• Panther Park in Louisville, Kentucky, is a $1 million inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. 
• Featuring adaptive equipment, ramps and sensory-friendly components, it allows kids with mobility challenges, autism or other disabilities to play safely and independently.  
• The park was inspired by Luke, a young boy with a spinal cord injury, and built with community support to promote social interaction and inclusion for all children. 

What began as one mother’s wish for her son became Panther Park, a nearly $1 million inclusive playground in Louisville, Kentucky. The park gives children of all abilities — including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices — a safe and fun space to play together. 

 What Is an Inclusive Playground?  

An inclusive playground is designed so children of all abilities can play safely and independently. Features often include: 

• Ramped access for children and caregivers using mobility equipment; 
• Sensory-friendly components for children with autism or sensory sensitivities; 
• Adaptive playground equipment that supports mobility challenges; and 
• Smooth, accessible surfaces for easy navigation. 

Inclusive playgrounds promote social interaction, independence and outdoor play for all children. 

Luke’s Journey: From Spinal Cord Injury to Greater Independence 

Luke, now 6, was born with a cervical spinal cord injury, although it wasn’t diagnosed until he was about four months old. Then living in Minnesota, the Madsons quickly started Luke in therapy.  

“By the time he was two years old, we really just weren’t seeing much progress and were just kind of managing his condition,” Sarah recalled. “So, we were looking for other options and discovered Frazier’s pediatric program for neuro recovery.”  

The Frazier Rehab Institute in Louisville offers comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation options for children with: 

• Spinal cord injuries, 
• Neuromuscular disorders, 
• Cerebral palsy 
• Brain injuries and more.  

For Sarah, the initial conversation sparked a sense of hope.  

“That first phone call was the first time someone ever said ‘recovery’ to me,” she said. “So we went down to Kentucky, and Lyke started therapy. He went from not moving independently to sitting and feeding himself to using an adaptive trike and then even a walker.”  

Based on Luke’s success, the family made the decision to stay in Louisville and began to put down roots. One of the first steps, Sarah says, was finding a church and exploring Luke’s school options.  

“We explored the public-school options for Luke,” Sarah said. “It was going to be a shared aide between 90 students. Luke has a spinal cord injury and walks with a device. He needs help with toileting and transferring, so that really wasn’t going to work for him.”  

After finding a church home at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisville, the Madsons also enrolled their children in the church’s private school, with a part-time aide and Sarah partnering to provide the assistance Luke needs during the school day.  

The Need for an Accessible Playground in Louisville 

With three children, playgrounds are a big part of the Madson’s life. But traditional playgrounds posed several accessibility challenges for Luke:  

• Wood chips or mulch that made them difficult to navigate independently using mobility equipment; 
• Stairs rather than ramps; and 
• Playground equipment that wasn’t adaptive. 

With the closest accessible playground a 20-minute drive away, the Madsons made do with traditional playgrounds — but Luke was quickly growing tired of having to be carried by his parents. 

“It was either him sitting out and watching or building a place where he could be included,” Sarah said.  

How Panther Park Was Funded and Built 

As the leader of the school’s parent organization, Sarah asked if she could try to raise funds to update the school’s playground, making it fully accessible. With approval secured, she got to work, despite having little fundraising experience.  

With guidance from the DREAM Foundation of Kentucky, Sarah:  

• Wrote grants, 
• Met with accessible playground designers, 
• Organized community fundraising efforts, and 
• Educated potential donors about the need. 

A year later, Panther Park was complete. The project was made possible by nearly $1 million in funds including donations from the Justin Thomas Foundation, WHAS Crusade for Children, Kosair for Kids, private donors and many more.  

What Makes Panther Park an Inclusive Playground? 

While the playground began as a way to give Luke greater opportunities for freedom and independence, Sarah wanted to make sure it also catered to children of all abilities. 

Panther Park is designed so children of all abilities can play together, safely and independently. The playground includes:  

• Fully ramped access, allowing children and caregivers who use mobility equipment access to the entire playground;  
• Sensory-friendly components designed for children with autism or sensory sensitivities;  
• A no-static roller slide that’s safe and fun for children with cochlear implants;  
• Smooth, accessible surfaces that allows for easy navigation; and 
• Adaptive equipment that’s friendly to children who use mobility devices or have other mobility challenges. 

Luke even helped a little with the design, making sure Sarah remembered to add a surface spinner as well as a twisty slide.  

