People living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a new resource about power wheelchairs.
Team Gleason, a non-profit organization, was founded by Steve Gleason and his wife, Michel, after Steve was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. The organization’s new Team Gleason Power Wheelchair Guide can be downloaded free at www.teamgleason.org.
The guide was written by Austin Edenfield, ATP, Technology and Care Manager for Team Gleason.
“At the end of the day, a power chair is a thing,” Edenfield said in the guide. “But it is a thing that can help people living with ALS remain purposeful and productive, helping them perform activities they love, and helping them achieve their dreams.”
The guide covers topics such as drivewheel differences; alternative driving controls; power positioning; seat cushions; funding; and complex rehab providers.
Team Gleason has grant agreements with several CRT power chair manufacturers, including Invacare Corp., Permobil and Quantum Rehab. Families living with ALS can apply for funding assistance by completing an application available from the Team Gleason Web site.
“Team Gleason does not endorse any specific company or product over another in this guide,” Edenfield said in the publication. “There is no universal ‘best’ power chair for every person living with ALS. Rather, selecting a power chair is an individual decision that should be made by the person living with ALS who will be the one using the chair. Rehab engineers, occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), and ATPs (Assistive Technology Professional) provide valuable input and are key members of your team.”
Steve Gleason played football for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2008. He, Michel, and their young son, Rivers, were the focus of the 2016 documentary Gleason, which included footage that Steve had originally filmed as a video journal for Rivers.
