BraunAbility News and Events

BraunAbility celebrates a historic moment in film as Wicked’s second installment embraces authentic disability representation with the casting of Marissa Bode as Nessarose. Bode, who uses a wheelchair, brings lived experience to the role, and the film’s creative team has committed to adapting the storyline to maintain that authenticity—marking a significant step toward inclusivity in Hollywood. To honor this milestone, BraunAbility has released a special video and invites audiences to explore more about this film and others that spotlight disability as a central theme, reinforcing the importance of accurate and meaningful representation on screen.

In a recent testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, BraunAbility Americas President Craig Schrimsher highlighted key challenges veterans face in accessing adaptive transportation. His remarks, supported by industry partners and dealers, contributed to bipartisan discussions on improving trade-in policies, reducing payment delays, and updating reimbursement schedules. This testimony follows the passage of H.R. 1364, which formally recognizes medically necessary adaptive vehicle modifications as medical services, reinforcing BraunAbility’s ongoing efforts to advance accessibility for veterans.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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