“We were ready to order, and I showed him the design, and he said, ‘Where’s the twisty slide?’” Sarah recalled. “I hadn’t realized that was so important to him, but thankfully we were able to switch that out last minute.”  

How to Start an Inclusive Spaces in Your Community  

Sarah, who now works for the DREAM Foundation of Kentucky, the nonprofit that helped spearhead the Panther Park project, offered advice for individuals seeking to create more inclusive spaces in their communities.  

• Just start. “It’s not going to happen unless someone decides to do it, so take the initiative and try,” she said.  
• Focus on education first. “People don’t just give money, so you have to educate them on what this opportunity really means,” Sarah shared. Share stories and information about how the inclusive space will help the wider community, then ask for donations. People want to be involved in things they feel invested in.  
• Find partner organizations that share your vision. “There are organizations that help people get started,” Sarah said. From fundraising experts to consulting services and more, look for organizations that can help you achieve your goals.  

Submit Your Story 

Do you have an NSM client or caregiver story we need to hear? Send them to NSMFeedback@nsm-seating.com!

The post Panther Park: Louisville’s $1 Million Accessible Playground for Children of All Abilities  appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

At-a-Glance Summary:  

Travel can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. Learn why sensory overload happens during travel — and how routines, planning and on‑the‑go sensory supports can help. 

For many families, getting in the car is just another part of the day. But for children who experience sensory sensitivities, travel can quickly become overwhelming, leading to sensory overload.  

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions often process sensory input differently. The sights, sounds, movements and physical sensations involved in vehicle travel can overload the nervous system, leading to anxiety, meltdowns or shutdowns during daily outings, appointments or family trips.  

Understanding why travel and breaks in routine can be so challenging — and knowing how to plan ahead — can help make outings safer, calmer and more successful for everyone. 

Why Travel Triggers Sensory Overload in Children 

Vehicle travel can overwhelm the nervous system because it involves constant, competing sensory input that the brain may struggle to filter or regulate. Rapid movement, unpredictable noises, confined spaces and constant motion all compete for attention at once. That can trigger outbursts, extreme anxiety, and, in some cases, cause children with sensory overload issues to shut down or freeze.  

Sensory triggers that could lead to overload or overwhelm:  

• Rapidly passing scenery, sunlight flickering through trees or flashing lights 

• Sirens, the hum of the engine, horns or sirens, wind noise and traffic sounds 

• Itchy or uncomfortable seat material, harness or buckle that feels too tight or restrictive 

• Strong smells such as gasoline, air fresheners, food and even rain  

In addition to sensory triggers, many children with ASD, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions struggle with unexpected changes in routine. Even minor departures from what feels familiar, such as a car ride instead of a walk, can increase stress and make sensory overload more likely.  

That’s why predictability, preparation and supportive tools play such an important role when families are on the go. 

Tips to Support Sensory Needs on the Go 

When you’re on the go, you can’t control every aspect of the trip — but you can take practical steps to help children navigate triggers that could lead to sensory overload.  

Ease the Transition to Reduce Sensory Overload 

Preparing children in advance helps reduce anxiety caused by changes in routine, which is one of the most common triggers for sensory overload. According to the Child Mind Institute, kids with ASD may feel uncomfortable with unfamiliar routines, while those with ADHD have trouble shifting attention on demand. Children who deal with anxiety may fear what comes next.  

• Prepare children in advance by walking through the trip, maintaining familiar routines and setting a clear schedule so they know what to expect before, during and after travel. 

• Give kids a sense of control by allowing them to make small decisions such as which snack or toy to bring or where to stop along the way.  

• Bring comfort items that will help children feel safe and help with self-regulation.  

• When the unexpected happens, stick as closely to the schedule as possible.  

Pack Items that Support Your Child’s Sensory Needs 

Whether you’re leaving your home for a doctor’s appointment or a vacation, unfamiliar noises, sights and sounds as well as long lines or crowded spaces can all trigger sensory overload responses. While you can’t control these triggers when you’re on the go, you can take steps to prepare for and manage them:  

• Bring ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones if your child is sensitive to loud or unfamiliar noises.  

• If touch or texture are issues for your child, comfortable clothing is a must. Products like buckle guards and positioning vests can also help keep seatbelts and straps from rubbing on skin.  

• Buckle guards, positioning vests and adaptive car seats can also help increase safety in the car, especially for children who frequently unbuckle their safety harness or seat belt.  

• An adaptive stroller can provide mobility support so a child prone to shutdown moments or who can only physically walk short distances can still participate in family activities and be ready for fun when you get where you’re going. Adaptive strollers also provide needed support and positioning for older children who might be too big for commercial strollers designed for toddlers.  

