Technology is dramatically changing our lives. Two companies that are getting people, out of their wheelchairs, are: 

1) Ekso Bionics

2) Rex Bionics 

I'm talking about technologies that you would find in science fiction novels, here. Alas, the reality of these life changing technologies also comes with substantively high price tags. Get ready to pay over a hundred thousand dollars to walking. Allow me to challenge these companies again to, a Walk Across America. Here's what I'm proposing: that they outfit individuals with mobility issues to walk across the country, from New York to California, to raise money toward providing their some of their very own products to the individuals across the globe who so desperately need them. This challenge benefits everybody. Not only do these companies provide resources to folks who need them, they get national and international media exposure, and the public can better determine if their high prices are worth the cost of their products, by learning more about them and what they can do.

In June of 2013, I challenged Ekso Bionics to Walk Across America!  A company spokesperson asked if I would remove the post from my Facebook page. I did as requested, as a gesture of respect.  My ambition was to give Ekso a platform to highlight this ground-breaking technology. I strongly believe in helping others. This was a perfect campaign to get people out of their wheelchairs and walking. I once again challenged these companies to host a Walk Across America. Let us see how these technologies stand up to the rigors of daily use! Walking outside, up and down stairs, and traversing hills. Then we can better determine whether the price tag is just and ethical. This media event may help bring the high prices down, and will definitely gain these companies exposure. Think about this: corporate sponsorship is a vital part of professional sports. The handicap community has to take a more active role in attracting corporate sponsorship. Corporate America has not fully realized the potential of advertising and promoting sporting events for the disabled community.

Help me change that!

I urge you to visit the websites of Ekso Bionics and Rex Bionics. Give them your feedback. Determine for yourself if the Walking Across America Challenge is a worthwhile cause. United, we can change lives.  

Please visit my website. You can translate the page from Swedish to English with online translation tools. 

*Image courtesy Flickr creative commons.