Powered Wheelchairs- Driving Options

Although the Wheelchair has not significantly changed over the past 10 years, the technology that allows them to operate has.  There is a saying in our company, if a person has any consistent independent movement and the desire, we will get them mobile. 

Even with all the negative pressures in the Medical industry, innovation is no longer limited by the big four wheelchair producers. There are many switch and electronic companies that lead the charge in offering more creative ways to drive powered mobility.  Additionally many universities have gotten involved and have been stretching the options....from using an Ipad, eyegaze and video game controllers to EEG, and Voice Control.

Traditionally the joystick has been used to operate a powered wheelchair. When users could not control a joystick, there was switch control and sip and puff.  Later head control using proximity switches and modified head joysticks.  Modifying a joystick to be mounted on a arm or footrest was common.  In the past decade, fiber optics, magitek, light touch joystick has been used. More recently game controllers (ie PS4 and Xbox) have been converted to allow individuals to drive their powered wheelchairs with these systems. Many of the new technologies that are emerging are adapters, and supports to hold current control devies.

In the past few years, we have seen the Wii balance board used as a input device for children who when lean, can control a powered wheelchair.  Although this is not yet in the market place it certainly offers a wider range of options for those who have limitations in access or those who do not understand movement through space.   We are seeing many universities experiment with EEG as when you communicate and think, the waves are consistent and can be converted into a signal in which to drive a powered wheelchair.  Speech communication has also been used to drive a powered wheelchair.   Most recently, a university has been piercing people's tongues using it as a way to drive a powered wheelchair.

Unfortunately most of these newer technologies have not yet become commercially available or even made it through FDA consideration.  All these technologies are exciting for people who have lost the ability to move independently.  It is truly exciting to see more and more options available which will allow more access and integration.

We are really excited to see people thinking outside the traditional box, and are  looking forward to these new technologies that will enable more people to drive and be independent.

This Article was written by Carey Britton, he can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com  or at 954-946-5793.

Father’s Day, a Day to Appreciate Dad.

I am sitting here reflecting on My Dad who I lost a year after He and I started South Florida Mobility Inc. D/B/A Active Mobility Center in 1992.  My Dad was an electrician by Trade, and was able to teach me a lot about mechanical and electrical equipment., which I use every day.  I was lucky to have a Dad and Family that gave me the opportunity to succeed and find my passion in helping others maximize their abilities. It was my Dad who found a Medical Equipment business for sale, when I was dismayed about medical school. 

On this Father’s Day, spend some time reflecting on how your Dad has made you better, and appreciate what you have. 

Happy Father’s Day from Active Mobility Center. 

Tilt in Space has almost replaced Recline on Manual Wheelchairs.

Before tilt-in-space wheelchairs, reclining wheelchairs were dominant when a person was a high risk for pressure sores and needed to change their position in the chair during the course of the day. The drawback of reclining wheelchairs is that when reclining the backrest, it causes a sliding effect on the user. The back shears against the users pelvis and against their back. This can cause sores on the back and pelvis if the user's skin is susceptible. Additionally recliners can cause a client to slide down and out of the wheelchair creating positioning and functional issues.

Since the introduction of the Tilt-in-Space wheelchair; recliners have taken the back seat. The only time recliners are prescribed over tilts is when a client needs to recline for feeding, issues with blood pressure, hip limitation, daily activity or severe deformity.

Tilt-in-Space takes a person sitting upright and tilts the whole seat frame back. This allows for the pressures on the buttocks to be redistributed to the back of the user. The tilt-in-space also allows for correct posture throughout the entire range of tilt in space. The tilt with the assistance of gravity helps force a users back, and hips to the rear of the wheelchair helping maintained midline posture. With tilt there is no shear effect since the user's body never changes position against the support surfaces of the wheelchair.

There are chairs now that offer both tilt and recline that can offering maximum benefits.

This article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS for Active Mobility Center.  Any questions or comments, call (954) 946-5793 or email cbritton@wheelchariguys.com .

We Still Need your Help to Make a Change in CRT- HR 942

I am sitting here on the first day of June, thinking of how far we have come in our quest to change Complex Rehab Technology.  CRT is a relatively new term, which covers custom configured equipment including ultra light weight wheelchairs, powered mobility and seating and positioning equipment. 