• Ensuring your child has access to their speech device, if they use one, can assist them in expressing their needs which can reduce frustration and anxiety. 

• Sunglasses might help with visual triggers and weighted blankets or other items your child uses to self-regulate can help calm overload.  

For adaptive strollers and safety restraint systems or positioning vests, it’s important to work with your child’s physician and care team, including physical and occupational therapists, to determine which options might work best. At NSM, our team regularly works with families, therapists and other care team members to identify mobility and safety solutions that can help support sensory regulation and ensure independence.  

Take a Break 

You know your child better than anyone else. If you notice your child starting to become overwhelmed, have a plan for what to do: 

• Predetermine a safe place your child can go when feeling overwhelmed. For some children, an adaptive stroller can become a safe, familiar retreat when overstimulated. 

• Talk through safe options with your child. Taking a walk with you or finding a quiet place to decompress is important, but stress that children can’t just wander off. You or another adult need to know where they are.  

Explore Sensory Support Solutions for Travel 

Learn more about adaptive strollers, safety restraint systems and other solutions that may help your child when you’re on the go. Talk with NSM’s dedicated team about what may work best for your child.   

Find a location near you to start the conversation about your customized mobility and accessibility needs.

Resources 

Need more information or tips? Check out these articles:  

• Tips for Going Places With Sensory-Challenged Kids by Rae Jacobson, Child Mind Institute 
• 10 Tips for Traveling with Autistic Children, Autism Speaks 
• Tips for More Positive Office Visits for Patients with ASD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 

The post Managing Sensory Overload During Travel: On-the-Go Support for Children appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Many health insurance carriers require prior authorization to repair CRT equipment that’s already been approved. The process involves submitting several documents and other information to your insurance provider for approval. Waiting for approvals often adds one to four weeks to the process and can delay CRT users from getting the repair they need.

Key Takeaways:

• Many health insurance carriers require prior authorization to repair CRT equipment that’s already been approved
• The process involves submitting several documents and a variety of information to your insurance provider
• Waiting for approvals from your health insurance carrier often adds one to four weeks to the repair process
• Prior authorization creates bottlenecks in the process, delaying CRT users from getting the repair they need

What Is Prior Authorization?

Prior authorization is an insurance requirement that asks CRT providers to get approval before ordering repair parts, even when the equipment was previously approved as medically necessary.

Required Documents for Prior Authorization

Prior authorization for CRT repairs typically includes several documents, including:

• A prescription
• A repair evaluation
• An equipment or repair estimate
• A Letter of Medical Necessity (LNM)

Why Prior Authorization Delays CRT Repairs

Prior authorization creates bottlenecks in the repair process, mostly because multiple documents must be completed, submitted, reviewed and approved before any parts can be ordered. This delays CRT users from getting the repair they need to enjoy the levels of independence and mobility they desire.

A few ways prior authorization can slow down the process of making timely repairs include:

• The authorization process is lengthy, often requiring several types of documentation to be completed by different members of the CRT user’s care team, including physicians, therapists and Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs). Waiting for approvals from your health insurance carrier often makes up for nearly half of the repair timeline, adding one to four weeks to the process.
• Authorization is required before ordering equipment or parts needed for a repair. It takes time to order, repair and deliver CRT equipment, and CRT providers cannot start the process until the health insurance carrier has approved.
• If prior authorization is denied, you must appeal the decision, which often means submitting or resubmitting additional documentation and waiting for the health insurance carrier’s decision.
• Even if your chair was previously approved and determined medically necessary, your health plan may require you to submit a prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for most repairs, even replacing a battery. Learn more.

Timeline & Solutions

Reducing or eliminating prior authorization for minor CRT repairs would significantly shorten repair timelines and help users avoid unnecessary health risks. Potential reforms include:

• Removing requirements for a prescription and a statement of medical necessity for repairs to equipment that has already been approved as medically necessary.
• Removing prior authorization or establishing a threshold up to $1,500 for minor repairs or frequently replaced parts to reduce unnecessary wait times and keep CRT users moving.

FAQs

What is prior authorization?

Prior authorization is basically asking your health insurance carrier for permission before ordering the parts to complete a repair on CRT equipment that has previously been approved as medically necessary.

How long does it take?

Prior authorization for CRT repairs often adds one to four weeks to the repair timeline, accounting for nearly half of the total repair process.

What documents are needed?

