News Archive
NIDILRR Research Featured on RehabTalk: “The Role of ATPs”
Dr. Brad Dicianno, MD is featured in the latest episode of the RehabTalk Podcast from the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation where he discussed the results of the project’s recent study of the effect of assistive technology professionals on the provision of mobility assistive equipment such as wheelchairs. Dr. Dicianno also discussed future research to standardize processes and improve healthcare policy to get people with disabilities the equipment they need to remain independent (fast forward to about 16minutes 50seconds).
Click here to listen to podcast
Posted 09/08/2022
Journal Publication
Viewpoints on the scoping review for the development of a novel coverage and service delivery policy for complex rehabilitation technology
This editorial is a follow-up to the “Complex Rehabilitation Technology: A Scoping Review” manuscript, which is perhaps the first review that comprehensively investigated both the scientific and grey literature in the complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) field to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities associated with current service delivery and coverage policy. Although this review identifies a lack of strong research, it does highlight common themes consistent with observations in practice from our perspective as seasoned clinicians and investigators. Although the field has seen growth and advancements over the years, the scoping review identified several barriers related to CRT service delivery including ambiguous guidelines, lack of expertise, long wait times, lack of repair service, limited consumer training on use and maintenance of the device, lack of follow-up, and coverage policy that does not consider the overall functional needs of PwD. The purpose of this article is to highlight these shortcomings and discuss strategies and opportunities to overcome these barriers in the form of a new policy and payment model for CRT using elements of an emerging accountable care model that is evolving throughout healthcare in the United States and globally.
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Posted 09/06/2022
Journal Publication
Service delivery for complex rehabilitation technology: a scoping review
Complex rehabilitation technologies (CRT) support independence for individuals with disabilities by enabling mobility for function, employment, education, and independent living. CRT service delivery has evolved in the last few decades, with changes to funding, provider qualifications, consumer needs and desires, and advances in technology. This scoping review investigated CRT service delivery processes for individuals with disabilities who have a mobility impairment, while specifically identifying best practices, barriers, and unique features of health delivery policies and practices. We used a framework described by Colquhoun et. al. for conducting the scoping review, a six-step process that includes: 1) identifying the research question, 2) identifying relevant studies, 3) selecting studies 4) charting the data, 5) reporting results and 6) consultation. This scoping review identified evidence from a diverse array of countries, health systems, and stakeholder perspectives regarding the complexities of the CRT service delivery process. The current CRT service delivery process does not proactively address the needs of individuals with mobility disabilities. In order to address the mobility needs of individuals with disabilities, the scoping review provides the foundation for the development of a novel policy on the provision of CRT services and devices.
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Posted 09/06/2022
Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) Awareness Week
August 15-19 is Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) Awareness Week, organized by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology. CRT products are medically necessary, individually configured devices that require evaluation, configuration, fitting, adjustment, or programming by a team of rehabilitation professionals such as physicians and nurses, occupational and physical therapists, assistive technologists, and engineers. CRT products are designed to meet the specific and unique medical, physical, and functional needs of individuals with disabilities. They can include manual and powered wheelchair systems, seating and positioning systems, standing devices, and much more. Specifically, the University of Pittsburgh’s Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability is to investigate how current wheelchair (i.e. CRT) health policy impacts health and function, community living and participation of working age people with disabilities. Talk Rehab has some phenomenal webcasts given by Subject Matter Experts in the field. The CRT Advocacy Industry Panel is one to highlight with Weesie Walker and Gerry Dickerson from NRRTS along with Greg Packer and Wayne Grau from NCART to talk about CRT Advocacy.
