Technology Series
New Horizons
Accessibility Products Can Open Doors for CRT Clients & Offer Retail Revenue for Providers
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Oct 01, 2015
Preto_perola/istock.com & jpgfactory/istock.com
CRT providers build, fit, grow, repair and adjust complex seating & wheeled mobility systems per each client’s highly specialized and often progressive needs. They know which wheelchairs their clients use, what sorts of additional complex rehab technology they own, and what they’re likely to need in the future.
That puts ATPs in prime position to also provide the accessibility equipment — ramps, lifts, bathroom products — that can optimize clients’ independence and the long-term safety of both clients and caregivers. CRT providers intimately know the particular challenges that their clients face — for instance, that one spinal cord injury client with paraplegia can quickly and easily wheelie down a ramp, but that another with a similar injury level has more trouble due to wrist pain. Or that with some equipment support, a client with Limb Girdle muscular dystrophy would be able to execute transfers by himself. ATPs even know the lengths and widths of wheelchairs, and how nimbly they turn. That’s valuable information when determining the sorts of accessibility equipment that would work best at home or in other environments.
In this pictorial, we look at a range of accessibility equipment that could open new doors for your CRT clients, and could also open the door to retail revenue for your business. It’s a win-win situation, but also check out the manufacturer tips (see sidebar) to help you maximize your sales opportunities.
Ezee Life
These aluminum rehab shower/commode chairs are available in 18", 20" and 22" seat widths, and the smaller two sizes are available with posterior tilt for clients who need seating support. Standard features include flip-up armrests and footrests; padded seat, arms and back; removable seat; anti-tippers; belt; and commode bucket. Convert the chairs into wheelchairs via a quick-assembly kit and 24" wheels, which are available for all models.
Healthline Medical
(800) 987-3577
healthlinemedical.com
HAULWAY Vehicle Lift
Making its debut at Medtrade, the HAULWAY scooter and power chair lift line is available in multiple sizes and with a range of options designed to make transporting power chairs and scooters quick and efficient. HAULWAY models are built to be able to adjust to most mobility vehicles as well as automotive vehicles. EZ-ACCESS will offer a display rack to suppliers so they can show off a demo model in their office locations.
EZ-ACCESS
(800) 451-1903
ezaccess.com
Milford Person Lift
A highly adaptable and versatile transfer solution, the Milford Person Lift is designed to safely and conveniently move its user between a car and a wheelchair or other destination. The Lift works in a variety of vehicles and can be used in the driver’s, front passenger’s or back seat areas. Slings are available in sizes extra small to extra large; an amputee sling is also available. Use the Smartbase option for mobile applications.
Pride Mobility Products Corp.
(800) 800-8586
pridemobility.com
Scout 2 Pool Lift
The new and improved Scout 2 pool and spa lift features an adjustable seat pole, updated base and upgraded electronics with a higher weight capacity of 375 lbs. These added features create a more versatile lift that allows up to 25" of wall clearance on a 16" wide profile when using the pull-out legrest. Plus, 360° of rotation provide optimal versatility in a range of environments.
Aqua Creek Products
(888) 687-3552
aquacreek.com
MiniLift160
Designed to replicate a comfortable, natural sit-to-stand pattern of movement, the MiniLift160 features a stable anti-flip footplate with lower leg supports and a lifting arm that can be adjusted to fit every user optimally. Used with appropriate lifting accessories, the consumer is supported under the feet, front of the lower legs and behind the back for a secure, yet active experience. The MiniLift160 collapses for easy storage.
Handicare
(866) 276-5438
handicare.com/us
ARMADA Ramp System
A residential modular ramp system built to be extremely light and flexible, ARMADA ramps can be easily moved or reconfigured after initial installation. These ramps are constructed of all-welded, highstrength aluminum and are fully anodized for a durable, attractive finish. Ramps assemble easily with a .5" wrench, feature fully adjustable heights and slopes, and are ADA and ANSI compliant.
AlumiRamp Inc.
(800) 800-3864
alumiramp.com
MV-1
Here’s a vehicle that complies with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements as soon as it rolls off the assembly line. An extrawide passenger door opening, an integrated in-floor ramp and a floor-toceiling height nearly 5' tall make the MV-1 ready for wheelchair users from day one. Mobility Ventures’ 2016 MV-1 models are now available.
Mobility Ventures
(877) 681-3678
mv-1.us
Transfer Bench
For people who experience lower-extremity weakness or difficulty standing for any length of time, stepping into a bathtub or shower can be challenging and possibly unsafe. The Maddak Adjustable Transfer Bench can eliminate the need to step over barriers. It’s height adjustable from 15" to 23", and legs, back and armrests are removable for easy storage and transport. The bench features a builtin soap tray, a hand-held shower holder and a slit for the shower curtain. Assembles without tools.
SP Ableware (Maddak)
(800) 443-4926
maddak.com
Pool Lift IGAT-180
Aquatic Access’s water-powered pool lifts work with in-ground and above-ground pools and spas, with the lifts’ up/down motions provided by water pressure from a hose to a faucet or plumbed-in line. Standard lifting capacities are 300 to 400 lbs., but higher weight capacities are available for customized models. No electricity, batteries, charging, complex electronics or heavy maintenance is required. Accessories/options include upper/lower seat belts, flip-up armrests and footrests, and adjustable headrests.
Aquatic Access
(800) 325-5438
aquaticaccess.com
Shower Bench
Created to provide security, stability and comfort in the bathroom, this shower bench features removable padded armrests (no tools required), a blow-molded bench with drainage holes, and a lightweight, durable and corrosion-proof aluminum frame. Leg height adjusts in 1" increments for comfortable sitting.
Drive Medical
(877) 224-0946
drivemedical.com
CommercialNorthstar Minivan
The first ADA-compliant minivan from Vantage Mobility International designed for commercial applications is the Toyota Northstar E360. It’s based on a Sienna platform and features a side-entry, in-floor ramp. Thanks to a deep floor drop, the E360 has a tall door opening and plenty of interior space to welcome the many different mobility vehicles it will encounter.
Vantage Mobility International
(855) VMI VANS
vantagemobility.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of Mobility Management.
About the Author
Laurie Watanabe is the editor of Mobility Management. She can be reached at lwatanabe@1105media.com.