It is mostly understood that, CRT is not a order and drop equipment, and requires skilled staff to help with the evaluation and assessment, the gathering and submission of paperwork to insurance funding, the ordering, assembly, delivery and fitting of this specialty equipment. 

Unfortunately our industry has not done enough to police itself and has a black eye, as it is lumped in with DME.  Every month you can see in the news DME suppliers investigated for fraud and abuse.  It is unfortunate that instead of CMS doing a better job screening their suppliers, they have placed higher and higher requirements which are negatively affecting the beneficiaries. What CMS/Medicare does, is adopted by all other insurance carriers.

I am excited to tell you at this moment we have 130 House Co-signers and 15 Senators who have Co-Signed on to this Legislation. This is a great start but we need more to make this legislation to be important enough for Congress to move on this.

None of us know if/when we may need these products and services; and there is a real concern that if things do not change, then this industry will certainly change; and possibly disappear.

A friend of mine reminded me that, Orthotics and Prosthetics went through this Journey several years ago, and it took them over a decade to be recognized and have their products/services separated from basic DME and are understood that it takes a special group of people to take care of those with special needs.

Take a moment to sign on to the petition to separate CRT. If you want to be move involved please contact me and I can put you in touch with several groups who are leading the charge to change CRT.

This Article was written by Carey Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS for Active Mobility Center. He can be reached for comment at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com.

Thinking Out Side the Box.

It amazes me how many times I hear clients tell me that their old equipment suppliers/providers told them NO it couldn’t be done. For many industries this may be the case, but for our industry, the custom seating and positioning industry; telling people NO, can mean the difference of independence, or the equipment not being used.

Of course our company says NO, when it liability or safety is a concern; but we offer our client’s the option to customize their equipment to the extent is makes their lives easier or more independent.

Our company advertises its ability to provide custom mobility and seating equipment. If we advertise this we must be able to deliver. Our company continues to offer off the shelf products when needed, offering molded seating systems, customized seating frames, tilt in space, recline, elevating seat, and standing options.

To further our out side of the box thinking, we have the ability to add, specialty lighting to equipment. Many of our clients are children and young adults who were robbed of the ability to own, customize and drive a car. We have been offering neon and other lighting packages to accessorize their rides. Kicking it up a notch, or octave is mounting stereo systems, amplifiers, and speaker systems to the chairs for the entertainment of themselves and their peers.

A new addition, has been adding rear view camera and display systems for clients who have difficulty seeing behind the chair. For may wheelchair users, there is a big blind spot behind their chairs. We have been offering a camera that mounts to the rear of the chair which is attached to a LCD screen on the front of the chair to enable clients to see what is behind them.

Our company still strives at providing systems that fit, and interact with it’s users. We challenge ourselves everyday in enabling our clients; maximizing their abilities!!!!

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

Tis the Season for Gratitude

A morning ritual for me is to take a few minutes and write something that I am thankful for.  At each staff meeting, I go around the table and ask not for what problems we face, but what Positives we want to share with each other.

If you are involved in the Health Care field than you already know that generally we have thankless jobs. Nobody gets up and says I want to go and see a physician, therapist or wheelchair specialist. We glory in our outcomes and success stories whether told or seen through our own eyes. 

This brings me to my point....Life is not perfect or fair, and if we dwell on the negative, and there certainly is a lot of that in the world, then our projection/signal to the world will be reflected in the same light and we will miss the most valuable thing in life.....TIME.

I would encourage you, during this time of year, to reflect on the good in you and your family/friends lives.  Stop judging yourself on what you have not achieved and Celebrate and Appreciate what you have.

Happy Holidays from the Staff at Active Mobility Center.  Carey can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Understanding A Small Moment in the Life of a Wheelchair User

I was watching behind the scenes of Jamie Fox playing Ray Charles, and he didn't become the character until the director had his eyes sealed with a prosthetic.  Until he was able to experience life without vision, he didn't understand what it was truly like.

Similarly, the public has not realization on what a wheelchair user goes through both physically and emotionally. I will not pretend to understand or know everything; but do have each staff member working with us spend quite a lot of time sitting in and using the equipment we provide and try to perform daily tasks.  This is an eye opening process, and even though they can get out of the equipment; they learn a valuable lesson.