Posted 09/06/2022
NIDILRR Team Members Receive Awards at 2022 RESNA Virtual Conference
Theresa Berner, OTR/L, ATP, a sub-contractor and Co-Investigator from The Ohio State University under the NIDILRR-funded Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability at the University of Pittsburgh, received the 2022 Sam McFarland Mentor Award at this year’s Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Virtual Conference. This award is given recognition to those who have influenced, counseled, and nurtured others in the field of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology. In addition, Tyler Beauregard, a doctoral candidate at The Ohio State University, was one of the Student Scientific Paper Award recipients for his DRRP paper entitled, “Development of an online questionnaire examining stakeholder perception of the CRT service delivery process.” Lastly, DRRP Advisory Board Members Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab and Don Clayback, Executive Director at NCART, both received Honorary RESNA Fellow Awards recognizing those who have promoted issues and demonstrated leadership highly relevant to the field of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering and who have encouraged the independence of individuals with disabilities.
Posted 07/29/2022
NCART & NRRTS September 14 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In
NCART and NRRTS proudly host the 2022 CRT Virtual Congressional Fly-In. This annual event allows CRT suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, consumers, and others to meet directly with their Members of Congress via Zoom video conferencing to discuss actions that must be taken to protect access to CRT for people with disabilities.
Once you register, we will match you with a team of advocates from your state and schedule Congressional meetings for you. Talking points and other information for your meetings will be provided during the mandatory prep webinar on September 7. We’ll also hold state practice sessions with your state team on September 12 so you can feel fully prepared and ready to make the most of your meetings on September 14.
There is NO FEE to participate in this event. Click below to register now and join us on September 14 to protect access to Complex Rehab Technology.
Posted 07/29/2022
Senator Frist “A Second Opinion” Podcast with Bill Mixon
William Mixon, CEO of National Seating & Mobility, joined Senator Bill Frist, MD on his ‘A Second Opinion’ Podcast to discuss advancing solutions for our Nation’s Mobility and Accessibility Needs. A key takeway is to listen, hear, communicate, and be kind. Senator Frist and Mr. Mixon discussed how NSM is changing lives through mobility solutions, and why communication (more than you think!) is key to building a healthy company.
Click here to listen to podcast
Posted 07/12/2022
NIDILRR Researchers Receive Award at 2022 PAMS Conference
Mark R. Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, principal investigator for the NIDILRR-funded Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability from the University of Pittsburgh, received the 2022 Legacy as a Leader Certificate of Appreciation Award at this year’s Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS) Conference. PAMS represents Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetic, Orthotic and Supplies (DMEPOS) Suppliers from the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware. The award recognizes an individual who has continuously provided a voice, educated its members on the rules and regulations associated with Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA, as well enhanced the quality of life for those in need of medical equipment and supplies.
Posted 06/10/2022
Research Findings Used to Support Legislation to Require Wheelchair Maintenance Coverage
Research findings on rates and impacts of wheelchair breakdowns by the NIDILRR-funded project Assessment and Investigation of New Coverage Policies for Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) Within a Contemporary Accountable Care Environment have been cited as supporting evidence by members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to introduce the Wheelchair Quality Assurance Act, HB2522. The proposed legislation requires all public and private insurance to cover biannual checkups and replacement costs for wheeled mobility devices. The co-sponsorship memorandum cites the project’s findings on rates of wheelchair breakdown and the connection between breakdowns and loss of work, costly hospitalization, injury, and death.
Posted 06/10/2022
Despite a First-Ever ‘Right-to-Repair’ Law, There’s No Easy Fix for Wheelchair Users
Dr. Mark Schmeler was quoted in an article related to a Colorado law supporting Wheelchair Users’ Right to Repair which spread through several media outlets including US News and World Report, Denver Post, Kaiser Health News, among others and reached over 200,000 people as of June 4th.
Posted 06/10/2022
Journal Publication
A descriptive analysis of wheelchair repair registry data
The purpose of this study was to describe the types of manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, and scooter repairs within the Wheelchair Repair Registry (WRR) and examine the association between Wheeled Mobility and Seating devices and the frequency of repairs. A dataset of 4,645 devices distributed in the United States was collected from equipment suppliers who performed and logged community-based wheelchair repair services. The results demonstrated common repairs found across devices were within the wheels/tires/forks and batteries/cables categories. Device type was the most significant predictor of variance in the number of repairs. Customizable manual wheelchairs, tilt-in-space, Groups 2 & 3 power wheelchairs, and scooters were associated with higher number of repairs compared to non-customizable manual wheelchairs, pediatric, heavy-duty manual wheelchairs, and Group 4 power wheelchairs. The higher failure rate found in specific devices may be associated with a population of more active users, environment/conditions where equipment is used, time spent in equipment, additional features on device, or lower durability.