A prescription, a repair evaluation, an equipment or repair estimate and a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

What if a request is denied?

If prior authorization is denied, the repair is delayed further while you and your care team submit additional documentation, and the insurance carrier reviews an appeal.

Did You Know You Can Make a Difference?

As a CRT user, your experience can help legislators and insurance carriers see the need for change. Legislation that seeks to remove or limit prior authorization is currently being considered in several states.

You can help by:

Educating Yourself

Prior authorization requirements can differ depending on the health insurance carrier. Learn about your insurance carrier’s requirements and who is responsible for each step in the process so you know who to reach out to if documentation is missing or delayed.

NOTE: If you change health insurance carriers at any time during the repair process, you will have to start the process over with your new insurance carrier.

Researching What’s Happening in Your State:

Follow advocacy organizations like NCART, iNRRTS, AAHomecare and other advocates to stay up to date about ongoing efforts and learn what is happening in your state. If legislation is under consideration in your state, research and seek to understand how it would change the prior authorization process for you and your health insurance carrier.

Sharing Your Story:

Reach out to your insurance carrier and elected officials at both the state and federal level and explain how changes to prior authorization would improve your daily life. Find your elected officials.

Making Your Voice Heard:

In many ways, private health insurance plans follow the example of Medicare and Medicaid. Call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) directly at 1-800-633-4227 to advocate for changes to prior authorization requirements.

The post Prior Authorization for CRT Equipment Repairs: 7 Facts Every CRT User Should Know appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

That’s exactly how the world can feel for children who deal with sensory overload.

Sensory overload happens when the body’s senses become overstimulated by loud noises, bright lights, strong smells or overwhelming environments. While commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory overload also affects people with ADHD, sensory processing disorders, anxiety, PTSD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

In addition, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, many people with ASD often have some form of co-occurring condition such as ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), epilepsy, Rett or Williams Syndrome, sleep disorders and more. Many of these conditions can also contribute to sensory overload.

What Does Sensory Overload Look Like?

Sensory overload can look a little different for everyone, but common signs include:

• Physical reactions such as covering ears, closing eyes, rocking, pacing, or other self‑soothing behaviors
• Irritability, anxiety, meltdowns, or shutting down
• Withdrawing from the space or refusing to enter
• Physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating or headaches

How to Create a Sensory-Safe Home Environment

As a parent, you can’t control every aspect of what your child experiences outside your home, but you can take steps to ensure your home is a sensory-safe environment. To do so, you can reduce potential triggers and add supportive tools that help your child feel safe, regulated, and calm.

Reduce Sensory Overload in Key Environments

Use dimmable lamps instead of harsh overhead lighting, soften noise with rugs and curtains, and avoid strong smells from candles or cleaners. Reduce visual clutter to simplify the space.

Create a Space Where Kids Can Decompress

Children who deal with sensory overload often need a space where they can go to self-regulate. Provide a calm space with soft textures, low lighting and tools like weighted blankets or fidgets to help children decompress.

Ensure Sleep Safety

Sleep can be challenging for children with sensory regulatory disorders.  Safety beds, such as Cubby Beds, ZPods and Beds by George are often beneficial for kids with ASD or other neurodevelopmental conditions by preventing nighttime wandering and creating a calming environment where children can decompress. Some beds offer calming sounds, remote monitoring or ambient lighting, but you can also help your child sleep better with blackout curtains, white noise machines and a consistent bedtime routine.

Support Communication with AAC Tools

Some children with ASD are non-verbal, while others experience shutdowns or become non-verbal during sensory overload. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools — like picture boards or speech-generating devices — allow children to express needs when speaking is difficult. Devices such as the Logan Proxtalker or  RM Speech’s Nuvo S Series speech-generating devices give children the ability to communicate even when overwhelmed.

Control Your Child’s Sensory Experience on the Go

New environments can heighten sensory stress for some children. Adaptive strollers may be helpful when navigating unfamiliar environments or crowded public spaces by helping children feel safe and regulated. For car rides — which easily create sensory overload due to the confined space, vibrations and motion — specialized car seats or safety vests can provide a secure, predictable environment. In addition, sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones or weighted blankets may also be helpful when you’re on the go.

Ready to create a home where your child feels safe, calm, and supported?

NSM is here to help. With expert guidance and access to trusted equipment — from sleep‑safe beds to adaptive seating and communication tools — our team partners with families to build environments that truly meet each child’s unique sensory and safety needs. Connect with NSM today, and let’s create a space where your child can thrive.

