History of Mobility Rules®
2023 - Mobility Rules and WFG National Title teach class on Home Features for Accessibility
Our WFG National Title – Oregon Gresham office had a fantastic class taught by our mobility expert instructors (Cathie Ross and Troy L Farnsworth). It was on understanding the challenges with mobility both in residential homes and commercial buildings. It is safe to say we all learned so much.
Most importantly though James Lee shared his journey about how he became wheel chair bound and completely reliant on others. In fact he mentioned if you really wanted to have a full understanding attempt to be in a wheelchair for just a day or two and go about your daily activities.
You don’t know what you don’t know. James brought his bus to fill with school supplies! I can’t believe so many students are back in school already and others prepare for the new school year next week. Thus we also supported of the KGW School Supply Drive. Fill That Bus!
We are reminded that not all families have the means to provide their children with the necessary school supplies. But with your help, we managed to collect school a bunch of pencils, paper and pens – those will all be donated right in our own community.
Your support and contributions made a difference in the lives of many. In addition we learned so much about how we can help have a better understanding of those with disabilities and just a glimpse of the challenges they may have in just opening a door – something most of us take for granted every day.
It takes a village. Together we can make the world a better place. 
2022 - Bionic Exoskeletons and Eye-Controlled Wheelchairs
Bionic exoskeletons, designed to help individuals with mobility impairments stand, walk, and even climb stairs, saw significant improvements.
Innovations in eye-tracking technology led to the development of eye-controled wheelchairs. These wheelchairs allowed users to navigate their homes using eye movements, offering a new level of autonomy for individuals with severe mobility limitations.
New Technological Innovations That Are Improving Care for the Disabled (healthtechzone.com)
2021 - Remote Working Innovations and Digital Inclusion Initiatives
Organizations like Valuable 500, a community of global CEOs, pushed for greater digital inclusion. They encouraged the development of technologies to support people with disabilities working from home, addressing barriers such as accessibility in the visual and audio networking tools.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote working technologies, which significantly benefited people with disabilities.
2020 - Congratulations on 30th Anniversary! Mobility Rules Outreach and Education platform is based on the ADA Guidelines and Standards!
The year marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), celebrating three decades of progress in civil rights for people with disabilities. This milestone highlighted the significant social impact of the ADA, including protections against descrimination and the requirement for reasonable accoidations.
Ongoing efforts to improve the economic inclusion and overall quality of life for people with disabilities.
2019 - Accessibility in Housing and Transportation
The 2019 Annual Report on People with Disabilities in America included indicators related to the accessibility of mass transit and housing.
2018 - Voice-Activated Assistants
Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home became more sophisticated, allowing users to control various home functions through voice commands.
This included turning lights on and off, adjusting thermostats, and even locking doors
2017 – Home Automation Systems
Apple’s HomeKit and other home automation systems enabled seamless integration of various smart devices. This allowed users to control lighting, security systems, and appliances through a single interface, enhancing independence and safety.
Devices like smart doorbells with video capabilities (e.g. Ring) and smart security systems provided additional safety and convivence.
These technologies allowed users to see and communicate with visitors remotely
Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home became more sophisticated, allowing users to control various home functions through voice commands.
This included turning lights on and off, adjusting thermostats, and even locking doors.
2016 – Smart Home Technology
Several innovative changes were made to enhance mobility and accessibility within the home environment for families with disabilities. The integration of smart home devices became more prevalent, offering voice-activated controls for lighting, thermostats, and security systems.
These devices provided greater independence for individuals with mobility impairments
2015 – Introduction of the Microsoft Adaptive Controller
A notable positive event in accessibility was the introduction of the Microsoft Adaptive Controller. This innovative device was designed to make gaming more accessible for people with disabilities. The controller features large programmable buttons and can be connected to a variety of external devices like switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks, allowing for a highly customizable gaming experience.
The Adaptive Controller was developed in collaboration with organizations like The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, and Warfighter Engaged.
It’s inspiring to see how technology can be leveraged to create more inclusive experiences!
2014 - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued new regulations
A significantly positive event in the realm of accessibility occurred to improve air travel for passengers with disabilities. These regulations mandated that airlines make their websites and airport kiosks accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The rules required airlines to ensure that their websites met the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 standards, making it easier for passengers with visual impairments to book flights and access important travel information.
2013 - Cathie Ross supports Homes for Heros®
Cathie Ross, as a Senior Mortgage Specialist for Directors Mortgage (NMLS# 207927) is proud to be a Homes for Heroes® Affiliated Lender!
If you are active or retired military, firefighter, police officer, first responder, doctor, nurse, or teacher, you qualify for Hero Rewards!
Making life easier for disabled veterans | Mobility Rules (sg-host.com)
More than 13 percent of the American population is over 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, that number will grow to nearly 20 percent. More seniors are choosing to age in place through home upgrades.