The above article was a written collaboration with the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90REGE0001) funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wheelchair and Cushion Performance Standards group taking the lead.
Click here to view the full article
Posted 03/24/2022
Rehabilitation Today – Greg Packer of US Rehab
This episode was previously recorded in 2021, but still very relevant today. Listen to the podcast interview on Rehabilitation Today where Kyle Walker, VP, Rehabilitation Program Development at HOMELINK/The VGM Group, interviewed Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab, and collaborator within the DRRP-CRT Policy grant. In this episode they discussed the benefits of CRT for individuals with disabilities and the importance of having highly trained, educated, and certified ATPs (Assistive Technology Professional), and service technicians involved in the evaluation and provision of these products to consumers to yield quality outcomes in CRT.
Click here to listen to podcast
Posted 03/21/2022
Journal Publication
Investigation of factors from assistive technology professionals that impact timeliness of wheelchair service delivery: a cross-sectional study
The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with variability in time from assessment to device delivery (cycle time). Our hypothesis was that device type and type of insurance would be the strongest predictor of cycle time. Data were extracted from the Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Dataset (FMA/UDS) Registry that at the time of analysis contained a sample of 2588 people with disabilities (PWD) who were provided with a wheeled mobility device (WMD) between 21 March 2016 and 29 June 2021. To examine the effect of individual factors on the variability in cycle time, a robust linear regression analysis was conducted. Longer cycle time is likely related to variations in clinical practice, insurance coverage criteria and the level of customizability of the device needed for a particular diagnosis, especially long-term disabilities.
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Posted 03/15/2022
Wheelchairs repairs can take a month, or longer, leaving people stranded
March 9, 2022 by Gabrielle Emanuel, Senior Health and Science Reporter for WBUR
Researchers estimate that more than 50% of wheelchairs break down in a typical six-month period. One study found that among veterans the number is as high as 88%. When a chair breaks, it can take a long time to get it fixed. Experts put the average at two to four weeks, but stories of people waiting six months or longer for a wheelchair repair are common.
Click here to read story (Part 1) – March 9, 2022
Click here to read story (Part 2) – March 10, 2022
Posted 03/10/2022
Jane Velkovski: The life-changing power of assistive technologies | TED
“This chair is my legs — this chair is my life,” says accessibility champion Jane Velkovski, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). With clarity and poise, he shares how his first motorized wheelchair empowered him with independence and ability — and why assistive technology should be available to anyone who needs it. “Freedom of movement, no matter on legs or on wheels, is a human right,” he says.
Click here to view the weblink
Posted 03/09/2022
Dr. Mark Schmeler Talks Rehab
In this Talk Rehab podcast episode, Dr. Mark Schmeler talks about the upcoming International Seating Symposium (ISS) and the ongoing DRRP Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability… Assessment and Investigation of New Coverage Policies for Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) within a Contemporary Accountable Care Environment.
Click here to access the podcast
Posted 12/31/2021
Finding a Better Way to Pay
In the latest issue of Lets Get Moving Magazine, Dr. Mark Schmeler, the lead investigator of a federally funded grant seeking to find a better way to pay for complex rehabilitation technology, was interviewed along with his work as an associate professor and vice chair for education and training at the University of Pittsburgh. The article discusses the current work on the grant, the goal of his research and how he hopes it shapes future policy.
