Depending on what climate you live in, late fall to early spring can be the perfect time to squeeze in a camping trip, and the Riley family had plenty of advice to offer. Shane and Ainslee Riley live in Maine with their two teenage sons, Liam and Evan, and the Rileys are avid travelers and enjoy camping. 

Both boys use complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) equipment for mobility, so the Rileys shared plenty of accessible travel and camping tips to help you prepare for your next trip. 

When planning a trip, what are some of the questions you ask or decisions you make beforehand? 

You need to determine what you will travel in that meets your needs. Will your accessible vehicle, if you have one, meet the needs for a long road trip? Will you rent an accessible vehicle or RV? If you plan to stay overnight on your way to your destination, are there accessible hotels or campsites en route? 

Also, be sure to research the accessibility at the campsite you plan to rent at your final destination and its proximity to an accessible restroom. Often non-accessible restrooms at campgrounds are very tricky to get into without a lot of heavy lifting and maneuvering, which also creates a lack of privacy. What is your ability to lift? If you can’t lift very much, you may need to travel with a portable lift to make these transitions easier. 

If you’re driving to your campsite, are there benefits to mapping out your route in advance?

We find it helpful to map our route and determine where to stay in advance. That gives us the opportunity to ensure we get an accessible room or campsite with appropriate restroom facilities for our needs. We also research the area for accessible activities and figure out how to make activities that aren’t easily accessible doable for us. 

For wheelchair users and their families and friends, what advice can you offer about selecting a campsite? 

Select an accessible campsite, but also research to ensure that the area where you will put your tent is flat and you can drive a power wheelchair up to it. Having a lightweight transport chair for getting in and out of the tent—and sometimes into the shower areas—is helpful. Our sons sleep more comfortably on a cot with a sleeping pad rather than on the ground, and that also makes it easier for us to pick them up. Again, depending on your ability to lift, you may want to bring a slide board or lift with you. We also have a tent we can stand up in, which makes transfers, helping with dressing and other tasks a little easier. 

If you use a power wheelchair, you’ll want to think about how you’ll charge the battery. If there’s no power at your site, you will need a portable charger or generator of some sort. If you use your vehicle to charge a power wheelchair battery, you risk killing your car battery. 

When planning activities—the things you’ll do and see on your trip—what are some things wheelchair users and their caregivers should consider? 

Research thoroughly. Online information can be misleading, so call ahead to confirm details. Ask about ramp access, transitions and any barriers. For example, some places may consider a 6-inch step “accessible” when it’s not for many CRT users. Specific questions can make or break your plans—especially in areas with variable terrain, like islands with gravel paths.

A National Parks Access Pass can be very helpful too, granting free entry for disabled individuals and up to three guests at all National Parks. We’ve taken our boys to accessible viewing trails in places like Arches National Park and Washington D.C., which has excellent accessibility.

Traveling with your sons, who both use wheelchairs, takes a lot of planning. Why would you encourage other CRT users and their friends or families to travel? 

Why not? It does require some additional advanced planning and research, but it’s worth it. There may be a learning curve at first—and you’ll discover things you wish you’d packed or questions you should have asked—but you’ll know for the next time. You might face unexpected challenges and have to get creative with your solutions, but as long as you’re together and having fun, it makes for great memories. 

You sometimes travel with one or both of your sons’ service dogs. Any advice for CRT users who might be traveling with a service animal? 

Once you know where you’re going, contact your vet to make sure there aren’t additional precautions you need to take or vaccinations your service dog might need. For example, in Georgia, dogs aren’t required to have a vaccination for Lyme’s disease, but in Maine they are. 

Any last pieces of advice for fellow travelers or campers? 

A disability doesn’t have to stop you from traveling. Just this year, one or both of us have traveled with our sons to Puerto Rico, Hurricane Island and Monhegan Island for school trips, taken a cross-country road trip, camped in Colorado and Utah with the Trekkers, and, most recently, gone to Hawaii for a Make-A-Wish trip. We traveled to Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, throughout New England, New Jersey, New York, Florida and more. We love to travel! 

Looking for ramps, lifts or other accessibility products that might enhance your travel plans? Reach out to your local National Seating & Mobility branch to learn more about your options.

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The holiday season is here, and we want to help you keep it merry and bright. From adaptive clothing to the latest in gaming tech, here are a few of our favorite products, gadgets and gear, curated specifically for people who use mobility equipment.