A few years ago the PVAF held a bowling event where everyone had to bowl from a wheelchair or scooter device.  It was a great opportunity not only to raise money; but awareness. 

Any time we as a group can glimpse at the lives of others it builds a understanding and brings down barriers.

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 cbritton@wheelchairguys.com.

Is a Wheelchair is a Medical Failure ?

I was appalled when I first heard that a Wheelchair is a Medical Failure. Apparently in the Medical Model, it is taught that when resorting to long term use of wheelchairs and other mobility devices, that you have given up.

It is not surprising then, that the community perspective is that a person in a wheelchair is lame, an invalid, or handicapped....all negatively describing a person's DISABILITIES. This is also why that Prosthetics are much more acceptable, even when they are not as functional.

It may come at a surprise, but mobility equipment is provided not for mobility or independence but to reduce the medical costs associated with an individual stuck in bed. It is clear that a bed bound individual will cost the Health care system more than what it costs to get them out of bed.  Cushioning and Positioning is not for the comfort of a wheelchair user, but to reduce injury, reduce skin breakdown and to reduce contracture and deformity.  We look at this equipment to increase function, independence and quality of life, but the funding sources (all based on Medicare's policy) does not.

Therapy services for individuals with long term mobility challenging conditions are limited. It seems that the Medical Model if there is not documented gain in function then therapy services are not needed. After spending over 20 years in this industry, the question should be without therapy services how much loss will occur. 

Medicare who creates Medical and Equipment Standards, approves equipment based on use within the home and has little flexibility about looking at equipment for recreation and vocation. 

In my 20+ year career, I have seen huge change.  I am concerned with the changing policies that more equipment users need to voice their challenges and their victories.  Not unlike the Women's Rights Movement, where women didn't have a voice, and where they were stuck in the home; equipment users deserve the same. 

If this article has moved you, I encourage you to look at www.usersfirst.org, or www.ncart.us and get involved, share your story, and be heard.  You can reach Carey Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Event Management at Active Mobility Center

Sitting here looking at the date of December 1st, 2013, I am scratching my head wondering where this year has went.  Reflecting over the last 11 months, one of the best changes we have made is managing tasks and events...and not time.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and some people are able to accomplish much more within these hours...why?  At Active Mobility Center we use task management instead of time management. We cannot slow down time, but we can manage our tasks better to improve our efficiency and accomplish more.

Making a Plan

Any time we want to change something, we cannot leave it to our memory, but must write it down.  We must make it a commitment and arrange our day to ensure we carve out a space to work on this.  Without a plan any goals or dreams you have cannot ever be accomplished. 

It is effective to write down what your desired destination is in five years. If your destination is too large, it make feel unattainable.  Taking that 5 year goal, and breaking it into five year pieces, you can break it down to where you need to be each year to get there, and then breaking that down to quarters of the year will make it seem attainable.

Writing It Down

Whether it is a to-do list, a 5 year plan, or 90 day goals; it needs to be written down so you can review it on a regular basis to see where you are and what you need to do next. Many people find it helpful to have a  on-going list of tasks to complete, and taking that list and picking 2-3 items each day to complete. This way each day there is a feeling of winning, instead of looking at your final destination and giving up.

Not Just about Business

These ideas can be used by anyone to improve their efficiency, and to accomplish more of what we set out to do.  Once you put this in motion, it develops into a habit and your life is changed forever.
 

The thoughts and ideas listed are that of Carey Britton, with Active Mobility Center. Carey can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

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 .

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 .

What is Complex Rehab Technology ?

CRT (Complex Rehab Technology) is the newest term, developed over the last few years to describe specialty equipment that which is more involved than basic  DME (Durable Medical Equipment). As you may know DME encompasses everything from disposables  to custom wheelchairs and Orthotics/Prosthetics. You may wonder why a new term was created if it is part of DME? 

