Restoring Kendric’s Independence through Custom Seating

Custom mobility solutions make a measurable difference in the lives of children and families living with disabilities and complex medical needs. From something as simple as being able to watch a favorite TV show to hugging a loved one, Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) equipment makes it possible for users to enjoy their greatest levels of mobility and independence. 

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.