Bariatric seating & mobility, as a specialty, may be this industry’s perfect storm.

While some patients in the bariatric category — defined as weighing more than 300 lbs. for the purposes of this article — do well with consumer mobility products, many more are truly complex rehab clients who need personalized assessments and customized assistive technology. Add in the difficulty of fitting the equipment into the user’s environment, funding sources’ incomplete understanding of this niche, and society’s lack of empathy, and the result can be a threat to access for patients and a never-ending struggle for the providers who work with them. (READ MORE…)

ATG Rehab’s Jacquie Ohanesian, ATP, CRTS and Cody Verrett, VP Sales & Marketing are interviewed in this article.

]]> http://www.atgrehab.com/?feed=rss2&p=2229 http://www.atgrehab.com/?p=2210 http://www.atgrehab.com/?p=2210#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:18:01 +0000 atgeditor http://www.atgrehab.com/?p=2210 ALS: A Complex Rehab Challenge  -  By Laurie Watanabe  -  May 01, 2010

Unpredictable & Swift, This Neurological Condition Demands Creativity, Foresight & Expertise from the Seating & Mobility Team

On June 2, 1941, Lou Gehrig died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 37 years old.

Nearly 70 years have passed, but to many people, the New York Yankees’ first baseman still epitomizes what they know of the disease: How it takes young adults in the prime of their lives. How it progresses swiftly toward an inevitable end. And how there is no cure. (READ MORE…)

ATG Rehab’s John Calcavecchia, ATP is interviewed in this article.

[Sacramento, Ca. and Jogjakarta, Indonesia – May 6, 2010 ] — Imagine watching your disabled, injured or sick child grow up, or your spouse or parent grow older, without a decent-fitting wheelchair. Imagine watching them struggle to use dilapidated and ill-fitting equipment, being carried to their destination by family and friends or, in the most extreme cases, worsening their condition by crawling from point A to B.

More than 100 million children and adults worldwide don’t have access to the wheelchairs they critically need. Their lack of mobility stems from accidents, birth defects, war injuries, debilitating diseases, aging, natural disasters and land mines.

Mark Grillo, a rehab/mobility provider at ATG Rehab’s wheelchair center in Sacramento, has witnessed these families’ plight first hand. A volunteer with United Cerebral Palsy/Wheels for Humanity, since 2006 Grillo has travelled to Trinidad, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Thailand and Indonesia to deliver, set up and fit donated wheelchairs for those who desperately need them.

“In the U.S., people who receive a wheelchair are evaluated by therapists and seating specialists to determine what type of chair and what sizing modifications best meet their needs. That’s not the case in developing countries,” said Grillo. “It’s the reason that assistive technology professionals are essential to these overseas missions.”

Tri receives his very first wheelchair through Wheels for Humanity. Left to right are the team’s interpreter, the two therapists being trained by Wheels for Humanity through ATG Rehab ATP Mark Grillo, and Tri’s mother, Mrs. Tukiyar.

In March, Grillo accompanied Wheelchairs for Humanity to Jakarta, Indonesia, where a team of complex rehab specialists delivered and fitted 50 children and youth with chairs both donated from U.S. users and manufactured in the organization’s Jakarta facility, created through a $1.6 million grant from USAID. The chairs were customized in the field to meet each recipient’s needs.

In Indonesia, one of the dozens of young people Grillo fitted were brothers Tri, 24 and his brother, Andang, 27, who received their very first wheelchairs after being bedridden with cerebral palsy their entire lives. During the trip, Grillo and the Wheels for Humanity team worked with caregivers and family members to train them in proper care, correct seating and positioning and wheelchair maintenance.

“Being part of this international effort is humbling…and gratifying,” Grillo said. “As I’ve gone on trips to third world countries, I tell our clients what we are doing. As a result, I’m getting more and more donations from people who have outgrown or upgraded their wheelchair, but don’t want their former chair to go to waste. By removing it from their garage or attic and sending it to us they are making an important connection with someone in another part of the world who has a double challenge: limited mobility and non-existent resources.”

