Happy Thanksgiving from All of us at Active Mobility Center

It never ceases to amaze me on how fast the last quarter of the year goes by.  I am sitting here reflecting on 2013, and how things have changed.  Thanksgiving for many is their favorite holiday, certainly not due to the commercialism; but because it is a time to spend with family and friends. I find myself seeing more advertisements for the December Holidays, where society is trying to take away any enjoyment of Fall and Thanksgiving.

I am reminded that Thanksgiving is much more than sitting around the table eating Turkey and watching football. It is a time to be thankful for your family, your friends and where you are with your life.  Even if for a day, to step back in time, and reduce all of the distractions and to re-engage with your friends and family and to be grateful for what we have.  The personal relationships are much more valuable than what is going on with facebook, twitter, and the rest of the digital world.

At Active Mobility Center, we are grateful for all the support from our staff, our customers, our business partners, our referral sources, and the funding sources who enable our staff and it's abilities to make every day independence day.  We believe with Thanksgiving occurs every day of the year.

Any questions, or comments can be directed to, Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist for Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793, or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

One More Reason to be Angry with Medicare !!

If you are a user of DME and Mobility Equipment, here's another reason for you to be upset !It's official, Medicare has reclassified Tilt in Space manual wheelchairs, powered assist wheels, and pediatric wheelchairs as capped rentals.  This was released late on Friday....Happy Thanksgiving?

This will, if implemented, certainly affect access and the quality of equipment provided to people with significant special needs. 

Tilt in Space Wheelchairs- many of you know that tilt in space wheelchairs, are specialty wheelchairs, that require a face to face visit, a specialty evaluation from a therapist and an ATP to be involved. These tilt in space wheelchairs involve specialty seating and positioning equipment and require a high level of technical experience from the equipment supplier to ensure the most appropriate equipment is provided.

The costs associated with having ATPs and Technicians to provide and support for this equipment have now tipped the scales.  Tilt in space wheelchairs are near $3000, with all the documentation, and expenses required to provide this equipment, suppliers will now be forced to accept ~ $250/month.  How many equipment suppliers can wait 7-9 months to recoop their investments on wheelchairs that are custom ordered and fitted to a individual?

Most specialty providers have already been excluded out of  much of the DME program (Durable Medical Equipment), where the new round of competitive bidding recently gave access to all standard wheelchairs to winning bidders.  This was a huge blow, as the winning bidders of this equipment do not (in most cases) have ATP certified technicians, leaving these companies to determine which wheelchair is right for which person. In the past month, we have already heard nightmares about people receiving inappropriate equipment, which is negatively affecting lives and function.  Tilt in Space wheelchairs in the rental market will cause suppliers to rent used equipment, or inferior equipment to fit an allowable and not the person.

Powered Assist Wheels- are a low utilized technology allowing powered assist wheels to be added to a manual wheelchair when a user has difficulty propelling a manual wheelchair. These powered options are near $5,000.00, suppliers will likely not be able to afford providing and waiting nearly a year to recoop their capital investment.

Pediatric Wheelchairs- are generally not covered under Medicare with few exceptions. Any individuals who fall into this area may lose access entirely.

I encourage you to watch this development closely and speak out before it is too late.  Medicare has already ruined much of DME program. What happens with Medicare becomes standard with private insurance and medicaid. Babyboomers should be very scared, as they are watching services disappear.

With Medicare's war on DME, it is curious to see what is left in 2014.  There are less than 50% of the quantity of providers of this equipment only 2 years ago.  This new round of bidding that goes into affect January 1st will likely reduce the number of providers again by 40-50%.  Choice of equipment and choice of a provider are rapidly ending as providers who have the knowledge, experience, and infrastructure are not able to compete.

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

Who knew how large the Boating Beach Bash was?

6th Anniversary

For the past several years, Active Mobility Center has been an exhibitor for this event, held at Spanish River Park each spring. This event which started off as an offering of boat rides for people with disabilities; has become a premier event in South Florida. I was fortunate to have been invited to a planning meeting this week for this event, and not only found some amazing people involved; but had no idea how large this event had become.   This years event is shaping up to be the largest and best yet. Each year, this event is busier, but I was unaware that the attendance was over 5000 people in one day.

There are some real surprises added to the 2014 event, that you will not want to miss.

