketing Manager directly for more information about the referral programs we currently offer to our partners by e-mailing abransom (at) mcmobilitysystems (dot) com.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Tue, Nov 15, 2011 @ 09:00 AM
Buying a wheelchair van can be expensive. Part of the job of any mobility specialist is to be able to direct our prospective buyers to funding sources that can help pay for a wheelchair accessible van. For over 20 years, M.C. Mobility Systems has been partnering with great organizations and non profits that serve the disabled community. The Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society is one of those partners and has been helping people with multiple sclerosis since 1953.
This local chapter of the MS Society provides services and programs to over 10,000 Ohians living with MS in their service area, which includes Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Youngstown, as well as all Central and Eastern Ohio Counties. The programs they offer include:
- “Knowledge is Power” and “Moving Forward” for the newly diagnosed
- Information and Referral
- MS Info for kids and teens
- Direct Assistance
- Self-Help Groups
- Wellness and Exercise
- Employment Assistance
- Scholarships
- And much more…
As part of their direct assistance programs, MS Society offers assistance purchasing the equipment necessary for MS patients to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. This includes home modification equipment and vehicle modifications:
“Home Modifications
Financial assistance can be provided toward minor home modifications such as ramps, grab bars and lifts for increased accessibility.
Vehicle Modifications
Financial assistance may be provided toward hand controls and other vehicle modifications, but Direct Assistance funds may not cover the entire cost of these projects (additional vehicle modification resources are available upon request).” – Ohio Buckeye Chapter Website
For more information about getting help with equipment, or any of the Buckeye Chapter programs, visit their website or contact the MS Society local chapter directly at 1-800-344-4867. They can provide you with all the information you need to keep on living your daily life, while they do the legwork finding a cure for this illness. Also, if you or someone you know has been effected by this disease, please consider making a donation to the Buckeye chapter, so that they can continue to offer these life changing programs.
M.C. Mobility Systems is happy to partner with any organization that helps bring independence and quality to the lives of people with disabilities. If your organization is interested in partnering with us, start by becoming a resource we can blog about. Contact our Marketing Manager directly for more information about the referral programs we currently offer to our partners by e-mailing abransom (at) mcmobilitysystems (dot) com.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Mon, Sep 26, 2011 @ 08:02 AM
Coming from State Route 32/OH Route 161 follow the signs for Industrial Pkwy that take you through 2 roundabouts. Then turn left onto Memorial Drive and take the second driveway on the right and pull through to M.C. Mobility Systems parking lot.
We're sorry for any incovenience this may cause, but it should make it much easier for your lowered floor minivan to enter and exit the store. If you have any further questions, please call our store at 614-873-1580.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Thu, Sep 15, 2011 @ 12:30 PM
The following phrase is in bold letters on Western Reserve Independent Living Center's homepage:
"The most valuable commodity of today's society is information; to a person with a disability it is essential."
This sentiment is the cornerstone of all the wonderful work done at the ILC operating out of the Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority Building at 4076 Youngstown Rd. in Warren, OH.
Independent Living Centers are typically non-residential, non-profit facilities that provide services and advocacy for people living with disabilities. The goal is to empower people with disabilities to live the most independent and fulfilling life possible within their families and communities.
Western Reserve provides numerous services to their consumers, including:
Advocacy
Western Reserve provides self-advocacy, community advocacy, and systems advocacy on behalf of consumers with disabilities.
Game Day
This is one of Western Reserve Independent Living Center's most popular programs. Once a month they offer this as a fun day out so consumers can socialize with others.
Independent Living Skills
This is a series of classes that teach the consumer skills to become more independent. These are offered every other month and are perfect for those who want to become more independent.
Artistic Expression
This is a newer program at WRILC, taught by one of their consumers that attended Pittsburgh Arts Institute.This is a great class for those who want to do creative projects, and, don't worry, no artistic skill is required. This is offered every other month.
Food Distribution
This is offered twice a month to consumers. Western Reserve distributes food that had been generously donated. Each consumer receives a prepacked box of various food items.
Computer Classes
This is offered once a week to consumers. This is a great class for anyone from beginner to advanced computer user. Classes are even offered using the JAWS program to blind consumers.
Emergency Preparedness Classes
This is a seminar offered to teach about being prepared for an emergency.
Summer Picnic
Every summer Western Reserve has a picnic for all of their consumers. This is a very popular day where consumers with disabilities gather and enjoy the day.
Holiday Party
Every December the facility hosts a holiday gathering, much like their summer picnic. All of their consumers are invited to come and have a nice celebration for the upcoming holiday season.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by Western Reserve Independent Living Center, the facility may be contacted at 330-372-3325 or via their online contact form. To make a donation to this fantastic organization, contact the facility directly.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 @ 10:11 AM
One of M.C. Mobility Systems favorite partners to work with is Building Blocks for Kids. Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K) is an Ohio-based non profit organization that provides assistance to children with health related needs. They have helped more than 250 families get the services they need so that these kiddos can live life to it's fullest, including rehabilitation therapy, mobility equipment, wheelchair vans, and much more.