Tri’s brother, Andang receives his first wheelchair.

ATG Rehab warehouses the used donated wheelchairs in the company’s Sacramento wheelchair center for delivery to Wheelchairs for Humanity and their trip to new owners overseas. “Whenever possible, Wheelchairs for Humanity takes pictures of ATG Rehab chairs with their new owners which we provide to the original owner/donor. In Thailand, some of the kids received wheelchairs from the Sacramento branch that still had the original owner’s name monogrammed on them,” said Grillo.

About Wheelchairs for Humanity
Located in North Hollywood, Calif., Wheels For Humanity, a subsidiary of United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties (UCP) receives donated wheelchairs and hand fits them to children and adults with disabilities in developing nations. Since 1996, UCP Wheels for Humanity has helped more than 50,000 people with disabilities in more than 68 developing nations gain increased mobility and dignity. The agency partners with international health-care organizations to identify those in greatest need. With a team of volunteer health care professionals, each recipient is individually fitted to the wheelchair that best fits their needs. Visit http://www.ucpwfh.org/.

About ATG Rehab
ATG Rehab is one of North America’s leading rehab equipment providers of wheelchairs and mobility equipment with U.S. locations coast to coast. Established in 1999, the ATG Rehab family of companies is privately held with over 20 full service locations across 15 states and is ACHC accredited. ATG Rehab is known for customized customer care with a trained, knowledgeable staff that delivers localized focus and outstanding service.

The company’s mobility and seating solutions include power wheelchairs, manual and lightweight wheelchairs, adaptive seating, standing and positioning frames, specialty ambulatory and toileting aids, specialty bathing aides, rental equipment for complex rehab and portable ramps.

ATG Rehab has contracts with over 100 local and national health insurance companies including the largest managed care providers. The company is also a principal participant in a nationwide provider network to ensure access to payers. ATG Rehab and its national network go the extra mile to provide case management, continuing education on seating and mobility, a custom fabrication shop, certified repair technicians, a dedicated network of healthcare providers and reimbursement support and expertise.

For more information visit http://www.atgrehab.com or visit ATG Rehab on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/ATG-REHAB-Life-In-Motion/215855611795)

In addition to the coverage on NBC Sports, Universal Sports will broadcast a nightly two-hour show for nine straight nights dedicated to the daily competition of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games starting on Monday, March 15 at 6 p.m. ET (re-air at 11 p.m. ET) and continuing nightly through Tuesday, March 23.

Additionally, UniversalSports.com will offer on-demand re-airs of the Universal Sports television coverage, plus full-length event “rewinds.”

The official site of the U.S. Paralympic Team, www.usparalympics.org, will also offer daily video and news highlights of the competition from Vancouver.

“The extensive coverage on NBC Sports and Universal Sports helps to raise the awareness of the Paralympics by telling the stories of these remarkable athletes, and demonstrates NBC Universal’s commitment to the Olympic movement in theUnited States,” said Gary Zenkel, president, NBC Olympics.

ATG Rehab launches national clinical education program

Online modules, webinars, in-person and in-facility training

offer convenience and continuing education credits

[Rocky Hill, Conn., February 21, 2010] - Helping complex rehabilitation clients select, fit and learn to use advanced mobility and seating equipment just became easier for therapists, clinical managers and other complex rehab experts. So has navigating the maze of documentation required to ensure funding for services and equipment.

ATG Rehab, a leading supplier of sophisticated mobility equipment and assistive technologies in the U.S., has partnered with the University of Pittsburg, the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), manufacturers and clinical experts around the country to offer a comprehensive clinical education program that includes online training, webinars, in-person seminars and facility-based programs.