For the Sports Fan

The NFL released a special collection of adaptive and assisted apparel for all 32 teams. Available from Fanatics, the collection features adaptive and assisted short- and long-sleeved T-shirts as well as adaptive pullover hoodies. Some of the shirts use magnetic snaps at the shoulders, making it easier to pull the clothing overhead. Other items include adaptive bungees and extended adaptive zippers. Grab the perfect gift for your football fan at fanatics.com.

For the Gamer

Looking for a gift for the gamer in your life? Sony has the Access™ controller for PS5. The controller is highly customizable and is designed to help players with disabilities play their favorite games more comfortably. The controller features swappable buttons and stick caps, allowing users to configure it to fit their range of motion and preferences. Players don’t have to hold the controller to play, and the controller includes expandable inputs, allowing players to use more than one Access controller simultaneously or add additional control devices. The design team worked closely with accessibility experts throughout the design process. Click here to learn more about the controller. 

For the Traveler

For the traveler, the best gift may be an unforgettable experience—and there are plenty of tools out there to make that happen. Last year, Airbnb launched an Adapted category that allows travelers to find accessible homes in locations around the globe. To be included in the category, each home must have step-free access and dedicated accessibility features, and would-be travelers can use filters to search for specific needs. Becoming RentABLE offers a similar service, but focuses solely on the United States. Created by wheelchair user Lorraine Woodward, the site includes an extensive list of accessibility accommodations, allowing travelers to find a short-term rental that meets their exact needs. 

For the Chef

From a cookbook recommendation to tools to make cooking easier, we’ve got a few gift ideas for your consideration. Adaptive cutting boards (some with spikes to keep food in place while chopping) and bowls with non-slip bottoms can be great gifts for people who love to cook. Jules Sherred’s Crip Up The Kitchen, which was released in mid-2023, is also a great option. With tips for organizing the kitchen and ideas to make cooking a bit more accessible, the book also offers recipes organized by how much prep and effort are required. 

For the Fashion Icon

Need a gift for the fashion lover in your life? There are plenty of options. Nine West and Kohl’s recently announced a new adaptive clothing collaboration, which will add even more adaptive apparel to the retailer’s growing list of fashion options.

Victoria’s Secret and PINK also released their first-ever adaptive collection this fall, offering intimates in a variety of colors and prints that feature magnetic closures, front strap adjusters and more. Looking for footwear?

Sorel, in collaboration with Zappos, has released an adaptive version of its popular Out n About III Classic Waterproof boot, just in time for cooler weather. The shoe features an adjustable strap and an enlarged heel loop, making the shoe easier to take off and put on. People with disabilities tested the shoes, providing vital feedback to ensure quality and functionality. 

Looking for more options? Check out this gift guide from our friends at New Mobility Magazine or this one from BraunAbility.

The post Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide for People with Disabilities appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

For complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) users, navigating the process of getting new equipment can sometimes be confusing, frustrating and often time-consuming. 

But Dr. Anjali Shah and her team at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center’s Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic are working to create a new equipment evaluation model that streamlines the process and creates greater efficiency for CRT users as well as their care team. 

Dr. Shah, who serves as the director of the UTSW clinic, likes to describe the clinic as “a little village with shops along the way,” in which everyone—from referrals to scheduling and delivery—“has a specific role to keep the new equipment process moving efficiently.” 

“We know that this process has multiple steps and if one process is delayed, everything can get backed up,” Dr. Shah says. “So, we’ve sought to create a very efficient model where we get everything we need as quickly as we need it.”

In the traditional evaluation model, patients see a physician who determines their need for mobility equipment. Next, patients work with an occupational or physical therapist and an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) to evaluate their specific needs and design a mobility solution that fits those needs. This is then submitted to insurance for approval. And there are plenty of opportunities to create greater efficiency, according to Dr. Shah. She and her team have taken a number of steps to streamline that process for their patients, including: 

• UTSW is a physician-run clinic. UTSW’s clinic is staffed with ATPs, therapists, nurse practitioners, but as a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician Dr. Shah is certified and permitted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to perform an evaluation by herself, without a therapist, alongside the ATP. In addition to the Physician/ATP model, Patricia Gordon, APRN, FNP-BC, the nurse practitioner who works with Dr. Shah, also performs wheelchair evaluations alongside a therapist and ATP.
  
