Running Out of the Gate

2014 is here, and things are not slowing down.  Active is looking at the industry as the glass is half full, and where there is great opportunity.  We are seeing many national companies buying up local companies and intimidating the local providers like Walmart.  Insurance is changing, and we are now learning the affects of Obama Care.  There is constant pressure to change, and the staff at Active are embracing this not to ensure survival but to become better.

Over the next few months, our customers and partners will see some major changes. Our office is having some renovations to increase it's display space, increase the retail and accessories available to our customers.  We are improving our inventory management system. A face lift on our website will be completed by February to offer a more friendly site to navigate and access the information.  An event calendar will be added and will show local and regional activies, and events to allow the community more involvement.  You will see a higher level of community visability and involvement. More interaction between our customers and business partners to help us become more valuable to the community and remove any inefficiences. Last but not Least, we will be adding more FUN.  We understand that the Medical Equipment business can be sterile and we want to improve the experience not only for our customers but also for our staff.

We realize change is occuring with or without us, and understand that we need to be ahead of the curve to ensure that we are here for our customers, partners and health care professionals.  We also know that what we do is very personal and that our customer wants a company who listens, who cares, who is local, and who will be there to support and educate them.

Thank you for your continued support. We understand that there is a choice for Medical Equipment and know we have to continue to earn your business and referrals.  Please continue to send in comments or suggestions on how we can continue to improve to be your number 1 choice.

This article was written by Carey J. Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS from Active Mobility Center. Active Mobility Center, located in Pompano Beach, Florida provides and supports; seating, mobility and specialty rehab equipment.  Carey can be reached at (954) 946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .

Wii Wheelchair Gives Mobility to Disabled Infants

• Cerebral Palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Paralysis Cures
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Technology is amazing; this has been used in NY as a creative game that teaches mobility challenged children how to safely drive a powered motorized device (PMD). This information was shared to me from a local therapist in South Florida as we were talking about emerging technology for children and adults with mobility challenges.

 

A team of researchers, in 2009 developed the prototype of a motorized wheelchair in order to provide “safe powered mobility to infants with physical disabilities who are less than two years of age.” IC Tots on Bots is a collaborative research project among the departments of Computer Science, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy at Ithaca College in New York.

The balance board has responsive pressure sensors in each of its four corners and built in Bluetooth capabilities. They are using a commercial Bluetooth adapter and WiiYourself! C++ library to access balance board data within our robotics software. Their software compares the values of the four pressure sensors to determine which, if any, direction the infant is leaning. When a sustained lean is detected, the robot begins to move in that direction. When the child reaches out for an item, he or she leans in the direction of the item and moves towards it. We believe this will be the most intuitive method for a young child to learn to use.

Because each child moves differently from any other, the researchers are working on creating parameter files that are tailored to the individual. In addition, the Pioneer 3 robotic platform uses sonar to keep from bumping into objects, which helps keep babies safe from collisions. For ultimate peace of mind, there is also a remote-control joystick that provides wireless parental override.

                                 

 

It is great when people think outside the box and apply different technologies to create new solutions that may improve people's lives.  This should be a great tool in schoos and therapy centers to help children to move through space, increase development and improve independence.

 

This device was not found currently available in a recent search.

 

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

 

Happy 4th ! from Active Mobility Center

Every year at this time, I reflect on how Active Mobility Center and our Country's Independence Day have much in common.  For many people with walking impairments, it is a time to celebrate; as not to long in our history, people with mobility impairments were left inside their homes and were not felt as EQUAL.  Their impairment left them "Disabled" or "Invalids" and were looked down upon. 

With the passing of the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act,  in 1990;  the world has literally opened up doors, improved access, and increased independence for all. 

Active Mobility Center, in 1992, opened its doors to ALL people with Mobility Impairments, with the goal to maximize their abilities, and to Make Every Day Independence Day ! It may sound like a corny expression, but each and every day, our experienced staff listen to our customers, gain knowledge and understanding of what their obstacles are and offer solutions with equipment, or with recommendations to other professionals within our community. 

Through Equipment; wheelchairs, scooters, powered wheelchairs, gait trainers, walkers, bicycles, and handcycles; we are allowing people to stand and be equal.  We believe it is our duty, to ensure that all have access to mobility allowing everyone to be MOBILE, INDEPENDENT and FREE.


From all of us at Active Mobility Center, Happy 4th, !
Carey

Carey Britton is the resident Seating and Mobility Specialist wth Active Mobility Center, he can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com, or at (800) 326-4463.