Invacare Rear Drive Powerchair

For years, DME vendors have been given a bad name, with a few bad companies taken advantage of the system and many times committing fraud.  CRT was born, when Medicare created the Competitive bidding process and they didn't understand the level of involvement with Specialty Seating and Equipment. After much work from the Rehab industry, some specialty equipment was exempt from the competitive program; including ultra light weight wheelchairs, tilt in space wheelchairs, and group 3 powered wheelchairs.  Medicare, who sets precedent for Medical Equipment to all funding sources, accepted that the skill level and expertise in providing this level equipment was above the typical DME provider.

Since that time, NRRTS ( National Registry of Rehab Technology Suppliers ) and NCART ( National Coalition of Assistive and Rehab Technology ), has been lobbying Congress to further separate Complex Rehab equipment from DME.  It is understood that there is a value for this equipment provided and that there needs to be increased safeguards, and education from individuals providing this level of equipment. If  this industry is not protected, and the value shown, it will disappear in the upcoming years.  The average age of Rehab Technicians are late 30's, with most over 40, and few new people learning this trade.

Carey Britton

 With the baby boomers aging, we will need more specialists  involved; helping match proper equipment for seating and mobility needs.  A further issue causing challenge, is that there are fewer physician and therapists specializing in this field; leaving more pressure and expectations on the Seating and Mobility Specialists.   Although the Seating and Mobility Specialist is a critical component in the team that provides and supports these services; the clinician is  the gatekeeper, and we need more clinicians  to step up become community leaders. 

In order to ensure  good outcomes, we continue to progress in this industry with increased credentials, increased education, and increased safeguards to protect patients.  Our industry needs to continue to educate the allied services to become more involved in the team that is required to improve seating, function and overall satisfaction.

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

 

Active Mobility Previews CinemAbility.



Carey and Jenni

I was lucky enough to be invited to the screening of CinemAbility on 10/19/2013 at the Muvico at Pompano Beach. CinemAbility is a documentary of Disability on the Silver Screen from the the early silent films  through the present day.  Jenni Gold, Director created an amazing journey with viewer, with a star studded cast. Our local celebrity Danny Murphy had several parts helping to show the importance of using actors with disabilities in TV and in the Movies to help bring more awareness  and realism.  Jenni explained that few movie writers give much thought to the disabled community when writing their screen plays; there is a push to bring more awareness to writers toward inclusion.


This Documentary will be traveling the US over the next few months, it is a must see.  It is being considered for an Award in the Documentary Category- Tell your friends, and family.

 

For anyone in South Florida, there will be another screening (part of the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival) on November 2nd.

 

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



Danny and Carey

Active Mobility - Inservice at Young Body Rehab

Active Mobility Center provided an Inservice for Young Body Rehab in Palm Beach on Freedom Concepts, bicycles and chill out chairs. Freedom Concepts is a manufacturer of bicycles for mobility challenged indivdiuals who are are able to use or be supported on traditional bicycles.

Freedom Concepts offers several bicycle systems for small children to adults. These systems can be customized for size, shape and abilities. These systems can be provided with caregiver stearing systems to allow the user to concentrate of movement, or the caregiver can push the bike moving the user's feet in the standard bicycle pattern.  These bikes can be operated by foot or hand. Options include shoe holders, seat and back supports, belts and harnesses, headrests, adjustable and adpative handle bars.

The Chill Out Chairs offered in mobile and rocker base, and provide an alternative, safe seating surface for children and adults with mobility challenges. 

For an Inservice or more information, please contact Carey Britton at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com . 

Active Mobility Center at Medtrade Orlando

Last Week (Oct 8-10) I attended Medtrade East, a yearly event where manufacturers of Home Medical Equipment present their products to equipment providers. Many new products and vendors provide a resource for offerings to people recovering, rehabing or requiring equipment for life. 

I have been attending Medtrades since the early 1990's, in a time where equipment funding was much better than today; and it showed with the event's attendance. Medtrade used to take up the entire convention center, and this year only spread 19 rows.  This proves that this industry is hurting and needs your support to ensure it is there for future generations.

This year, there were very few rehab (complex rehab) companies exhibiting. Many companies providing retail and products not affected by the Medicare competitive bidding program.

Some of the new items that I thought could help our customers were;

Environmental Controls- these controls allow a mobility challenged user to use voice ,touch, or other input to operate and control items around the home including the TV, Radio, Lights, Appliances, Door Openers, Electric Beds and more.  In the past these systems were clunky, complicated and very expensive. I was impressed a few companies using tablets and smart phones to operate home devices.