• UTSW uses linked appointments and shared medical records to create a “one-stop-shop” experience. The UTSW scheduling team includes in-house occupational and physical therapists, and appointments are scheduled so that patients can meet with their therapists on the same day as their evaluation with Patricia Gordon, with their ATP participating in both appointments. Shared electronic medical records follow patients from one appointment to the next—so doctors, therapists and others are all working from the same information. At the end of the day, the care team meets to discuss each patient, giving practitioners a chance to ask questions and compare notes.
  
• UTSW keeps track of where patients are in the process. Realizing that paperwork sent between the clinic, insurance provider and vendor after an evaluation can create delays, Dr. Shah and her staff instituted a stringent tracking system. Clinic staffers note when paperwork is received, when it’s sent out and how long each step takes. This not only helps UTSW keep patients informed about where they are in the process, but also provides metrics that help identify areas for improvement. Dr. Shah routinely meets with vendor leadership teams to identify trends and talk through ideas to improve the process.
  
• UTSW keeps communication lines open. Both UTSW and the vendors they work with appoint specific people to support each ATP. These teams meet virtually once a week to check on progress, which helps ensure details don’t fall through the cracks. 

While the traditional model still works, Dr. Shah hopes clinics continue to look for new and different ways to make the new equipment process less confusing and time-consuming for CRT users. The key, she says, is clear communication and keeping patients’ needs in the forefront. 

“At our clinic, patients can knock out all the necessary evaluation appointments in one visit,” Dr. Shah says. “That’s a big time- and money-saver for CRT users. Plus, they don’t have to deal with the hassle of finding a therapist and our checks-and-balances system helps to keep patients informed.” 

To learn more about UTSW’s Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic, click here. 

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In today’s world, data is king. Analytics are key components of our favorite professional sports, drive advertising and shape business and retail decisions. Healthcare is no different.

By analyzing data gleaned from patients, healthcare providers can make informed decisions and develop policies and practices that are rooted in evidence. All across the CRT industry, leaders are turning to data as a vital tool that’s shaping everything from best practices and industry standards to advocacy efforts. Clinicians, suppliers and manufacturers believe data is the key that unlocks the future of the CRT industry and allows them to better meet the needs of CRT users.

Dr. Mark Schmeler, who serves as the vice chair for education and training in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh, says the important role data can play in the CRT industry is easy to recognize.

“Healthcare has become a data-driven industry. In the past, insurers would just pay for services and interventions with very little evidence of their effectiveness,” Schmeler says, explaining that insurance providers eventually ‘cracked down’ on benefit categories such as wheelchairs and required deeper levels of evidence for the necessity of CRT interventions. “We all—clinicians, suppliers and manufacturers—need to cooperate on developing and populating large data sets to demonstrate that CRT interventions play a very important role in the lives of people with disabilities,” he says.

Evidence is the key to proving the value of CRT interventions, Schmeler says, and large data sets make that possible.

“Real world data sets with large samples help to strengthen the research,” Schmeler says. “Historically, research to support CRT has been weak due to small sample sizes whereby policymakers can then argue there is no evidence to support the coverage of certain interventions when clinical observation indicates the contrary.”

“But it’s very difficult to refute research generated in the field with a large sample,” he continues. “It’s even more difficult to refute research that aligns with clinical observations.”

Why Data-Driven Research Matters

Schmeler, along with a team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, recently published a data-driven study on the benefits of seat elevation devices (SED). The study pulled findings from a large data collection gathered from self-reported assessments and other sources, including data shared by NSM (and stripped of any personal or identifying information). 

Darren Lowman, NSM’s Chief Transformation Officer, says that participating in research like Schmeler’s is a vital way NSM can contribute to the future of CRT. 

“At NSM, our mission is to help people achieve independence by ensuring they have access to advanced mobility and accessibility solutions,” Lowman says. “Working with Dr. Schmeler and the University of Pittsburgh is one of the ways we work to advance the industry and advocate for our clients.” 

The University of Pittsburgh study found that CRT users who utilize seat elevation devices report higher functional mobility scores as well as higher rates of reported employment and fewer falls. The sample consisted of 1,733 power wheelchair users and compared cases of those who used seat elevation to those who didn’t. 

