Person of the Year
I applaud and thank Reveca for everything she has accomplished through Backbones [“Person of the Year: Reveca Torres,” January 2016]. Reveca has channeled her enthusiasm and creativity into making Backbones a great way for people with disabilities to connect and express themselves. I can’t wait until the app is available. She is breaking down barriers for everyone with a disability.
Carlos Saez, Independent Driving Systems
Houston, Texas

POY Well-Deserved
Reveca is an amazing spirit and well-deserved Person of the Year!
Ellen Stohl
Northridge, California

Generous Heart
Reveca is an inspiration to all of us! Amazing energy and a generous heart!
Sudesh Kannan
via newmobility.com

Snorkeling’s the Best
We love Cancun! [“Mexico’s Yucatan,” January 2016]. We usually stay at the Royal Caribbean/Royal Islander resort [twin “neighbor” resorts]. They have a pool lift (under a tarp in the bar area) and a wheelchair cabana. The whole place has ramps and wide-enough doorways. The only hard part is the ramp to get in the hotel is extremely steep, and it takes you to, of course, the freight elevator. But we have returned to that resort four or five times. We loved Chichen Itza, but thought Tulum was way too much work. My favorite thing is snorkeling! It’s the closest I’ve found to not being a wheelchair user for a few hours.
Carrie Lamont
via newmobility.com

AJ Brockman: Soul Food
A most inspiring story of two amazing people [“AJ Brockman: Portrait of An Artist …” January 2016]. Allen Rucker’s writing goes right to our heart and soul — just what I am needing right now. Will be in south Florida next week and will head to the Brewhouse Gallery.
Del Foxton
via newmobility.com

Brockman and Brewhouse
What a great article for an amazing person and an awesome mom! Love The Brewhouse. You have to experience it to understand it!
Pam Beiter Sartory
via newmobility.com

CPAP Expands Lungs
I acquired my SCI 40 years ago. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about three years ago [“Healthy Tips for Healthy Lungs,” January 2016]. I have found the CPAP to be very helpful with clearing my lungs. Often, at night, I find myself with productive coughing after about 30 minutes of CPAP use. I think it helps to loosen the phlegm and expand the lungs.
Georzetta Ratcliffe
via newmobility.com

Richmond Chapter
As a new member of the Richmond chapter of USA, I echo and appreciate Richard Bagby’s well worded comments [“Spotlight,” January 2016]. We hope to be impactful in our community, positively shedding light on accessibility.
Clement Sydnor
via newmobility.com

What Wheelchair Service?!
I vowed not to use the wheelchair dealer in town when they had me sit in the lobby for 45 minutes while they were supposedly putting in new wheelchair batteries, only to be told they didn’t have any in stock [“Poor Wheelchair Service,” Everyday Advocacy, January 2016]. My chair then stopped running and displayed an error code. They told me it was the controller, and would cost me $1,900. Luckily I had my old chair as a backup.

After two weeks I called to see what progress was being made. They told me they were still waiting for the part. I called Invacare to ask why it was taking so long, and Invacare told me they had never received a call, and they had plenty of controllers in stock. I called the dealer back and learned they were ordering the part from their own in-house parts department. When the part finally arrived, they installed it and the chair still didn’t work. Finally someone opened up the chair and discovered a disconnected wire. It could have been fixed the first day for the minimum labor charge of $75!
Diane Mettam
via newmobility.com

Wheelchair Light Available
As a volunteer with Vancouver-based Tetra Society of North America, I hasten to make your readers aware of an effective multi-purpose LED wheelchair light available from www.tetrasociety.org [“Wheelchair Users More Likely to be Struck …,” January 2016 News]. Just now moving into production, it is impressive.
Burke Corbet
Vancouver, B.C., Canada