“We’ve combined ATG Rehab’s experience with the knowledge base of our academic, equipment and field service partners to provide a first-of-its-kind suite of education opportunities,” said ATG Rehab CEO Paul Bergantino. “Our goal is to help therapists and clinicians easily access the latest information to help clients while enhancing their professional skills through CEU credits.”

“This program represents the wave of future clinical instruction,” said Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP at the University of Pittsburgh. “No one in the industry has put together such a comprehensive educational program that is accessible through one web site location. ATG Rehab’s educational series offers today’s time-stressed professionals a way to keep up with innovations and best practices without compromising their schedules,” he added.

The online education program, offered by ATG in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, offers both free online presentations and fee-based CEU programs on wheelchair transportation safety, wheelchair selection and fitting, best practices, clinical documentation and other aspects of complex rehab. The online presentation videos are free of charge; online CEU courses are also available.

The webinar series, which begins with online sessions on March 11, April 16 and May 19, will offer clinicians detailed presentations that can help them evaluate, select, and tailor setup for seating and mobility equipment to ensure the best combination of comfort and function. The webinars provide between 1.5 and 2 hours of CEU instruction.

The in-person seminars, which begin March 22, will initially be offered in Philadelphia, Concord, Ca., Los Angeles, Denver, Rocky Hill, Conn., San Diego, Boston, Fresno, Ca., Atlanta, Dayton, Ohio and Portland, Ore. The in-person seminars provide hands-on opportunities for therapists to learn about clinical considerations for individuals with progressive neurological disorders, advanced seating principles and manual wheelchair selection, design features available for rehab power wheelchairs, and how to develop good documentation for proper equipment funding.

One of the in-person seminars, “This Isn’t Your Grandmother’s Wheelchair” will be offered March 24 in Denver and April 7 in Fresno, Ca. Michelle L. Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP will present the cutting edge design features available on today’s rehab power wheelchairs. “There’s so much more one can do with today’s rehab level chairs,” said Lange. “You have different options for driving the chair, as well as controlling your TV and computer mouse, all through infrared signals from the chair. These cool, advanced features offer wheelchair users a whole new level of independence and control.”

ATG Rehab also offers on-site courses for continuing education credit for hospitals and rehab facilities located near their Rocky Hill, Conn. and Denver offices. During these on-site courses, clinicians and experienced personnel will discuss topics that affect the fitting and comfort of wheelchairs and seating devices. Contact Bob Hamilton at 831.224.0982 or BHamilton@ATGRehab.com to schedule a presentation at your facility or suggest additional course topics.

About ATG Rehab

ATG Rehab is one of North America’s leading rehab equipment providers of wheelchairs and mobility equipment with U.S. locations coast to coast. Established in 1999, the ATG Rehab family of companies is privately held with over 20 full service locations across 15 states and is ACHC accredited. ATG Rehab is known for customized customer care with a trained, knowledgeable staff that delivers localized focus and outstanding service.

The company’s mobility and seating solutions include power wheelchairs, manual and lightweight wheelchairs, adaptive seating, standing and positioning frames, specialty ambulatory and toileting aids, specialty bathing aides, rental equipment for complex rehab and portable ramps.

ATG Rehab has contracts with over 100 local and national health insurance companies including the largest managed care providers. The company is also a principal participant in a nationwide provider network to ensure access to payers. ATG Rehab and its national network go the extra mile to provide case management, continuing education on seating and mobility, a custom fabrication shop, certified repair technicians, a dedicated network of healthcare providers and reimbursement support and expertise.

For more information contact:

Jerry Knight, President, Western Regional Operations, 916.973.4004; jknight@atgrehab.com

Bob Hamilton, Vice President, Strategic Networking, 831.224.0982; BHamilton@ATGRehab.com

Jenny Smith, Pita Communications, 860.293.0157 ext. 15; jenny@pitacomm.com

or visit atgrehab.com

Visit ATG Rehab on Facebook.

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Take a look at all the courses that are offered and you can choose to receive CEU credits by signing into the University of Pittsburgh site, plus for a nominal fee receive CEUs for taking these courses. ATG Rehab is excited to announce these courses to you and check back often as there will be additions on a monthly basis.