BB4K has several upcoming events:
This event includes a timed 5K run/Walk, a celebratory Walk of Hope for the BB4K families, and a family picnic with entertainment, food, and fun! Come out to Mason Parks - Corwin Nixon and support this great cause.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Registration Begins: 7:30 am
Timed 5K run/walk 9:00 am
Walk of Hope: 10:30 am
Family Picnic 11:45 am
Mason Parks - Corwin Nixon
6249 S. Mason Montgomery Road
Mason, OH 45050
The 4th Annual Rusty Ball Concert will be held October 22, 2011 at the Duke Energy Center. Purchasing tickets through Building Blocks for Kids benefits the charity directly, and the event itself is benefiting over 117 other local charities. Get your tickets while they last!
The expo this year will feature Josh Blue, a comedian from Last Comic Standing with cerebral palsy, as well as Keynote Speaker Sally the R.N. who discusses humor as a way to heal. The Cerebral Palsy Resources Expo will feature disability resource providers such as M.C. Mobility Systems!
Schedule of Events:
4:00 pm - 6:45 pm Cerebral Palsy Resource Expo ~ Free
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Josh Blue ~ $30/person (Tickets will be $40 after October 1st and at the door)
Even if you are not in the area to attend these great events, please consider making a donation to this fabulous organization. For more information or to make a donation, visit: www.bb4k.org.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 @ 09:00 AM
M.C. Mobility Systems is pleased to announce a change in management at their Cincinnati branch. After many years of service to M.C. Mobility and the local community, Cassy Bell is moving out of the region and will be greatly missed. Brian Murphy has accepted her position as M.C. Mobility Systems Cincinnati Store Manager after serving as an invaluable asset to M.C. Mobility Systems’ sales force. Cassy has been personally involved with training Brian and agrees that there was no better person to replace her.
M.C. Mobility Systems, Inc was established in 1985 by Mark DiRosa and Carmen Paterniti to provide vehicle and housing modifications for the physically challenged. Recognizing the need for accessible vehicles, Ability Van Rentals was established in 1998 to provide accessible rental vans for short or long term use. Serving the physically challenged community has always been the company’s mission, and Murphy is one of the leading, expert professionals in this field.
“The work I do with M.C. Mobility has been some of the most rewarding that I’ve ever done. The rewards of the sale are much more than monetary; when somebody gains their independence for the first time in a long time, they glow. Their smile says it all, it’s worth everything to me,” said Murphy.
Brian served in the Navy for three years and the Army for nine before coming to M.C. Mobility Systems; bringing years of experience, integrity, and know-how. Murphy’s in-depth knowledge of mobility equipment, not just for vehicles, but also for the home, made him the ideal candidate for store manager when the position opened up. Murphy has been trained and certified by all of the major manufacturers, has nursing and paramedic background, and currently serves in the Air Force Reserves.
The position of Store Manager, within the mobility industry, requires extreme creativity and excellent problem solving skills. There is never an out-of-the-box solution for individuals in wheelchairs, and the responsibilities of Store Managers are to not only manage sales staff, but also the service staff that maintains customers’ equipment. The goal is always to find the vehicle or equipment that is going to meet the customer’s special needs. That vehicle or piece of equipment is not always the most expensive, which is why sales associates and managers within this industry have to possess a real passion for helping people.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Brian Murphy’s caliber working for the company,” said Dennis Charvat, M.C. Mobility General Manger; “Brian’s time in the military has honed his skills. He really understands the needs of his customers and knows how to problem solve quickly and efficiently to meet their needs.”
M.C. Mobility Systems, Inc. and Ability Van Rentals operate out of four main office locations in Cincinnati, Mentor, Dayton, and Columbus. Products and services include: vehicle lifts and ramps, home accessibility products, scooters, and accessible van rentals. For more information regarding either of these companies, or for additional logos and graphics, please contact Ann Bransom at 440-413-2405.
Posted by Ann Bransom on Wed, May 18, 2011 @ 10:51 AM
Last chance to RSVP for the Columbus Spring Fling 2011 open house! In just two more days, M.C. Mobility Systems will be hosting a wheelchair van and mobility product open house at our Plain City store on May 20th from Noon - 8pm. Make sure you don't miss the following:
One-on-ones with product manufacturers from Braun & Bruno
Free food and goodies provided in part by Jason's Deli!
Meet with disability vendors and get lots of disability resources. Canine Companions for Independence will be there from 2-4pm and Fore Hope will be at the event all day!
You'll also be eligible for win over $400 in gift giveways, including an Apple TV, an Amazon Kindle, an Amish Gift Basket, and much more!
Go to our Open House RSVP page and make sure to RSVP for you and your guests, so that we will have enough free giveaways for everyone who comes. We look forward to seeing you there!
May 20th, Noon-8 PM
7233 Industrial Pkwy.
Plain City, OH 43064
RSVP today and let us know you are coming by visiting www.mcmobilitysystems.com/rsvp.