“These findings are important because many people who use wheelchairs need SEDs to function and reduce injuries associated with upper extremity restraints and falls,” Schmeler says. “Currently, Medicare and many other payers do not recognize the medical necessity of SEDs and, therefore, will not pay for them. Many stakeholder groups have been advocating for a policy change however the response has been that there is a lack of scientific evidence showing the benefits of an SED. A study like this, that has gone through the peer review process, provides that evidence.” 

Because the data contains so many variables, it can be analyzed in countless ways, offering endless possibilities for the future of CRT. Data-driven research will ultimately serve to benefit all CRT users, Schmeler says.

“Current analyses are looking at falls based on the type of equipment used. Ultra lightweight manual wheelchairs are being analyzed and compared to non-customized wheelchairs. Type and frequency of repairs are being looked at to support the need for routine maintenance and replacement of parts as they are expected to fail,” Schmeler says. “SEDs is just a first example of what large data can do to demonstrate the benefits of CRT.”

That’s why it’s imperative that all members of the CRT industry contribute to the data-gathering effort, Schmeler says. 

“For the provider and user, this is a good way to maintain continuity of care. For suppliers, contributing data is a good quality assurance strategy. And for the researcher, this is a way to amass large data to show the benefits of various interventions,” Schmeler says. “Without strong research, CRT interventions will continue to be marginalized to the point that the quality of the equipment and service we provide will deteriorate.” 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a decision memo in February 2023, proposing that power SEDs are reasonable and necessary for people using Group 3 power wheelchairs if specific conditions are met. CMS accepted public comments until March 17, and we are awaiting a final decision.

Ericka Sutton regards herself as an ambassador of sorts.

“I have a nonprofit, the Emosah Foundation, and we focus on building relationships between the community at large and people who are differently abled,” Sutton says. “My wheelchair allows me to be out there in the forefront and bring awareness to people who are differently abled.”

Sutton, who was born with a form of muscular dystrophy called Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type X, has used a power wheelchair for more than 25 years. She had to be persistent to prove that seat elevation was a medical necessity. Now in her third and fourth chair with the technology, Sutton clearly recognizes the ways seat elevation has changed her life for the better.

“Most people who need a seat elevator in a chair have a significant loss of mobility,” she says. “We already have to ask for so much help in our lives, so being able to do things in our homes without having to ask for even more help is huge when it comes to independence. It makes a big difference, mentally and physically. If you feel independent, you feel like you’re being more productive. I may have this limitation, but with seat elevation, I have something that can really help me to be the best version of myself.”  

Clinicians and physicians across the Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) industry agree with Sutton that the benefits of seat elevation are clear. The technology makes transfers easier, especially on uneven surfaces and helps prevent falls. In addition to the increased social and psychological benefits, seat elevation also offers increased safety, providing better sight lines when navigating through large crowds or crossing the street. 

The post Data Driven Change appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

By Kerri Knudson

Traveling is my favorite thing to do! Long trips,
short trips—it really doesn’t matter. I want to
experience the magic of our world and see all that
it has to offer. I typically try to plan at least two big
trips a year, even if I don’t always go somewhere new.

So how do I plan the perfect accessible trip
without missing the good parts? Thank heaven for
the internet and my phone. (And a little sense of
adventure!) Here are a few steps I took recently
when I planned a trip to San Diego.

1. Find a Place to Stay

When looking for a hotel in the States, it isn’t too difficult to find lodging with accessible rooms. However, not all accessible rooms are created equal—and not all hotels have very many. Once I find a hotel with accessible rooms, I call the hotel and complete the reservation over the phone. This ensures that I have the opportunity to ask a few questions, such as:

What makes the room accessible to you? Sometimes the only answer is that it’s on the first floor, and that’s not enough!

What are the accessibility options in the bathroom? This question routinely leads to a few more, such as:

How wide is the door?

Is it a roll-in shower?

Is there a shower chair?

What accessibility options are there throughout the hotel?

I also always try to ask the hotel staff about the available amenities. Is there a lift for the pool and the hot tub? If the pool has a lock that you need to use your key to access, how high is the access entry? I use specific examples so I
can make sure the staff clearly understands my needs.

2. Research Local Attractions

In the states, most museums and theme parks are accessible, but it never hurts to call the location or do a little research on their website before you travel. If you love the beach like I do, you want to be sure you can get as close to the water as possible. I have learned that most beaches have beach wheelchairs. When I go somewhere new, I usually do a quick internet search for where I can find a beach wheelchair. Typically, lifeguard stations will have them available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.