Mark Schmeler PhD, OTR/L, ATP at the University of Pittsburgh is excited bring education to the masses and says that this type of presentation is the wave of the future. As Mark has said,

“This is cool stuff and so empowering. Thanks to ATG for supporting. Let’s move this field forward.”

Take a look at what Mark and his team are providing the Complex Rehab Industry…

An online survey at www.spinalcord.org/survey gives wheelchair users the chance to help consumer groups and policy makers better understand and document the wheelchair selection and purchase experience. And if you complete the full survey by December 14th, you could win a copy of “Denied” by Mark Sullivan!

Your participation will help partnering consumer groups advocate most effectively on behalf of all wheelchair users so that we receive properly fitted wheelchairs, and all necessary accessories and related services to fully participate in an active, healthy, community lifestyle.

Survey responses will be strictly confidential and data from this research will be reported only in the aggregate to the partnering consumer groups. Information will be coded and will remain confidential. Participants will have the opportunity to request further contact, but names and contact information will never be shared or included with the results of the survey.

The survey is being conducted by National Spinal Cord Injury Association in partnership with United Spinal Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Spinal Association, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and The ALS Association. The initiative has also sought and accepted input from respected clinicians and from members of industry groups including American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART).

The group intends to present this information to policymakers on Capitol Hill and at CMS, in an effort to address the fact that Medicare has limited or no coverage and payment for many such items impedes consumers’ abilities to fully engage in their communities and realize the highest possible quality of life.

If you have questions about the survey, contact info@spinalcord.org.

#  #  #

The son of Alison Norton and Tom Snow, Randy was born in Austin on May 24, 1959. He graduated from Terrell High School in 1977. He grew up in a large family, who shared two loves - the University of Texas and tennis.

In 1975, at the  age of 16, Randy was a nationally ranked tennis player with dreams of becoming a professional. That same year, he was injured in a farming accident, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

Randy then enrolled at his father’s alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, where he was introduced to wheelchair basketball. He also became a member of the Texas Lone Stars, a wheelchair track team.

Snow transferred to the University of Texas at Arlington where he became a part of the university’s nationally known wheelchair sports program and resumed his tennis career. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1986.

Snow went on to excel in basketball, track and tennis, becoming the only athlete in history to compete in three different summer Paralympic Games in three different sports and win medals in each sport. He also won 16 U.S. Tennis Open titles - six in singles and 10 in doubles.

Snow devoted more than 20 years to a career with Sunrise Medical and he also worked as a recreational therapist, sharing his recipe for rehabilitation and success.

In 1999, Snow launched his own company, NOXQs, an achievement company where he quickly gained recognition as a nationally sought-after Fortune 500 speaker and travelled to all corners of the globe. In addition to his speaking career, Snow also was an award-winning author.

He conducted numerous tennis camps for wheelchair athletes, especially for children in impoverished countries where he believed he could make the most difference.

Recently, Snow proudly achieved his Master’s degree in Psychology, with plans to become a college professor.

Ever the athlete, Snow enjoyed snow-skiing, skydiving, scuba diving and visiting his beach condo. In recent years, he developed a passion for golf and spent much of his leisure time trying to perfect the game.

When he was not working, Snow enjoyed trips on his handcycle, taking his boat to the lake, going to the beach, spending time with his dogs and hosting gatherings for family and friends at his home.

His accomplishments have graced the pages of USA Today, Southern Living, Paraplegia News, Sports ‘n Spokes, Los Angeles Times and dozens of other newspapers and periodicals. He also had been a featured guest on CNN and ESPN.

Snow’s achievements have earned him accolades from Presidents Ford, Reagan, Bush and Clinton, including the honor of accepting the torch from Clinton to launch a 10-day, 10-mile journey from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta in 1996 to kick off the Paralympic Games. He also has a road named in his honor, Randy Snow Road, in Arlington.