Find a location near you to start the conversation about your customized mobility and accessibility needs.

The post 5 Tips to Create a Sensory-Safe Home Environment appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

At-a-Glance Summary:

For parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs, dependable access to medical supplies is critical. For Albuquerque mother Anita Sedillo, consistency, communication, and trust in her medical supply provider have made a meaningful difference in caring for her 15-year-old son, Joaquin.

For parents and caregivers of children with complex medical needs, dependable access to medical supplies is essential. National Seating and Mobility (NSM), the leading provider of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), mobility and accessibility solutions in North America, supports families with consistent delivery, clear communication, and dedicated care teams. 

For Albuquerque mother Anita Sedillo, that reliability has made a meaningful difference in caring for her 15-year-old son, Joaquin.

Joaquin was born with multiple disabilities and depends on a variety of medical supplies to support his daily health and comfort. These include feeding tube supplies such as a MIC-KEY button, feeding bags, extensions, formula, syringes, tape, gauze, gloves, diapers and, sometimes, electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte.

After years of issues with a previous medical supply company, Sedillo turned to NSM for Joaquin’s medical supplies — a decision she says brought immediate relief.

“With National Seating and Mobility, I have no issues,” Sedillo said. “I have peace of mind that Joaquin’s order is taken care of, and we’re going to get the supplies he needs when we need them.” 

Consistent Monthly Medical Supply Ordering

Because Sedillo is also juggling Joaquin’s appointments and medications, she prefers to order his medical supplies at the start of each month — and NSM’s Medical Supplies team makes that easy. 

“I always get a reminder — email and text — saying that it’s time to reorder,” she said. “Then, I just email what I need.” 

While Joaquin needs certain supplies, such as feeding bags and formula, every month, Sedillo sometimes needs to add additional items as Joaquin’s needs change. 

“I don’t ask for the same thing each month,” Sedillo commented. “It just depends on what we need because there are some supplies, like Pedialyte, that we don’t use all the time, but it’s nice to be able to add them when we need to.”

Once the order is placed, Sedillo receives confirmation messages and shipping notifications, ensuring she always knows when supplies are on the way.

Clear Communication and Responsive Support

One of the things Sedillo appreciates most about the NSM Medical Supplies team is their proactive communication. 

“If something is on backorder, they let me know,” she said. “They’ll give me the option of using another brand or waiting for the brand I ordered.” 

But if there’s a problem with any of those replacement brands — like the time Joaquin had an allergic reaction to a new brand of Hypafix tape — getting a new product is easy. Sedillo simply reached out to her assigned NSM Medical Supplies Care Team member and told them what was going on.

“I just reached out and let them know I couldn’t use that brand because Joaquin has sensitive skin,” Sedillo said. “They said, ‘No problem,’ and sent me another brand and asked me to let them know if it worked.” 

A Dedicated Medical Supply Team You Can Trust

Working with the same contacts each month has built a strong sense of trust for Sedillo. Because she works with the same person each month, Sedillo knows she’s talking to someone who understands Joaquin’s unique needs.

“It’s nice having the same person to reach out to each month,” she said. “At our previous company, it was always different people, but this makes the whole process easier.” 

Because NSM has become such a trusted partner, Sedillo frequently refers other families of children with disabilities to NSM for medical supplies.

NSM Takes the Hassle Out of Medical Supplies

We strive to take the stress and worry of juggling your medical supplies needs off your shoulders. Whether you need enteral, incontinence or urology supplies, we’re here to make your life a little easier. 

<<Learn More about Medical Supplies from NSM>>

The post NSM Medical Supplies Bring Peace of Mind to Families appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Adaptive technologies contribute to improved outcomes by:

• Increasing independence and social engagement, including self-care
• Supporting physical, emotional and cognitive development
• Enhancing quality of life and boosting caregiver confidence
• Enabling safe participation and connection within the home and community.

Real-Life Example of How a Safety Bed Changed Liam’s Life

Like most parents, Brian and Agustina McCarthy want to ensure their son, Liam, is happy, healthy and safe. But because Liam, who’s 7 years old, lives with Level 3 autism, PICA and epilepsy, that can be a little more complicated for the McCarthy family. 

“There’s a level of focus that’s required when monitoring Liam that we never knew we had or could even be achieved,” Brian says. “He’s a wonderful, caring, loving, curious, determined and silly little man, but his body is compelled to consume non-food items and seek sensory input by climbing on anything and everything tall.” 

