Address: 1024 Empire Street Mt. Carmel, IL 62863
Phone: 618-262-7117
Although the business did not originally operate under the BraunAbility name, beginning instead as B&D Independence, it has remained a successful and growing organization—celebrating 50 years of operation this year.
B&D Independence was acquired by BraunAbility on August 1, 2016. BraunAbility is the world’s leading manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and wheelchair lifts for both personal and commercial applications. Founded nearly 50 years ago by Ralph Braun, BraunAbility has grown into the most recognized and trusted brand in the mobility industry, delivering independence to tens of thousands of individuals worldwide.
BraunAbility Mount Carmel, formerly known as B&D Independence, is the leading manufacturer of transfer seat bases worldwide. A transfer seat base is installed in a wheelchair-accessible van and enables an individual to transfer safely and independently from their wheelchair into either the driver or passenger seat.
In addition to transfer seat bases, BraunAbility Mount Carmel manufactures the UWR, a wheelchair restraint system designed to secure a manual wheelchair while the user is either driving or riding after transferring from the base. In 2019, the product lineup expanded with the addition of the Turny® Evo. The BraunAbility Turny Evo is a fully powered turning and lowering transfer seat designed to help individuals with limited mobility safely enter and exit high-profile vehicles. At the touch of a button, the seat rotates outward and lowers to a customized height, making it easier to transfer from a wheelchair or stand directly from the seat.
BraunAbility Mount Carmel’s newest product is the Lift Sentinel, a safety guard that automatically deploys at the front of a wheelchair lift to prevent individuals from entering the open area while the lift is deployed. The Lift Sentinel bolts onto any model-year 2005 or newer lift, making it a versatile and valuable safety upgrade. “This is an enhanced security feature to make our operators and passengers more comfortable as they’re loading and unloading passengers.”
Today, these products are sold through an extensive distribution network of over 450 dealers worldwide. For more information, please visit our website.