Click here to access the magazine
Posted 12/13/2021
Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Wheelchair Policy Survey
The University of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with other investigators, seeks the opinion of all stakeholders related to wheelchair service and funding. This work is part of the larger Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project funded to investigate and propose a new policy that better aligns with the needs of people who use wheelchairs as well as those who provide or pay for them. We are seeking broad feedback from all stakeholder groups including people who use wheelchairs, care-partners/caregivers, clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers, policymakers, and funding sources to identify the benefits and short-comings of various types of existing wheelchair policies both in the United States and around the world. Participation includes responding to a series of questions related to your opinion of wheelchair service and funding that includes timeliness, complexity of the process, repairs/maintenance, quality, durability, access to proper equipment. The survey should take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Click here to access the survey link
Posted 12/02/2021
Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Service Delivery and Clinical Assessment Research: What Happens Behind the Curtain
Research provides structure and guidance for an ever-changing service delivery and clinical landscape for CRT provision, but do you ever wonder “what are they really doing and how does it affect my practice”? Listen to DRRP Team members provide insight into the plan of what actually happens, and how the plan changes for research related to service delivery and clinical practice in the CRT field. The panelists provide an inside look to the trials and tribulations of CRT research, challenges of development of a seating and mobility assessment index, unveil the mysterious world of CRT research, and identify opportunities for supplies, industry partners, clinicians, policy experts, and CRT users to participate and influence research in the field.
Click here to view the web link
Posted 11/12/2021
NIDILRR Researcher Receives ASCIP Therapy Leadership Award
Rachel M. Hibbs, DPT, NCS, ATP, an investigator and project lead for the NIDILRR-funded Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability, received the Clinical Excellence Award from the Therapy Leadership Council (TLC) during the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP) Annual Conference. The award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding clinical care and contributions for clients with SCI/D.
Posted 10/13/2021
Journal Publication
Face Validity of Standardized Assessments for Wheeled Mobility & Seating Evaluations
A problem in the Complex Rehabilitation Technology industry is the lack of standardization in the assessment for wheeled mobility and seating (WMS). The aim of this paper was to identify assessment tools commonly used by clinicians during WMS evaluations. After the tools were identified by a panel of 12 subject matter experts, a presentation at the 2018 International Seating Symposium in Vancouver, Canada and the 2018 European Seating Symposium in Dublin, Ireland polled attendees to determine professional opinions of each tool. The Lawshe Content Validity Ratio was used to convert this anecdotal data into numerical data, indicating which tools were most and least used by attendees. Finally, a literature search was conducted to determine the reliability, validity, and International Classification of Functioning, Disability, & Health domain for each measure. The findings indicate that while there are many standardized and reliable assessment tools available for WMS evaluations, most clinicians use only a few standardized assessment tools during WMS evaluations.
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Posted 10/01/2021
Advocating with Passion: CRT Awareness Week 2021
Preserving access to Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) takes a village… as well as preparation, patience, and passion. Brook McCall, Erin Michael, Mike Osborn, and Mickae Lee share their advocacy stories, as well as tips for creating memorable and meaningful conversations, just in time for National CRT Awareness Week.
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Posted 09/21/2021
Make Your Plans for 2021 CRT Awareness Week hosted by NCART and NRRTS. We wish that every legislator, policymaker, and community member already knew about Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and the benefits it provides to people with disabilities. While we aren’t there just yet, we’ve made real progress and are increasing the number of decision makers who understand how vital CRT is. National CRT Awareness Week is a chance to keep our momentum moving forward by collectively showcasing what CRT is all about and why protecting access to this specialized equipment is so important.
Click here to view the full article
Posted 09/15/2021
NIDILRR Researchers Receive Awards at 2021 RESNA Virtual Conference
Mark R. Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, principal investigator for the NIDILRR-funded Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: Research on Healthcare Policy and Disability from the University of Pittsburgh, received the 2021 Sam McFarland Mentor Award at this year’s Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Virtual Conference. This award is given recognition to those who have influenced, counseled, and nurtured others in the field of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology. In addition, Madelyn Betz, a graduate research assistant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Dept. of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, was a runner-up in the Student Scientific Paper competition for her DRRP paper entitled, “Complex Rehabilitation Technology Service Delivery: Scoping Review Process & Methodology.” Lastly, Carmen DiGiovine, PhD, ATP/SMS, RET, a sub-contractor and Co-Investigator from The Ohio State University, is RESNA’s President-Elect and Eleni Halkiotis, MOT, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, a DRRP Team member from Permobil, was recipient of the Emerging Leader Award.