Morgan’s Wonderland offers 25 Ultra-AccessibleTM attractions | San Antionio, TX

3. Decide How You’ll Travel

Whether you’re traveling by ground or by plane, you’ll need to plan ahead. If you choose a rental car, hand controls can be added to any car—but the company will need to know at least seven days in advance. I usually call the company directly so I can describe the controls I need and detail where to place a spinner knob. When I fly, I travel with my manual wheelchair. For me that has been the easiest option. When you check your bags, you can ask the airlines to have someone help you through security and then push you to your gate. Employees are trained to assist you in transferring to an aisle chair to get on the plane and into your seat. I have learned that air travel often requires you to speak up and advocate for how you need assistance.

Wherever you want to go, remember that traveling is meant to be fun! With a little preparation, you can make any location work for you —and it’s always worth it.

The post Explore Your World appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

In the complex rehabilitation technology industry, creativity and innovation are vital. Because each CRT solution is highly customized, finding the right fit for each CRT user requires a creative approach and an innovative spirit. New advances in the industry— driven by innovative technologies and a desire to continually improve—are making it easier to find solutions that fit specific user needs.

F5 CORPUS VS

Power Standing Wheelchair | Permobil

Standing in your power wheelchair is not a luxury and we should all be asking “Why NOT power standing?” Now available in both Group 3 and Group 4 base codes, Permobil’s F5 Corpus VS is now more accessible than ever and features fully programmable standing sequences. This means improved health outcomes and meaningful, everyday face-to-face social interactions are within your reach.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

QUICKIE ACCESS

Tilt-In-Space Manual Wheelchair | Sunrise Medical

The Quickie Access solves multiple seating challenges while also allowing users to self- propel. Its low seat-to-floor height makes it easy to access tables and desks, while the additional tilt and recline options offer clinically effective pressure relief.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

COMING SOON

TRU BALANCE 4

Power Positioning Systems with Anterior Tilt | Quantum

Launching soon, the TRU-Balance® 4 Power Positioning System provides enhanced features, such as positional feedback actuators and anterior tilt, to further provide functional benefits to people who use power wheelchairs. TRU-Balance 4 will be available at launch on Quantum’s Stretto, Edge® 3 and 4Front® 2 power wheelchair bases. The system provides several features and benefits, including increasing the user’s visual field, more efficient and safer transfers and increased access to your environment.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

The post Driving Innovation appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

THIS OVERVIEW AIMS TO MAKE THE PROCESS MORE TRANSPARENT—AND HOPEFULLY A LITTLE EASIER TO NAVIGATE THE NEXT TIME YOU NEED NEW EQUIPMENT.

Phase One: Evaluation & Design

Receive Your Assessment
Your healthcare provider must write a prescription for a seating evaluation. Your Assistive Technology Professional
(ATP) will work with you and your healthcare team to determine your needs and design a mobility solution.

How to Help

• Share any issues with your current equipment.
• Give honest feedback.
• Provide accurate information about your insurance or funding source.

Phase Two: Funding & Approval

Collect and Submit Your Paperwork
Your funding specialist will gather required documentation needed for prior approval. When all of the necessary information has been gathered, your funding specialist will submit your paperwork to your insurance or funding source.

Await Insurance Approval
After submitting all the required documentation, your funding specialist will follow up with your insurance provider or funding source regularly. This process could take a while—and insurance providers may deny some of your equipment or customizations.

How to Help

• Contact your medical provider and ask for your documentation to be expedited.
• Call your insurance company and ask to expedite the review.
• Appeal directly to your insurance company if you’re denied. Your team can help you resubmit.

Phase Three: Purchase, Assembly & Delivery

Place Your Order
After receiving approval from your insurance provider or funding source, the order is placed for your new equipment. Technicians will then assemble all components, creating your custom mobility solution. Due to supply chain issues, it may take longer than normal to receive products.

Schedule Your Delivery and Get Moving
When your equipment arrives and is ready for you, a customer service specialist (CSS), ATP and technician will work with you to schedule delivery. Your equipment may be delivered with the support of a therapist and/or in a clinic setting. Your ATP and technician will work to make any necessary adjustments and make sure you know how to use your new equipment.

How to Help

• Communicate changes quickly (if you move or change providers). A failure to do so could result in paying out-of-pocket.
• Ensure your equipment meets your satisfaction before the order is finalized. Medical equipment can’t be returned, so don’t be afraid to speak up!

