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BraunAbility News

View the editorial list below to learn about recent BraunAbility news. If you have any questions or comments, contact us at mediaquestions@braunability.com.

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Ralph Braun Featured on Nickelodeon’s "Blaze and the Monster Machines" Cartoon

BraunAbility’s founder and the inventor of the world’s first wheelchair accessible vehicle - Ralph Braun - was recently featured in an episode of Blaze and the Monster Machines. The Nickelodeon TV show explores science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics for preschool-aged children. The show follows a young boy named AJ, and his monster truck friend, Blaze as they compete to win the Mega Mud Mile. In this episode, AJ is eager to get behind the wheel, but having recently injured his leg, he is unable to drive, so Blaze travels back in time to meet Ralph Braun. With Ralph’s help, Blaze learns about accessibility and takes home the victory in the Mega Mud Mile.

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BraunAbility Recognized by The Valuable 500 for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

BraunAbility was recognized by The Valuable 500 for commitment to disability inclusion during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn about our inclusive workplace initiatives below.

Decorated paralympian, Steve Serio, visits BraunAbility

Five-time Paralympian and three-time gold medalist Steve Serio, former Team USA Wheelchair Basketball Captain, visited BraunAbility in Indiana. He shared his journey from feeling insecure as a child with a disability to becoming a world-class athlete and advocate. Now retired, Serio toured the manufacturing plant, spoke with employees, and highlighted the importance of accessible vehicles for people with disabilities.

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2023 accessible product of the year winner

BraunAbility and General Motors Recognized for Product of the Year for the Accessible Traverse

Disability:IN chose the BraunAbility Chevrolet Traverse as its 2023 Product of the Year for the choice, freedom and equality it offers people with physical disabilities.

Tips to Modify and Buy Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

From crash-tested wheelchairs to conversion vans, options abound. AARP higlights BraunAbility as they explore wheelchair accessible vehicles and accessories.

MotorTrend Applauds the BraunAbility Traverse

The mainstream automotive media giant praises the style, space and design integrity of the accessible SUV with the headline “Cool Wheels for the Wheeled."

USDOT Announces Winners of its First-Ever Inclusive Design Challenge

USDOT announced the winners of its Inclusive Design Challenge, a competition focused on enhancing mobility options for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. First place went to Purdue University who partnered with BraunAbility.

How could future autonomous transportation be accessible to everyone?

BraunAbility and Purdue University are steering autonomous vehicle innovation toward inclusiveness for people with disabilities.

04/05/22 - BraunAbility and SAWs Partner to Build Free Ramps
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. Read Full Article
04/21/22 - May Mobility Partner to Advance AV Accessibility
BraunAbility, the world’s largest manufacturer of mobility solutions and the autonomous vehicle (AV) technology company, May Mobility are partnering to develop and deploy the first ADA-compliant AVs to the public by late 2022. Read Full Article
03/10/23 - BraunAbility and Partners Donate Vehicle to Indiana Family
BraunAbility donated a Toyota Sienna Hybrid to an Indiana family in partnership with Superior Van and Mobility, Toyota Mobility, and Huntington Bank to continue celebrating 50 years of leadership in automotive mobility. Read Full Article
03/29/23 - Injured Police Officer Receives Donation
BraunAbility, Carver Toyota, and Superior Van and Mobility joined fellow Hoosiers to gift an accessible vehicle to a police officer who was paralyzed in the line of duty. Read Full Article
01/05/23 - New Year, New Hope for a Family Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
BraunAbility partnered with Laughing at My Nightmare to donate a CompanionVan to a Texas family to wrap up its 50th anniversary celebration. Read Full Article
04/09/24 - New Chrysler ADA Infloor Van with Simple Stow
BraunAbility announced the launch of its latest innovation, the BraunAbility ADA Infloor with Simple Stow™ ramp, the only infloor wheelchair accessible vehicle to meet Buy America requirements. Read Full Article
02/06/23 - BraunAbility Launches New Line of Assistive Vehicle Seating Products at Select Retail Locations
BraunAbility announced the launch of its expanded selection of Turny seating products at select retail locations across the United States. The line of vehicle seating solutions is engineered to make automotive travel easier and safer for Americans living with a mobility disability. Read Full Article
03/07/24 - BraunAbility Announces CEO Change
BraunAbility announced that Staci Kroon, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will depart BraunAbility. Scott Nelson, currently President of North America Manufacturing, will be named President and CEO. Read Full Article
11/13/23 - 4th Annual Drive for Inclusion Report Card
While many caregivers feel a sense of purpose in their work caring for individuals with physical disabilities, over 61% said that doing so has made their own health worse. Read more caregiver insights in BraunAbility’s 2023 Drive for Inclusion Report Card. Read Full Article
03/01/23 - Reimagined FirstWheelchair Accessible Vehicle
To recognize its 50th anniversary, BraunAbility issued an internal challenge that honored a legacy of innovation and incorporated the future of mobility technology. Named 'Ralph-E’ after the company’s founder, the refurbished 1961 postal Jeep bridges the company’s history of innovation to the future of personal accessible travel. Read Full Article

BraunAbility Events

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Disability Awareness Events

May 1 - 31

Mobility Awareness Month

With over 10% of Americans living with a disability that impacts their mobility, the month of May is a time to celebrate people with mobility challenges and recognize the ongoing mobility and accessibility barriers people with mobility disabilities face.

Jul 26

Anniversary of the Signing of the ADA

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The civil rights law expanded upon the existing Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to protect disabled people against discrimination and create laws to ensure accessibility in public and private spaces.

Oct 1 - 31

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

The Bureau of Labor statistics found that the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is twice as high as those without disabilities. Every October, we celebrate NDEAM to shed light on the positive impact, perspective, & value disabled employees

Nov 1 - 30

American Diabetes Month

American Diabetes Month is observed in November to raise awareness about diabetes and to support those living with the disease

Dec 3

International Day of Disabilities

Recognized by the UN in 1992, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated every year on December 3. It helps to bring awareness, acceptance, and action to create a more inclusive world for the 1.3 billion people living with a disability.