REHACARE – International Trade Fair for Rehabilitation and Care’s Post

Taking the opportunity of International Wheelchair Day to highlight the new WHO Wheelchair provision guidelines launched in 2023. Warm thanks to all contributors including partners International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics and International Society of Wheelchair Professionals. 🚀 Unlocking Equitable Access: Guidelines for Wheelchair Provision 🚀 In the world of wheelchair provision, guidelines serve as a compass, guiding us toward achieving equitable access and ensuring the best possible outcomes for wheelchair users. Let's explore the power of these guidelines together! 📝 The guidelines offer a comprehensive approach with service and systems-level recommendations. At the service level, personalized assessment, fitting, training, and ongoing support take center stage. By prioritizing individualized care, we empower wheelchair users to thrive and experience optimal mobility. On the systems level, the guidelines stress the importance of a competent workforce, integrated referral processes, and systematic evaluations. Through these measures, we can strengthen the foundation for equitable access, creating a seamless journey for wheelchair users to obtain appropriate devices. 🌍 By embracing these recommendations, we foster an inclusive environment where individuals with mobility challenges can enjoy greater independence, improved well-being, and enhanced quality of life. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure that everyone can access the wheelchairs they need. Join us in championing equitable access to appropriate wheelchairs. Let's transform lives, advance mobility solutions, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of wheelchair users around the world. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the freedom to move, participate, and live life to the fullest. DOWNLOAD the World Health Organization Wheelchair provision guidelines here: https://lnkd.in/dktvdrgN #IntWheelchairDay

Tomorrow our 3rd Technology Community of Practice (TCP) session begins! Will you be joining us? 📅 Date: May 23, 2024 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time 🎙 Speakers: Madison Obert, ATP and Tangier L. from LumiCare. In this session: ✨ Gain a comprehensive understanding of LumiCare services, tailored to address diverse needs. ✨ Explore the process of acquiring assistive technology and discover the range of technologies LumiCare offers. ✨ Discover how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are transforming communication access and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! Register now: https://lnkd.in/gUVNu7W7 #AwakeLabs #TechnologyCommunityofPractice #EmbraceTheDifference #InclusionMatters #Innovation #Empowerment #Inclusion #DisabilitySupport #Improvingqualityoflife #EveryoneIncluded #InclusionRevolution #EmbraceAbilities #DisabilityInclusion #Enablingtechnology #Healthcare #qualityoflife #assistivetechnology #innovation #healthcaretechnology #CognitiveDisabilities #assistivetechnology #Technology

What is the true value of the right wheelchair? How many people ask that question - probably not many, unless of course you are a #WheelchairUser. Assumptions may be made however the #WheelchairAlliance will release an independent research report on 3rd December addressing 'The Value of a Wheelchair'. The report importantly captures the voice of wheelchair users and their families through both quantitative and qualitative evidence. The benefit to the wheelchair user of a high quality wheelchair can be life changing, the benefits to society as a whole previously unknown. This report addresses that and can be found on our website https://lnkd.in/exC94bxx from 3rd December which is #InternationalDayofDisabledPeople. Together we are strengthening the voice of wheelchair users - and if you would like to support us to do that do please contact us via our website. Thanks extended to #TheMotabiltyFoundation #FrontierEconomics and #RevealingReality and especially to all the #WheelchairUsers and their families who gave their time and voices to ensure this important piece of research was undertaken

8. Use technology and other resources to improve care Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to care for others. Caregivers can use assistive devices to make the person's life easier, such as grab bars, wheelchairs, and voice-activated assistants. Apps and other digital resources can help caregivers manage appointments, medications, and other essential information. Technology can also help caregivers communicate better with their patients and loved ones. 9. Stay positive and focus on the person's strengths Finally, caregivers should remain positive and focused on the person's strengths rather than their weaknesses. It's easy to get caught up in the challenges of caring for someone with disabilities or chronic conditions, but caregivers should try to remain optimistic and celebrate the person's achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Missed our recent AccessibilityOnline Webinar? No worries! You can now catch up on our archived session covering the "Medical Diagnostic Equipment Final Rule." Learn how the Access Board’s accessibility standards apply to diagnostic equipment like exam tables, weight scales, and mammography machines for people with disabilities. Watch now and explore the impact of this important rulemaking: https://bit.ly/4gybQwX Watch other archived videos from AccessibilityOnline Webinar Series: https://bit.ly/3SoVJXQ #MedicalEquipmentAccessibility #MDEFinalRule #AccessBoard #ADACompliance #HealthcareAccessibility #DisabilityRights #InclusiveHealthcare