Liam, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was around 4 and epilepsy just last year, lives an active life. Brian describes his son as having “impeccable balance,” but because of Liam’s epilepsy diagnosis, climbing can be dangerous. 

His parents make sure he’s supervised during the day, but nighttime proved to be a little harder to manage. After a night when Liam climbed atop his bureau to fall into his bed, his parents knew they needed a safety bed in addition to video monitors. 

“After his epilepsy diagnosis, they told us he really shouldn’t be climbing anything higher than two feet,” Brian says. “It’s a huge danger if he wakes up in the middle of the night, doesn’t make a peep and climbs [on top of his bureau], and we don’t wake up. It’s a very serious safety issue.” 

Even before Liam was diagnosed with epilepsy, helping him to settle and safely sleep through the night had been difficult.

We’ve spent at least four years anxious about Liam quietly engaging in dangerous sensory seeking or self-injurious behavior while we’re sleeping,” Brian says. “We’ve put 28,000 miles on our car in nine months just to drive him around to get him to sleep.”

Brian, Agustina and Liam’s ATP, Peter Eastman, initiated the process of ordering a safety bed at their local NSM branch, then worked with Kim Giordano, NSM Funding Supervisor, and Justyna Wozny, an NSM Funding Specialist, to navigate the insurance approval process. Liam received his Cubby Bed in March of last year. 

“Kim and Justyna were so understanding of our need for things to be expedited,” Brian says. “At each step, they told us exactly what actions we needed to take to move the process further to completion. They were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and nurturing during what can be an absolutely crazy, intimidating, confusing and frustrating process.” 

For the McCarthy family, the experience was a primary example of NSM working to meet client needs — something NSM’s funding team prides itself on, according to Kim Giordano, NSM Funding Supervisor. 

“We strive to be subject matter experts and advocate fiercely for our clients to ensure they receive the necessary equipment,” Giordano says. “It was rewarding for Justyna and our team to be a part of an effort that allows this family to rest peacefully at night, knowing their son is secure.” 

Learn More about how NSM Can Support You

Due to autism, PICA, and epilepsy, Liam required a safe nighttime solution to prevent injury. A medically approved safety bed provided security, improved sleep, and peace of mind for his family. 

NSM is here to help. With expert guidance and access to trusted equipment — from sleep‑safe beds to adaptive seating and communication tools — our team partners with families to build environments that truly meet each child’s unique sensory and safety needs. Connect with NSM today, and let’s create a space where your child can thrive.

Find a location near you to start the conversation about your customized mobility and accessibility needs.

The post How a Safety Bed and Home Mobility Solutions Helped Liam and His Family appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

• Jeremy Siegers, a power wheelchair user, faced challenges with daily transfers at home.
• NSM designed a custom ceiling lift and track system for safe, independent movement.
• Features include full-room mobility, smooth bathroom transitions and reduced caregiver strain.
• Result: increased independence and easier daily routines for both Jeremy and his caregivers.

How a Ceiling Lift System Transformed Daily Life for Chicago-Area Entrepreneur Jeremy Siegers

For Jeremy Siegers, creativity is part of what makes him tick.

As the owner of Sharp Mill Graphics, a multi-surface branding management company based in the Chicagoland area, he’s used to finding creative solutions for unique challenges. But when it came to navigating his home as a power wheelchair user, Siegers realized he needed a tailored home access solution.

That’s where National Seating & Mobility’s (NSM) Home Access team came in.

The Challenge: Daily Transfers with a Hoyer Lift

Like many wheelchair users, Siegers relied on a manual Hoyer lift to transfer between his mobility scooter, bed and other areas of his home. However, as his limb-girdle muscular dystrophy progressed and Siegers transitioned to a power wheelchair, these transfers became increasingly difficult — not just for him, but also for his caregivers.

“I’m 6 foot, 2 inches tall and 200 pounds,” he said. “Having my mom, who is smaller than me, trying to maneuver me around — it got to be too much work for her or whoever was helping me transfer me.” 

Siegers knew he needed a home accessibility solution that would provide independence while also reducing the strain on his parents and other caregivers. 

Partnering With NSM for a Custom Track System

The ceiling lift and track system project began with a simple question. 

“After I moved to my power chair, I was trying to finagle transfers with the Hoyer lift,” Siegers recalled. “I asked my ATP what other people used for transfers and just knew that there had to be other solutions out there.” 

Siegers’ ATP connected Siegers with NSM’s Home Access team, who came to Siegers’ home and walked through his daily routine with him. Together, he and the NSM Home Access team worked to create a custom solution that fits Siegers’ unique needs. 