2012 - Retirement Revolution – Challenges of for an aging population
PBS.org Retirement Revolution
Retirement Revolution is a documentary showcasing the challenges of retiring for an aging population with a changing financial landscape. View videos, read stories, and access resources by visiting their website.
2011 - The Oregonian - Levels of Accessibility Gain Importance Topic: Mobility Rules CMC Designation
Would you know an accessible home if you saw one? The demand for homes with accessible features is growing and we are here to help. Mobility Rules and the Certified Mobility Consultant designation are covered in The Oregonian.
Levels of accessibility gain importance as boomer population grows | Mobility Rules (sg-host.com)
2010 - CMC Resource Directory Expands Outreach and Education with Products and Services
Our CMC Member Services were expanded with the addition of a Resources Directory plus access to a special lending program to finance home modifications for accessibility. The Directory contains listings for all 50 states including home modification grants and loans, where to find accessible housing information online and other resources compiled specifically for Mobility Rules®.
Having more accessible housing benefits the owner and their visitors!
2009 - Mobility Rules (CMC) Course offered by OnlineED a leading eduation company
Mobility Rules® selected OnlineEd.com, a leading online education company, to administer the Certified Mobility Consultant (CMC) course. OnlineEd courses are developed and provided by top trainers, coaches, and industry professionals. This association will streamline the CMC testing process and bring the course to a wider audience.
2008 - Cathie Ross receives a US Patent for Top Ten Accessibility Ruler
We are proud to announce that Cathie Ross has received a U.S. Patent for her Top Ten Accessibility Ruler, created for the Mobility Rules® program. This easy-to-use tool combines the Top Ten Rules for Accessible Living along with an easy-to-use ruler containing all the important accessibility measurements. To learn more about the ruler, or order a ruler online, visit the Mobility Rules® Accessibility Ruler page.
Here is a convenient tool that can be easily used to establish and measure the essentials for accessible homes. The “Top 10 Guidelines for Accessible Living” are also printed on the ruler for quick reference.
The ruler unfolds to 36 inches long. Use it to measure doorways, ramp slope, wheelchair radius, and much more.
Folded size is 1″ wide x 13 3/8″ long. Design Patent No. D569,747
2008 - The Oregonian - Mobility Rules and HomeBridge Topic: Supporting Accessible Home Seach
Mobility Rules®, LLC and HomeBridge.org (accessible home search) were included in the lead story featuring accessible homes in the Oregonian real estate section on June 15, 2008.
2007 - Retirement Revolution – Challenges of for an aging population.
CMC Membership continues to grow. Our educational outreach now includes a new video series with samples posted on YouTube. To view our channel, visit http://youtube.com/mobilityrules. Branding changes include a more universal and focused design. The Top Ten Guidelines for Accessible Living Ruler is now available for secure, instant ordering online.
2006 - Mobility Rules® created Certified Mobility Consultant Designation – CMC Benefits
Cathie Ross, owner of Bridges To Mobility and Kimberly Powell, a founder of HS1 (Home Search One, Inc.) combined forces to form Mobility Rules®, LLC. Mobility Rules® will offer training tools and education to encourage the advancement of accessible housing. Mobility Rules® is also the home of a new designation, the CMC (Certified Mobility Consultant). CMC benefits include a listing on the MobilityRules.com website directory and networking with professionals and businesses in the field.
2005 - Mobility Rules®, Oregon’s RMLS, and Fair Housing Council of Oregon – How to better serve people with disabilities.
The RMLS™ presented website enhancements to better identify accessible housing in the databases of homes listed for sale. In collaboration with Bridges to Mobility and the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, a training curriculum has been approved to educate Realtors® on the use of these enhancements to better serve the disabled community.
This year has included presentations at various real estate industry conferences, as well as the National CMLS conference, identifying Oregon as a leader in the industry for positively furthering fair housing opportunities for all individuals with disabilities.
2004 - Cathie Ross works with Fair Housing Council of Oregon to secure a Federal HUD grant.
Bridges to Mobility assisted the Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) and Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) to secure a Federal HUD grant. This grant was awarded in September for an Education and Outreach Initiative Project. The purpose of the grant is to educate the community and enhance the search tools on the RMLS™ website allowing the public and the real estate professionals to easily identify accessible features in homes for sale.
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
September 2024 FHCO Education and Outreach Initiative Program
2003 - Outreach and Education changes the way to look “Accessible” housing in real estate.
Created a strategy for “Making a Good Idea Better” which included Outreach and Education targeting changes in the way we look at “Accessible” housing within the real estate community. Presentations were given to various real estate professionals and associations that had the power to make the changes possible.
2000-2002 - Development of the Resource Directory – Focus: Home Accessibility features
Continued development of the Resource Directory with Realtors®, Contractors, and Service Providers who specialize and focus on finding or modifying homes to become accessible and increase mobility.
2000 - The Vision Begins – What is accessible housing?
Established Bridges to Mobility with the ultimate goal to be able to identify accessible housing allowing individuals to function independently at the highest level possible within their home environment. Focused on, “What is accessible housing?”