Introducing VIA's latest mobility products! Did you know? 1 in 6 people experience mobility limitations hindering their daily lives. VIA Global Health offers solutions: Participant Assistive Products' wheelchairs empower individuals of all ages and abilities. ➡️ Pediatric challenges: Growing children need adaptable equipment. The Cub Wheelchair grows with them, featuring a tiltable backrest, adjustable components, and an activity tray, ideal for pediatric care. ➡️ Procurement headaches: Finding the right wheelchair shouldn't be a struggle. The Pony Wheelchair offers multiple size options and easy adjustability, streamlining processes for distributors and optimizing patient care workflows. ➡️ Terrain limitations: Uneven surfaces shouldn't restrict mobility. The Wildebeest Wheelchair conquers any terrain with its sturdy frame and customizable features. Expand your reach and empower patients. Check out VIA Global Health's diverse mobility solutions from Participant Assistive Products: https://hubs.ly/Q02w7nDr0. #MobilityForAll #ParticipantWheelchairs #VIAGlobalHealth #Innovation Participant Assistive Products

Dustin Walker, who works in professional design and planning services at Nashville Dental Inc., and Jim Nickle, principal at Nickle Architects, PLLC, joined us on The Path to Owning It to talk about accessibility in healthcare practices: ➡️ What the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires of healthcare practice design ➡️ How healthcare providers can help ensure their practices are accessible to all individuals ➡️ The common barriers healthcare practices face regarding accessibility and how they can be overcome ➡️ And more on how designers and architects can successfully work together to design compliant practices from the start https://lnkd.in/gQhVAcWN

South Korea has one of the fastest-aging populations in the world. The subsequent increase in the number of older adults with disabilities has amplified the demand for care; however, there are insufficient care workers to meet this demand, and caregivers are also aging. Care robots can help respond to this problem by assisting people with physical disabilities and older adults who experience difficulties in daily activities. But how do care recipients feel about the use of care robots? A new study in Nursing Outlook seeks to address this question through a cross-sectional survey of 163 persons with disabilities at the Veterans Health Service Medical Center. The researchers found that 64.42% of respondents intended to use care robots and explored different predictors of intention among care recipients, which may provide useful insights for introducing care robots in acute care and long-term care settings. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gbx2pJ79

Vilmer came to us with two major AgeTech challenges: scaling their platform to meet growing demand and creating a user experience that seniors would find comfortable and intuitive. These needs are common in the AgeTech sector, where usability and scalability can directly impact the quality of life for older adults. Our collaboration with Vilmer was built around solving these specific issues. First, we addressed scalability. As the platform grew, Vilmer needed a solution that could handle more users without slowing down. We optimized the system to support rapid scaling, ensuring consistent performance as they expanded their reach. This adaptability is essential in AgeTech, where more users mean more opportunities to improve lives. Usability was the other key area. Many older adults feel overwhelmed by technology that isn’t designed with their needs in mind. We revamped Vilmer’s interface to make it simple and accessible, using clear navigation and larger fonts to ensure seniors could navigate the platform comfortably. This change also benefited caregivers, allowing them to use the platform efficiently while focusing more on providing support. Through this partnership, we helped Vilmer create a solution that meets the unique needs of its users while supporting future growth. If you’re facing similar challenges in AgeTech, our case study on Vilmer offers insights into how we approach and solve these issues. https://lnkd.in/gehsnsfS

New Publication! Please read, "Positive and negative experiences of caregivers helping power wheelchair users: a mixed-method study" here: https://ow.ly/6m9L50QA3uW