The Outpatient Rehabilitation Assistive Technology Center provides customized assistance for people with cognitive, physical, and/or sensory disabilities. The therapists at this specialized outpatient rehabilitation center provide cutting edge technology to help clients engage with their environment at home, work, and when in the community.
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Assistive Technology Center is one of the top producers of data surrounding the impact of mobility device assistance and client satisfaction. Click here to read about their work with The Functional Mobility Assessment.
It is no surprise that the therapy team’s commitment to cutting edge technology and research lead them to complete advanced training on a wheelchair with the ability to walk upstairs. The iBOT® Personal Mobility Device (“iBOT® PMD”) is an all-terrain power wheelchair with various features in its function allowing users to manage stairs, curbs, sand, and gravel. The iBOT® PMD has two large wheels that rotate over one another like gears working in tandem with gyroscopes and front casters allowing the device to stand-up, grip curbs, and manage stairs.
How do consumers get an iBOT® PMD?
Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP is an occupational therapist, and The Assistive Technology Clinical Manager. She explains, “when a consumer wants any mobility equipment, they get a referral from their medical doctor to our wheelchair clinic. The first point of entry to The Assistive Technology Center is Dr Dan Kim.” Dr. Kim is a physiatrist specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). PMR physicians focus on rehabilitation and restoration of function. “Dr Kim’s role is to establish medical clearance and criteria of eligibility. Once Dr Kim establishes that, a therapist conducts what’s called a specialty evaluation that goes through specific systems review of the client for eligibility of the features of equipment. This involves a physical exam as well as trial in equipment.”
Ms. Berner & Dr. Kim’s team of specialized Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) completed multiple days of specialty training to understand the iBot equipment, environmental capacities, and settings associated with this cutting-edge technology. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Assistive Technology Center is only the second Technology Center in the United States with the capacity to complete evaluation and training.
For more information on The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Assistive Technology Center, their research, and the iBOT® PMD see the links below.
Assistive Technology Center brings stair walking wheelchair to consumers in central Ohio.