Posted 07/22/2021
Journal Publication
Effect of the Assistive Technology Professional on the Provision of Mobility Assistive Equipment
The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with variability in satisfaction with functional mobility (as measured by the Functional Mobility Assessment [FMA]) in users of mobility devices. Our primary hypothesis was that device type and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) involvement will be the most significant predictors of FMA score. Data were collected from equipment suppliers who collaborate with clinicians to administer the FMA and associated Uniform Data Set within various settings (ie, rehabilitation clinic, school, supplier place of business). A data set of 4743 cases was included in the analysis. The relationship between ATP involvement and functional outcome supports the concept that ATP certification recognizes demonstrated competence in analyzing the needs of consumers with disabilities and selection of appropriate mobility assistive equipment with improved functional outcomes.
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Posted 07/22/2021
The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation presented a webinar titled, ‘Achieving Health Equity for People with Disabilities During the Pandemic and Beyond.’ In the United States, one in four adults has a disability and the pandemic has disproportionately impacted this community and made it more difficult to access care. Some people with disabilities were more likely to become infected with or have a severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or living situations.
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Posted 07/22/2021
Bose gets into hearing aid business with new FDA-cleared SoundControl hearing aids. A guide to choosing a hearing aid.
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Posted 05/27/2021
The University of Pittsburgh’s International Seating Symposium (ISS) is hosting a Webinar Series called Network ISS “A Prelude to Pittsburgh.” On May 14 a course titled, ‘Strategies for Worldwide Wheelchair Services in Less Resourced Areas’ was presented and recorded below. Wheelchair service delivery models have been implemented around the world in less resourced regions. This session engages global experts from the International Committee of the Red Cross to discuss perspectives on the worldwide need for wheelchairs and share strategies that have been successfully applied.
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Posted 05/27/2021
Amanda Morris will be The New York Times’s first reporting fellow focused on disability issues.
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Posted 05/27/2021
The National Council on Disability published a recent report on May 10, 2021 titled, ‘Enforceable Accessible Medical Equipment Standards: A Necessary Means to Address the Health Care Needs of People with Mobility Disabilities.’
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Posted 05/27/2021
Matt Berwick, DRRP CRT Team Member, program manager at UPMC Disabilities Resource Center, and President of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of United Spinal Association, was selected as United Spinal Association ‘How We Roll’ feature for the month of April.
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Posted 04/01/2021
Building an inclusive world that empowers people with spinal cord injuries and disorders in reaching their full potential. Thursday, February 4, 2021.
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Posted 10/27/2020
Listen to DRRP CRT Team Member Gerry Dickerson, ATP, CRTS, on Talk Rehab with Bill Noelting, February 9, 2021. A leader to CRT Suppliers everywhere, Gerry Dickerson is responsible for providing mobility and access to many, many people that need it. An RTS in the truest, deepest sense, Gerry talks about his journey from the beginning of an industry and profession to now… and all things in between. With a great sense of humor, passion, and dedication, Gerry continues to lead and represent the amazing people that provide seating, mobility, and accessibility.
Click here to view the full article
Posted 10/27/2020
Colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh’s NIDILRR Grant Funded ASSIST (Autonomy, Safety, and Social Integration via Smart Technologies) project presented their findings on the Development of a Functional Performance Index on the Use of Smart Home Technology as Assistive technology at the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference.
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Posted 10/27/2020
Pitt Professor Takes on Policy Challenges for People with Disabilities. Pittwire, Wednesday, October 7, 2020.
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Posted 10/27/2020
Mark Schmeler ‘Discusses the Recent CRT Grant Award’ with Bill Noelting, from Noelting Creative Productions, on October 6, 2020 Season 1 Episode 23.
View Talk Rehab Podcast here (35 min)
Posted 10/27/2020