The result was a custom ceiling track system, a motorized track and lift installed in Siegers’ home that helps him safely transfer between a wheelchair, bed, shower or toilet with minimal caregiver assistance. 

Siegers describes the system as “similar to an engine hoist in an auto body shop.” Key features include:

• X-Y axis movement: The track system allows Siegers to move forward, backward, left or right, unrestricted by a single track
• Custom bathroom carousel: Siegers can rotate completely to access the shower chair and other areas of the bathroom
• Seamless transitions: A gate system allows Siegers’ smooth movement between rooms

The NSM team carefully planned the installation, first evaluating Siegers’ home to ensure it could structurally support the weight of the track system. Then, the team laid out the track, mounted it to ceiling rafters and fine-tuned transitions room-to-room to ensure it worked correctly and fit Siegers’ needs. 

The Impact: Independence and Reduced Caregiver Strain

While Siegers still requires minor assistance to attach to the lift, the system significantly reduces caregiver burden. Now, all his caregivers need to do is help him hook onto the lift — a small task compared to manually lifting him multiple times a day.

“My parents are getting older, and I have a caretaker as well, but the burden [of manually lifting me] got to be too much,” he said. “This system is part of our daily routine and a huge help. I use it every single day, and I don’t know what I’d do without it.

“It’s definitely an investment,” he continued, “but it’s an investment that’s worth it for all parties involved.”

Discover Custom Home Solutions

If you or a loved one is seeking greater independence at home, NSM offers custom home accessibility solutions designed around your life. From ceiling lifts to home modifications, the NSM Home Access team creates solutions that fit your unique mobility needs.

Click here to learn more About Home Access Solutions!

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Custom mobility solutions change lives by: 

• Increasing independence and social interaction,
• Supporting physical, emotional and cognitive development,
• Improving caregiver confidence and quality of life, and 
• Enabling safe participation and connection within the home and community.

Real-Life Examples of Restoring Independence Through Custom Seating

National Seating & Mobility (NSM) ATP Chris McNulty has been working in the home medical equipment industry since the 1990s and currently serves clients in the Troy, Michigan, area. He recently worked with a pediatric client, Kendric, who was recovering from an extended illness that had left him bedridden. 

The extended time in bed affected Kendric’s posture, so much so that his existing seating system no longer fit him. McNulty, working in cooperation with Kendric’s doctors and therapists, set out to find a solution. 

“Because of the length of time that he spent in bed, he had contractures and had developed some atrophy,” McNulty recalls. “The challenge became, ‘How can we accommodate his new posture and still use his existing chair?’”

It took a little creativity to figure out how to mount Kendric’s new seating system to his existing chair, but McNulty and the care team eventually found a solution. McNulty went to the family’s home to make the delivery and do the final fitting. 

“When I went out to their home, his parents got him out of bed, sat him up in the chair, and the first thing they did was turn on the TV,” McNulty says. “Kendric was able to sit up and watch his favorite show for the first time in months.” 

Kendric’s parents were ecstatic to see their son enjoying something he loved — and ecstatic to see him smile for the first time in months. 

“It was the first time they had noticed him smiling in a long time, and it was a joyful moment,” McNulty says. “We all shared a big smile.” 

Now fully recovered, Kendric and his family are also able to enjoy their community together, thanks to his new seating system. 

“When he started to feel better, Kendric really couldn’t get out because his old seating system didn’t fit him correctly anymore,” McNulty says. “This is a quiet reminder that what we do as clinicians, as ATPs, as physical therapists and occupational therapists — we really are a voice for our patients who may not have a voice because of medical fragility or maybe don’t know how to advocate for themselves. 

“So we have a responsibility to do what we can,” he continues, “so they can get the equipment they need and deserve to live fulfilling lives.”

Learn More about NSM’s CRT Process

After an extended illness caused significant postural changes, Kendric needed a custom seating solution to regain comfort and function. A collaborative CRT approach restored his ability to sit upright, engage with his environment, and return to community life. Learn more about the NSM process.

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Custom mobility solutions change lives by: 

• Increasing independence and social interaction,
• Supporting physical, emotional and cognitive development,
• Improving caregiver confidence and quality of life, and 
• Enabling safe participation and connection within the home and community.

Real-Life Examples of CRT Equipment in Action

At 4 years old, Cyrus — known to his family and friends as Zippy — was born with arthrogyposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a condition characterized by stiff joints, contractures and tight muscles that severely limit mobility. Zippy started therapy eight hours after birth, his mom, Cindy Mood, recalls, and he was just shy of his first birthday when the Moods began considering a wheelchair to increase Zippy’s mobility. 

