Wheelchair Clinic at Broward Center for Independent Living

This past Friday, November 1st, we held our 2nd Wheelchair and Seating Clinic hosted by Broward Center for Independent Living, Nova University and Active Mobility Center.  The clinic is held the first Friday of each Month; offering education, adjustments and recommendations on adatpive and rehab equipment used by people with Mobility Impairments within our community.

This clinic was started with the concern that many people do not know much about their equipment or the importance of seating and positioning. Through the development of a progam with Adrienne Lauer, OT and professor at Nova University and Carey Britton, Seating/Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center, we have started something special.

This month, we met with 11 individuals to help maintain and improve their seating and mobility.  We expect to expand these services and are constantly listening to attendee's on how we can improve our program.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Brian at BCIL  954-722-6400.

This article was provided by Active Mobility Center which is located in Pompano Beach Florida, and questions or comments can be directed to (954) 946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Active Moblity Center at DisAbilities Expo 2013

This past Sunday, October 5th, was the Disabilities Expo which is the longest running expo for special needs in South Florida.  Active Mobility Center has been participating in this expo for nearly 20 years.  This years exhibit was larger, and more attended.  In addition to having equipment providers, there were several adaptive vans, many support organizations and a large number of new sports activities and groups to allow individuals with special needs an opportunity to get out there and be involved.

This year there was an all day wheelchair basket ball tournament and a runway fashion show. 

It was great to see many of our satisfied customers, and see many more individuals who were looking for education and guidance through the seating, mobility and equipment process. 

This was the first year we were able to have five members of Active Mobility Center at the exhibit to help showcase our products and services, as well to learn about other opportunities and services from other exhibiting providers.

If you didn't get a chance to get out to this event, look for this to recur next October. Carey Britton, is a Seating and Mobility Specialist with Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com

Nova South Eastern University OTs come to Active Mobility Center

On Monday, we welcomed nearly 40 second year Occupational Therapy Students for a morning Seating and Mobility training.  Each year, we host this training to provide a glimpse into the world of complex rehab and assistive technology equipment.  We divided the group in to four groups and created stations including; Insurance Coverage and the process of getting equipment, manual wheelchairs and scooters, seating and positioning, and powered wheelchairs.

With smaller groups, the OTs were able to ask questions and interact with each presentation. At the Insurance coverage session, the groups heard how complicated the process is. There are many changes in health care that make the intake, insurance verification and needed documentation a specialized process. The groups were disappointed in learning that the complex rehab process can take 2-4 months for patients to receive their permanent equipment.

At the manual wheelchair and scooter group, they learned about standard through ultra light wheelchairs, about tilt in space and recliners, and the differences in scooters. The groups were fascinated on how the process to determine the equipment was more involved that thought. They had not learned about competitive bidding and how it is negatively affecting individuals needing this type of equipment.

The groups learned about how many different types of foam cushions, contoured cushions, and molded seating types there were. Some were overwhelmed not sure how they could ever grasp how much information, and options were available.

In the powered wheelchair group, the students were shown the different types of powered wheelchairs, different ways to control them, powered seating systems and were able to trial driving these chairs; including a stand and drive permobil. 

Concluding the program we discussed how important the team (physician, therapy staff, equipment provider, individual and caregivers) is in equipment provision.  We discussed how the physician initiates and drives the process; however the PT and OT are just as important, and in some cases more important.  We discussed the importance of a good dialogue on the history of the patient, their past equipment experience, patient environment, patient dimensions, patient goals, and caregiver needs.  It is critically important to gather this information, and openly discuss the options to ensure that the patient is satisfied and that their life is improved. What is selected and provided affects that patient for a minimum of five years. 

It was impressed on these students, that if they find themselves helping someone with complex rehab, that they seek assistance if they are unsure of what best resolves the needs.  We explained that ego's should be checked at the door as the process is not for us, but the individual needing this equipment.  We suggested that once they find a position that they find a peer mentor to help them. Additionally they should find a RESNA and/or NRRTS registered provider to be part of their seating and mobility team/program.

Although many of these OTs may never be involved with Complex Rehab Equipment, they now have some basic knowledge, were give some valuable tools and have  a better respect for Complex Rehab Equipment.

This article was provided by Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist for Active Mobility Center located in Pompano Beach, Florida. Carey can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .