Hometown News and Views

By Phyllis J. Neuberger

Activity Mobility Center is filled with surprises to a first time visitor because it offers so much more than the latest in scooters and other manufactured products that keep customers mobile.  Located at 1401 SW 13 Court, it is just west of Andrews on 13 Court across from Stimpsons.

Sitting down with owner, Carey Britton and general manager, Rich Ruggieri, The Pelican was amazed at the products offered and the customized fit for clients to Scooters, beds, bathrooms, stair lifts, overhead patient lifts, power lifts, gait trainers for rehabilitation and more.

Britton is a certified ATP [Assistant Technology Provider] with www.resna.org. He explains, “To become an ATP one must be an experienced rehab technologist, be endorsed by medical professionals and pass an examination.  I am also a S.M.S. which is a Seating Mobility Specialist and I’m the only one in South Florida. When it comes to custom designing for our customers I am the main assessor.”

The retail showroom is filled with a large selection of mobility assisting vehicles. According to General Manager Ruggieri, there’s a  perfect answer for both children and adults with mobility challenges. He and Ruth Scheman are both 25 year experts as mobility consultants. Britton says, “We are thrilled to have them as part of our team. We also have four full time service technicians who can custom make and service any adaptation needed. There is no company in South Florida that can match our kind of technological expertise.”

“We accept most insurances and we have insurance specialists who help clients with the  paper work required. We do home visits and assessments. Our technicians will service clients in their homes whenever necessary.”

The goal of Active Mobility Center is to help clients remain functional and independent. “We listen,” Britton says, “and we build a relationship to find the best answer to each individual’s needs.”

The Pelican spoke to Ellen Cohen who, along with husband Bob, have been customers for 20 years. Ellen says, “They have been wonderful to deal with. My husband and I are both in wheeled vehicles. We have been totally pleased with the way we are cared for by Benay Britton  [Carey’s mother]. She never pushes any product. She informs a customer and once a choice has been made, Active Mobility is eager to assist with any needed modifications.  I would never go anywhere else for our vehicles.”

Ann Marie Koury, a nurse, says her patient who is confined to a wheel chair has been made more comfortable thanks to the adaptations provided by Active Mobility. “The staff made us feel both welcome and confident that we were in good hands.”

In business since 1992, this company president shares a bit of his business’s history. “We started as Amigo Mobility Center, a Scooter franchise. By 2000, we realized that our clients’ mobility issues required more specialized and individualized equipment. We separated from the franchise in order to provide a full range of equipment which we design and service.”

Behind the showroom is a huge service center with state-of-the-art equipment and a stockroom filled with supplies and parts. The sitting room has demo cushions and backs for customer trials and assessments.

Ruggiari adds, “We feel the client deserves much more than simply choosing a wheeled vehicle. The choices are many. It takes expertise to assess what is actually the best vehicle, or adaptation for each customer’s needs.”

This business is a Registered Rehab Technology Supplier. Britton sits on the board of directors of the national organization, which lobbies congress for the betterment of the industry and the client.

Customers visiting the showroom will find well known manufacturers of mobility vehicles represented such as Amigo, Pride, E.V. Rider and more. Britton says, “We differ from our competitors in that we have the knowledge and equipment to adapt these vehicles and make them even more functional. We’re competitive in price and seldom challenged by insurance companies.”

“Every year we see improvements so our staff is required to have continued education to insure that they know how to work with the newest technology,” says Ruggieri. He adds, “Part of our service is to insure that the customer knows the proper function, maintenance and warranties on what they are buying and wheeling around in. When we make a delivery to a home, we spend up to an hour being sure the clients know everything about the use and care of their mobility vehicles.”

Britton raps up this interview with, “It’s wonderful to go home every night knowing that we have improved the lives of others.”

There’s a new, all natural product, Protandim, carried in the store that claims to reduce free radical damage linked to over 200 illnesses. Every member of the staff is taking it and giving it raves. For more information, stop by.

Open Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; appointments for emergencies available. Call 954-946-5793 or visit www.wheelchairguys.com.