Beach Powered Wheelchairs- it was interesting to see a beach powered wheelchair for under $7000 that fits on an adaptive van lift. This will certainly offer more people access to the beach as well non paved areas.

Rifton Toileting Chair- rifton has redesigned it's toileting chair to allow attachment to multiple bases, including a tub base, and a tilt in space base. Their new design is much improved from the current version and will release shortly.

New Information Companies- there were some companies that provide some interesting information management systems that can help efficiency and the paper process.

Ram Mounts- the Ram company is making several mounts to be used on wheelchairs including, smart phone, tablet, cup holders, lap top computers, and much more.  This will allow wheelchair, scooter and powered wheelchair users to be more functional and have increase Access.

Modular Ramps- there are more companies offering more options of modular ramps. Once only available in aluminum are now available in wood and steel allowing for more options and reduced costs.

Portable Scooters- there are more companies offering foldable and compact scooter devices; some which can fit in a suitcase. This makes sense as the baby boomers are aging and need more mobility options.

ASL- Adaptive Switch Labs has some new switch options allowing powered wheelchair drivers additional options.

Pride / Quantum- has an increased number of accessories for their powered wheelchairs including cup holders, hydration systems, cell phone holders and more.

Although the show was small, with the reduced traffic attendees were able to navigate the show floor and spend more time with the vendors learning about what is new and what can help our community.

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

Why Does Active Mobility Center need a Business Coach?

The Active Mobility Team

Running Active Mobility Center for 20 years, we were confronted with tunnel vision at a time with great changes in our industry. We know we are good at what we do, but are we the best at what we do? Are we offering the best experience to our customers so they are fans and will spread our message to the world?

In 2012, we were faced with these decisions as well as how to grow our business. Sure we are Accredited and comply with required regulations, but were we efficient, were we growing, were we the leader in what we do, and most important are we having FUN? 

We discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant, as the trade magazines are filled with Industry consultants who will come in and show you what you are doing wrong, and provide a plan/recipe on what to follow.  With all the changes in the industry, we had concerns with getting advice from within the Medical Equipment industry which was suffering from industry pressures.

We were looking for an outside observation of our company and to see what we were successful with and where we needed improvement.   After extensive research, it was obvious that Action Business Coaching with its association with Success Magazine and several other business oriented groups was the right decision.

In late 2012, we met with Michael Dill from Action Coach and started what has been a sound business decision.  At first it was hard to listen to someone stating what we were not doing correctly; and how this was impeding the growth of Active Mobility Center.  As with all change, we were slow to adopt it, however once we began improving our systems and aware of what was slowing us down; and seeing good things happen- there has been no looking back.

A huge lesson for me was with Personal Growth. Prior to 2012, I was not familiar with the term.  I have read more books in the past  year than I have in the last decade. This journey has made me a better person, and a better leader. It has taught me put others first and to live above the line with Integrity, Ownership, Accountability and Responsibility.  

Carey Britton w/ Michael Dill Receiving IronMan Award

Today I was awarded with an Iron Man Award, this award issued by Action Coach, demonstrates the commitment to the system, and the commitment to improve and persevere over all obstacles. 

In reflecting over the past 9 months that we have been with Action Coach, I am not sure what the biggest benefit has been.  Immediately I would say becoming a better person has helped my relationships in business, with family and friends; it has helped Active Mobility Center Grow, and has helped me be a better leader.

If that was not enough, I find Action Coach to be a marketing tool as when people find out we are using a business coach, they applaud us.  They understand that we are doing this to improve our internal systems, our methods of business all to improve the level of care we provide to our customers. In a time where companies are cutting costs, we are committed to improvement. We are committed to our making Active Mobility Center stand out, and to be the best in the industry.

When we were re-accredited by HQAA, the surveyor was very pleased that we were using a business coach. He mentioned that if more companies used a business coach that his serfvices would not be needed.

We are far from being finished with this process, but are on track to exceed our goals and expectations.  I would recommend Action Coach to any business wanting the edge on their competition.

This article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS with Active Mobility Center, he can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com or by phone at (800) 326-4463.