This is a post on the EasyStand Blog by Nancy Perlich, COTA/ATP, Funding & Reimbursement Specialist at Altimate Medical Inc.
Wes Ovre (Product Development), Andy Hicks (Sales) and I attended the 25thInternational Seating Symposium this past week in sunny Orlando. The Seating Symposium continues to draw the best and the brightest clinicians and suppliers, which was very evident by the interesting selection of presentations and papers to attend throughout the week.
This year’s keynote speech was given by Jean Minkel PT, ATP who has been very active in our Complex Rehab world, presenting and attending for much of the Symposiums existence. Ms. Minkel’s speech was titled Expertise and Partnership. One point in the Keynote, really struck home with me [click to continue…]
Mathew Sanford helps people with disabilities to make the mind-body connection through yoga practice.
This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Tiffiny Carlson.
As a quad, I had the fortunate experience to be in a class taught by adapted yoga pioneer, Matthew Sanford, (finally!) last fall. Sanford is a 40-something paraplegic from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who began his journey into the world of yoga after moving to California post-injury.
It was in Cali where he began his experimentations with yoga, adapting poses, etc, that led him to becoming the yoga celebrity he is today, not to mention a published author (his memoirs is called “Waking“), and a crusader in showing healthcare professionals how important a strong mind-body connection is for people with disabilities. And despite all of these impressive credits (including being featured on MSNBC and on Dr. Oz‘s show), Matthew is still a kind, unpretentious man (with a lovable hippie streak to boot). [click to continue…]
In this news story, Josh Basile, quadriplegic, talks about the difficult transition from able-bodied to disabled. Josh has made tremendous strides in his recovery, that his doctors did not think were possible. His amazingly positive attitude has inspired the people around him to have hope and reach for their dreams. He has created a foundation, http://www.determined2heal.org to help raise funds for spinal cord injury research.
The video above shows Josh using an FES Bike and an EasyStand Glider. Josh also has some useful Youtube videos explaining how he uses both the bike and Glider, as a quadriplegic.
What information, support, or actions do you think are important while recovering from a spinal cord injury, and transitioning to a new lifestyle?
Thumbelina holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest living horse, her height is only 17.5 inches but that does not stop her from standing tall! Her small stature can cause several health related problems, she wears special orthotic shoes to help with her crooked legs. Thumbelina is an inspiration to everyone, especially children, because despite her size and challenges, she does extraordinary things.
She travels across the United States & Canada to visit children in need, to date she has visited over 300 hospitals, special schools and more. Wherever she goes she brings hope & joy to children in need, including kids with disabilities. Watch this video about Thumbelina visiting a children’s hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Thumbelina & her owners Michael & Kay Goessling, continue to help children in need through the Thumbelina Charitable Foundation which raises money and supports many children’s charities. This wonderful, loving little horse shows us all that no matter our size, ability or other challenges, we can make a difference.
Many people with disabilities find horse therapy or therapeutic riding to be beneficial. Karly Wahlin has Rett Syndrome and a miniature horse, named Beau. Her family discovered that when she is riding horses or around Beau, she does not hyperventilate.
What do you think of Thumbelina’s Story? Have you experienced the calming effect that animals can have on people?
Ryan gets all the benefits of standing while having fun helping mom cook breakfast in his EasyStand.
Keeping kids busy is a full time job and finding fun options for kids with disabilities can be even more challenging. A great place to start is to find activities your child is interested in and build adaptations from there. This is a collection of ideas from parents, clinicians and teachers on activities that they use for their kids when standing in products like the EasyStand, but they can be used whenever your child is in the mood for fun!
1. Place a variety of toys on the tray for them to play with, rotate in different toys to change it up. Try sensory toys or toys with suction cups that will stick to the tray.
2. Watch their favorite TV shows or movies while standing. Some suggestions are “Sesame Street” or game shows like “The Price is Right”. The excitement & sound effects attract their attention.
3. Make a video of things that you have recorded them doing and play it for them. They might decide that their favorite show is about them. You could also do this with just an audio recorder.
4. Fashion a low tech remote control device for them to turn items like a computer, TV, or DVD player on/off, or select what they want to view, etc. by using a switch. Adaptive and single switch computer games are available.
5. Bring them in the kitchen to help with cooking or other activities. Depending on what you are making and how interested your child is, you can use devices like the Powerlink® to connect to a blender, mixer, etc. and let them help you or just give them their own plastic bowl and spatula to mimic your actions. [click to continue…]
We stand for health, inspiration, & independence. The EasyStand Blog brings people of all abilities together to work towards a common goal - living a higher quality of life through standing.
