New Mobility Newsletter – June 18, 2024

Products

Sony PS5 Access Controller: Reviewed

Avid gamer Mike Franz had been waiting for a more accessible way to play some of the announced games available only on PlayStation 5. When Sony released its Access Controller late last year, Franz knew he had to have…two. Using dual controllers to create his ultimate accessible gaming setup, he quickly mastered the controls of every game he tried. Read how Franz customized his setup and what problems he encountered along the way.

Airline access

Delta and Collins Aerospace Race Toward Wheelchair Safety

At a major aircraft show this month, two big aviation players unveiled their own innovative wheelchair safety solutions that could revolutionize flying for disabled passengers. Safety systems from Delta Flight Products and Collins Aerospace allow wheelchair users to remain in their chairs while flying and require few modifications to airline cabins. Read more about the new designs and how close they are to taking to the skies.

Perspectives

How religion affected my growing up with a disability

Reflecting on his childhood, Greg Moomjy realizes that the teachings of his church shaped much of his view of his disability. He saw it as something that could be cured by a miracle or, when that didn’t work, as an object of inspiration. Moomjy shares how a disabled theologian helped him understand disability as part of the diversity of God’s creation.

Roadmaps: the fear of exclusion

Rebekah Taussig and Hannah Soyer respond to the reader’s deep-seated fear of being excluded from a group of friends because of their disability. “I still hold back and protect my heart a lot,” Taussig writes. “But when I took a big leap and kept my arms open, despite the risk, I glimpsed something that seemed true: we are our own parachutes. Whether friends stay, leave or return, I believe with a painful hope that we will land, we will cry and we will survive.”

Pro tips

Traveling with and without a caregiver

For many wheelchair users, deciding whether to travel alone or with a caregiver or companions can be difficult. As attractive as solo travel is, not everyone is physically capable. On the other hand, sometimes you can travel alone, but doing so comes with unexpected costs. Jenny Smith talks to wheelchair users about how they decide when to travel with a carer and, when they do, how to manage the complications of having another person on the trip.