Mark your calendars for:
      Boating Beach Bash
      Spanish River Park, Boca Raton
      March 22nd from 10am to 3pm
     

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

Active Mobility Center Supporting 10th Year Anniversary for Wheels for Kids

Debra and I were greatful to be invited to the Celebration last night to support the 10th Anniversary of Wheels for Kids.  This great organization, located in Palm Beach County, supports children with special needs who fall through the safety net.  Denise Jungbert, Founder, has a goal to provide wheeled mobility to children with mobility impairments live a better, higher quality life.

Last night, a celebration was held at Buccan in Palm Beach. We are fortunate to have a small part supporting this community asset. 

Carey Britton, Seating Specialist for Active Mobility Center can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Open Communication Building a Better Community

In a time were Social Media seems to be taking over, I was fortunate to have spent several hours face to face with the Broward CIL leadership group led by Danny Murphy.  The BCIL leadership program, spends time visiting community partners to learn about what they do, and at the same time bring a different view on how businesses and organizations are perceived.

I was excited, as I had received a preliminary email last week on some questions that were raised from the group.  I had answered these questions, and provided some background information of the history, mission, vision and challenges faced both locally as well as an industry to help build a foundation, to allow us to get deeper in conversation about what the community is looking for.

After a tour, we met in the conference room where we discussed the history, vision and purpose of the company.  We discussed what we feel separates us from our competition; and why we continue to do what we do.  I believe the group has a much better understanding on how the system works, and what increased pressures and requirements we face over a more traditional business.  I believe we were able to share some valuable resources that can benefit the group and the community.

Unlike Social Media, there were no boundaries or hiding behind a computer; we were looking for feedback, suggestions, what their ideal CRT Company (Complex Rehab Technology) looks like, what challenges / obstacles they face, and how we can be a more valuable part of the community.

The group was able to ask questions, and offer their perception, and what they are looking for in an equipment company.  The exchange provided us with several ideas, and much to discuss with Active's staff on setting up a schedule in which to implement some of these suggestions.

We Thank Danny Murphy, and the members of the Leadership Group for taking the time to learn about what we do, and helping our company improve.

Any questions can be directed to Carey Britton, Seating Specialist for Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Happy Veterans Day from Active Mobility Center

Each year, in the US we Celebrate Veteran's Day. For some it is a day off from school or work; but for others it is the appreciation of those who have served to make our country what it is today. We take many freedoms for granted, and forget that they came at a huge price.   

I would ask that on Monday November 11th, we each take a quiet moment and appreciate and celebrate what we have.

 If you have the chance Thank a Veteran for all that they did and what they continue do to maintain the United States of America.

If you want to comment, you may do so to Carey Britton at Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Krabat Jockey Plus

This new product to the US is a Hi-Lo base that provides kids with balanced, contoured support and lets them interact with the world- at whatever level they'd like, where every they like.. The angle-adjustable sadldle seat abducts the hips and puts the pelvis into a neutral position, encouraging an active seating position. The upper body is aslo well supported with high backrest, adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable side supports.

Saddle seats offer a dynamic, balanced position and are expecially well suited for children with tight or spastic hip adductor muscles.

Features/Benefits

* It makes it easy for kids to interact with teh world and get a handle on new skills

* For Kids between 2-7 and up to 132 lbs

* Folds down and fits into carrying bag for easy transport

* All major joints in the lower extermities become centered. This promotes natural muscle tone and length, and helps to rpevent muscle contractures, hip pain and subluxations.

* Dynamic postural control allows child to move freely.

This product was shared by Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at (954) 946-5793, or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com.

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 .

Danny Murphy and CinemAbility 2013

Danny Murphy in Permobil C500 

The last Screening of CinemAbility in South Florida came to a close on Saturday November 2nd in Ft. Lauderdale at the Cinema Paradiso.   Thanks to all that came out to support the Film and the community. The event was a fund raiser for the Broward Center of Independent Living.  CinemAbility is a documentary of Disabilities in Silent films to modern day Silver Screen and TV. 

Danny Murphy, an Associate Producer with the project was on site to introduce the film and answer questions the audience had.  The Project was Directed by Jenni Gold, and was well attended in Ft. Lauderdale during the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival. 



Auto Mobility and Active Mobility

Active Mobility Center along with Permobil and Auto Mobility were the Sponsors for this event.  An after party was held outside the Cinema to further discuss the film, to network and bring the community together.

This is a good piece of film that should eventually be televised, and can be really good for School education.

This Article was written by Carey J. Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center, he can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com.