“We had a stroller, but it wasn’t allowing Zippy as much visibility,” Mood said. “He was a little less than 1 year old when we got his first manual wheelchair through National Seating & Mobility (NSM). That was a real game-changer, and he was so proud to be sitting up in his chair, and it gave him more freedom.” 

As Zippy grew, his parents and care team wanted to provide as many opportunities as possible for him to enjoy independent mobility, just like his peers. When he was about 2 years old, they began considering a power chair. At first, the Moods and the care team looked into head controls because of Zippy’s limited limb mobility, but the solution ultimately turned out to be a joystick paired with arm supports. 

These tools allow Zippy to zip around with the exuberance of his 4-year-old peers and enjoy the physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of independent mobility.

“Probably the biggest thing is that Zippy and his sister are able to play together,” Cindy says. “Having this equipment and the NSM team, including our Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Ryan Martin, gives Zippy greater confidence, and he benefits physically, mentally, emotionally and socially from being able to interact on his own. As caregivers, it takes a little of the weight off our shoulders.” 

Learn More about NSM’s Mobility Solutions

Zippy’s custom pediatric wheelchair and assistive technology gave him independent mobility, improved muscle development, and the confidence to interact with peers—demonstrating how early access to CRT equipment can transform childhood development.  Learn more about what NSM has to offer.

The post How Pediatric Mobility Solutions Changed Zippy’s Life appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

The good news is that with a little preparation and forethought — including knowing how often your insurance carrier allows you to get new equipment — you can help make the process a little smoother. Here are five key things to know as you start the journey toward new equipment. 

Know Your Team—and Their Roles

When the new equipment process seems overwhelming, it’s important to remember that you’re not in this alone. Your care team includes your physician or physiatrist, occupational or physical therapists and your Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Each member of the team plays an important role in evaluating your mobility needs, providing needed documentation and documenting medical necessity, among other things. Many insurance carriers allow for new complex wheelchairs around every five years and may consider replacement around five years for other types of CRT equipment, so it’s important understand what your health plan covers. Work with your CRT supplier or therapist to schedule a seating evaluation as that time nears. Learn more about what to expect at your evaluation.

Plan Ahead for Prior Authorization

It’s no secret that prior authorization takes time. When it comes to new equipment, you often need to submit several documents and a variety of information to your insurance carrier for approval before your CRT supplier can order your new equipment. These often include: 

• A prescription for CRT equipment,
• A seating evaluation,
• An equipment estimate, and 
• A Letter of Medical Necessity.

Take the time to become familiar with your insurance carrier’s requirements for prior authorization for new equipment. Your CRT provider will take the lead on collecting the needed documentation, but you can play an active role and help streamline the process by understanding what is required and who to reach out to if something is missing, such as a prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity. Learn more about prior authorization. 

Understand the Timeline

The new equipment process takes time and patience. Since several steps must be completed and CRT orders can be very complex, it often takes months for new equipment to be approved, ordered, assembled and delivered. Timelines may differ depending on your insurance carrier and other factors, but your CRT supplier and team should be able to provide you with a more detailed timeline for your order. Learn more about the general timeline at NSM. 

Know Your Funding Options—and Advocate for Yourself Along the Way.

Insurance coverage can vary widely, and not every piece of equipment or accessory may be covered. Have a plan for how to cover out-of-pocket costs or research additional funding options such as secondary insurance, grants or other options. If your insurance carrier denies your prior authorization, work with your care team to prove medical necessity — which often means submitting additional documentation and waiting for approval. If you believe a component is medically necessary for your independence and quality of life, advocate for yourself and work with your care team to make your case appropriately.

Stay in Touch with Your ATP

Your CRT provider plays a valuable role in keeping your equipment up to date and working optimally. If you notice a problem, report it to your CRT supplier as soon as possible. Keep track of maintenance that has been performed on your equipment and strive to perform small tasks regularly—like cleaning your chair and caring for the casters—to extend the life of your equipment. If you notice any issues with your equipment, it’s important to check them out before they become bigger problems.

Navigating the new equipment process doesn’t have to be stressful! Seek to understand the process and educate yourself about your insurance carrier’s provisions and requirements for ordering new CRT equipment. The new equipment process takes a little time, but by paying attention to the details and staying engaged with the process, you can help ensure it moves along as smoothly as possible.

Want to know more about the new equipment process?

Learn more.

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