Philadelphia, PA, July 7, 2009 - Freedom Sciences is pleased to announce that it has received expanded FDA approval for its Motion Control Module (MCM) which is a key component of Freedom Sciences’ Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS™), an independent driving solution for powered wheelchair users.

On June 25th, 2008 Freedom Sciences had received initial approval from the FDA on its Motion Control Module covering the MK5 powered wheelchair controller, and then just recently, on July 6th, 2009 Freedom Sciences received notification from the FDA that the MK6 controller has also met FDA approval. This means that the Freedom Sciences ATRS mobility system can now support the entire Invacare line of quality powered wheelchairs.

ATRS enables users of powered wheelchairs to safely, economically, and independently transport their powered wheelchair into and out of a wide range of structurally unmodified vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans. In ATRS, the MCM transforms a standard powered wheelchair into a “smart chair” that eliminates the need for a caregiver to assist the powered wheelchair user into the vehicle, and provides powered wheelchair users the ability to enter and exit their vehicle completely independently. Using state-of-the-art robotics and automation technologies, this “smart chair” self-navigates between the driver’s position of the vehicle and a platform lift at the rear of the vehicle that secures and stows the powered wheelchair during transport.

“All of us at Freedom Sciences are extremely proud that we now have a complete line of quality Invacare powered wheelchairs that are readily available to consumers that desire an auto-mobility system other than a structurally lowered floor minivan,” said Tom Panzarella, Freedom Sciences’ chief technology officer and lead engineer of the ATRS system.

An ATRS user since May of 2008, Tom Palermo, a Bronze Star Vietnam veteran and realtor from Somers Point, NJ, commented, “I’ve always equated driving a van to being like a soccer mom. That is not for me. Nothing against lowered floor minivans, but I’m just not a minivan guy. With ATRS, I’m able to operate a vehicle that truly fits my lifestyle…ATRS has truly given me my independence back, in more ways than I can describe. I think it is the greatest invention…thank you Freedom Sciences!”

Freedom Sciences also recently received notification from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) that the ATRS system has been accepted for purchase by the Division for Rehabilitation Services for DARS consumers.

Along with the Freedom Seat and full-line of mobility lifts, the ATRS is distributed through the company’s existing nationwide network of mobility equipment dealers.

For more information and to view a video of ATRS, visit http://www.freedomsciences.com/.