ATP Series
Size matters when power & manual chairs need to fit into the real world
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Oct 01, 2014
ATP Series
Clients Want a "Comfortable" Seating System; Payors Fund What Is Medically Necessary. Can Both Sides Win?
Consumers want and need comfortable seating systems that will increase their sitting tolerance and address postural and pressure relief issues. Payors, however, insist on medical justification. How can “comfort” be quantified to everyone’s satisfaction?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Sep 01, 2014
Technology in the Spotlight
How to Make the Most of Every Ride -- for Life
A new generation of aftermarket seating, positioning and performance components raises new possibilities for ultralightweight efficiency, comfort and individuality for consumers who are more discriminating than ever before.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Aug 01, 2014
ATP Series
Why the Aging Process Can Make Evaluations & Technology Choices More Complex
Growing older gracefully is always a challenge -- but the stakes can be much higher for wheelchair users who are aging with a disability and experiencing changes in posture and function.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Aug 01, 2014
Innovative Solutions as Selected by ATPs & Clinicians
ATPs and clinicians share their go-to technology for all sorts of seating,
positioning and mobility challenges.
Pediatrics Series
Rare & Taking Many Forms, This Congenital Condition Can Challenge Seating & Mobility Teams
The impact of arthrogryposis on clients' mobility can range from relatively slight
to profound -- and early intervention with the right technology can make all the
difference.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Jul 01, 2014
ATP Series
Research supports the many possible benefits of standing for wheelchair users. The next challenge: To get funding sources to buy in.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Jun 01, 2014
ATP Series
Today's Power Chairs Are Expected to Do It All — But How Will They Keep Up with Consumers' Powerful Demands?
The demands on power wheelchairs are greater than ever: They're expected to provide not only mobility, but also power to positioning systems, communications systems, respiratory equipment and consumer electronics. How are these demands impacting power chair designs... and what will come next?
Are We Asking the Right Questions When Evaluating Ultralightweight Manual Chairs?
Frame weight is a popular talking point when it comes to ultralightweight wheelchair discussions...but should it be the priority in the decision-making process?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- May 01, 2014
Pediatrics Series
We Cheer the Benefits of Independent Mobility for Young Children. But Does Dependent Mobility Get a Bad Rap?
The benefits of independent pediatric mobility are many, but what role can caregiver-propelled mobility play in the life of very young children? Is there room for both technologies to co-exist?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Apr 01, 2014
ATP Series
Is It Friend or Foe? How the Forces of Gravity Can Impact Seating for Worse...& Better
The forces that can pull clients out of functional positions and exacerbate fatigue and
discomfort can also be harnessed to create seating & positioning solutions. PLUS: What
to check for at your next eval.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Apr 01, 2014
ATP Series
A Seating & Mobility Evaluation May Start with Taking Client Measurements -- But That's Only the Beginning
The right set of client measurements in the hands of the right seating & mobility experts can lead to a great outcome. What measurements are the most important to obtain? The most difficult to obtain? And why?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Mar 01, 2014
ATP Series
RESNA's Specialty Certification Recognizes the True Seating & Mobility Expert. Are You Up to the Challenge?
RESNA's Seating & Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification is designed to recognize those professionals truly focused on complex rehab technology solutions. Are you ready to take the plunge?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Mar 01, 2014
Automotive Access Special
Educating Both Consumers & Policy Makers Will Remain a Top Priority in 2014
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Feb 01, 2014
Seating & Positioning Series
Combining Best Practices with Best Strategies to Create Real-Life Pressure Relief
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Feb 01, 2014
Funding Series
Ultralights Can Maximize Consumers' Independence, but First, ATPs and Clinicians Have to Make Their Case
Clinically, K0005 wheelchairs can offer clients a wealth of benefits, from improved
propulsion efficiency to less wear on upper extremities over a lifetime of use. But how do you get payors to agree? Here's how to turn your observations, measurements and
data into a claim that gets paid!
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Jan 01, 2014
Pediatrics Series
Do Kids Need to Be Ready for Independent Mobility? Or Does Independent Mobility Make Them Ready?
Are there prerequisite skills for very young children who could be candidates for power mobility? Should there be?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Jan 01, 2014
Funding
While the Current Landscape Resembles Rocks & Hard Places, Separate Benefit Category Bills Bring Hope
As the year draws to a close, the CRT community anticipates a new face-to-face requirement for DME, waits for word on capped rentals, and pins its ultimate hopes on a separate benefit category for Medicare.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Nov 01, 2013
Retail Mobility
Funding Cuts, Audits & Competitive Bidding: Is This Still a Profitable Product Segment?
With all of Medicare's funding challenges, is consumer mobility -- particularly scooters and consumer power chairs -- still a viable profit center?
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Oct 01, 2013
ATP Series
How Lower-Extremity Positioning Can Impact More Than Just Legs & Feet
Identifying lower-extremity positioning challenges and solutions can give wheelchair users the best mobility experiences possible.
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Aug 01, 2013