Awards and recognition include Outstanding Male Athlete-National Wheelchair Games (1983, 1986), Jack Gerhardt Athlete of the Year (The Heisman Trophy of Wheelchair Sports-1989), World Champion of Wheelchair Men’s Singles Tennis-International Tennis Federation (1991), The United States Tennis Association Community Service Award (1993), President’s Council on Physical Fitness (1993), the Boys Club of New York Hall of Fame, National Council on Disability-Outstanding Disabled Citizen (1994), Great Sports Legend of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (1995), Terrell High School Tiger Hall of Fame (1995), Texas Tennis Hall of Fame (2001), Outstanding Citizen Award, the Olympic Hall of Fame (2004), National Spinal Cord Injury National Hall of Fame (2005), Southwestern Christian College Pillar of the Community (2006). Snow also served on accessibility committees for numerous facilities, the most recent being the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

He was a member of the National Speakers Association and president of the Friends of the Hulsey Public Library and served as national advisor to Turning POINT.

He is survived by his parents, Alison and Tom Norton of Heath and Tom and Rose Snow of Terrell; sisters Jenny Sperry, Molly Akin, Lee Gunder and their families; stepsister Liz Morrison and her family; stepbrother Brad Wesson and his family; many adoring nephews and nieces, who referred to him affectionately as ‘Uncle Randy,’ and hundreds of friends and colleagues across the globe. He was preceded in death by his sister, Becca Snow Rangel.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 5 at the Terrell ISD Performing Arts Center, 400 Poetry Rd. Services are under the direction of Anderson-Clayton Bros. Funeral Home.

Charitable donations may be made in Randy’s memory to the philanthrophies listed on his Web site, www.randysnow.com, or a charity of your choice.

Terrell Tribune

ATG Rehab Unveils Largest Facility of Its Kind in Northern California
Sacramento Vice Mayor Lauren Hammond Welcomes Expansion

ATG Rehab, a rapidly growing and major supplier of sophisticated mobility equipment and assistive technologies in the U.S., celebrated the opening of their newly renovated and expanded complex rehab facility on November 5 with hundreds of employees, clients and special guests on hand. Sacramento Vice-Mayor, Lauren Hammond, made a special appearance to emphasize how important the role of ATG Rehab is to the Sacramento disabled community.

“I recognize the importance of the work performed by the dedicated employees of ATG Rehab and also recognize the importance of the job creation ATG has brought to the city of Sacramento” said Vice-Mayor Hammond.

ATG Rehab has doubled its staff in the last 3 years while gaining a market leadership role in serving the needs of complex rehab clients.

ATG Rehab (formerly the Wheelchair Center for 18 years), moved into the Sacramento city limits in May and embarked on an extensive interior and exterior building renovation to better serve the complex rehab needs, and improve the lives of Sacramento’s disabled citizens.

“ATG Rehab employs nearly 200 people in California and will serve over 2,000 of our community’s most frail and fragile citizens in the Sacramento area this year” says Jerry Knight, President – Northwest Region of ATG Rehab. “We are committed to doing great work, while making positive contributions to the local economy and work force.”

ATG Rehab is the largest provider in California to the Medi-Cal and CA Childrens Services (CCS) community for complex rehab product. The Sacramento facility is now the largest one of its kind in Northern California located at 1650 Tribute Road. Sacramento. CA. 95815. The ATG Rehab Sacramento phone number is 916.489.3651

About ATG Rehab

ATG Rehab is one of North America’s leading Rehab Equipment providers of wheelchairs and mobility equipment with U.S. locations coast to coast. Established in 1999, the ATG Rehab family of companies is privately held with over 20 full service locations across 15 states and is ACHC accredited. ATG Rehab is known for customized customer care with a trained, knowledgeable staff who delivers localized focus and outstanding service. For more information contact Jerry Knight at 916.973.4004 or visit www.atgrehab.com