Get to Know Your Team

At National Seating & Mobility (NSM), a team of specialists will guide you through the new equipment process. These knowledgeable specialists understand the intricacies of the process. While all suppliers follow a similar process, they may not offer the same level of guidance or dedicated team approach as NSM.

Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
Certified professional who works with you and your care team to analyze your mobility needs and recommend solutions.

Customer Service Specialist (CSS)
Customer service specialists support customers, answering questions and helping you stay up to date on your order.

Healthcare Provider
Your physician, who understands your overall health needs.

Therapist
Physical or occupational therapists experienced in mobility equipment evaluations who understand your health situation and needs.

Technician
When your equipment is ready, your ATP and technician will work to make any necessary adjustments and answer your questions.

Funding Specialist
An expert who will coordinate the entire funding process from beginning to end, working to gather, complete and submit all necessary documentation to your insurance provider or funding source— and support you in the event of a denial.

The post How to Survive the New Equipment Process appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Seat elevation allows the user to raise and lower the height of the seat of a power wheelchair, using an elevation mechanism often controlled by a joystick or button. While wheelchairs help you get from point to point, seat elevation devices help you move through a three-dimensional world with a little more ease, from reaching tall cabinets to enjoying a conversation with a friend.

BENEFITS OF SEAT ELEVATION:

• Easier Transfers, especially to uneven surfaces.
• Increased reach, making cooking, turning off lights and reaching elevator buttons easier, while lowering the need for home and workplace adaptations.
• Less strain by ensuring you’re at a better angle to reach, see or navigate.
• Social and psychological benefits such as increased self-confidence and independence.
• Increased safety by helping you see more clearly when navigating through a large crowd or crossing a busy street.

Am I Covered?

Some insurance companies do pay for seat elevation, especially when it is shown to be medically necessary for
transfers, reach, access, safety, communication or if it supports an identified vocational or educational goal. These may include Veteran Affairs, worker’s compensation, vocational rehab programs and some commercial payers.

So, if you think seat elevation might benefit you, what steps should you take?

The post Seat Elevation appeared first on NSM — National Seating & Mobility.

Hire more people with disabilities. Would you start an airline without hiring pilots as consultants?

Read our Wheelchair Guide

Live in Kansas City? Kansas Wheelchair Tips

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Mark Scheler (Ph.D., OTR/l, ATP) is the lead investigator of a federally funded grant seeking to find a better way to pay for Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) equipment, in addition to his work as an Associate Professor and Vice Chair for education and training at the University of Pittsburgh. We spoke with him to learn more about the grant, the goal of his research and how he hopes it shapes future policy.

How could a different approach benefit Let’s Get Moving readers?

There are many reasons why wheelchairs fail, but one of the main reasons is maintenance. Part of the policy we’d like to see is that when a wheelchair is provided to someone, the payer is willing to incorporate the cost of maintenance, almost like a bumper-to-bumper warranty. So then we could be proactive about what might need to be maintained on your chair before it fails.

How could you see your research shaping eventual policy?

Right now, the policy is that you can get a specific chair if you have a certain diagnosis. We want policy coverage that’s based on the individual themselves—yes, your diagnosis does account for what would be appropriate— but you have to look at other factors, like where you go and what you do. We’re trying to come up with a method that would classify people based on them as a whole to justify what type of device they need. That’s something the clinical community has wanted to do for a long time, but it’s a pretty daunting, time consuming process. This grant gives us the time and money to do that.

How would you describe the grant and its goal?

[This grant] is centered on finding a better way to cover wheelchairs in a contemporary healthcare payment model. At the end of five years, the goal is to have a model plan that has been tested [through simulation]. We are taking a large sample of cases and examining how services were delivered under a traditional policy and then comparing it to a more innovative policy to see if it would have resulted in better results, fewer expenses or reduced secondary complications. We are looking at data from more innovative policies that are already in use (like those of Kaiser Permanente), from traditional Medicare and even from our own healthcare plan at UPMC. We want to look at different pieces of policy and see [what has worked well]. Then, we can package those together to create a comprehensive plan, while also providing accurate scientific analysis.

Join the Conversation. Schmeler and his team are in the second year of the five-year grant. In future issues, you’ll get a chance to participate in their research through an online survey. More information will be available in the next issue of Let’s Get Moving.

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