From Our Chief Executive Officer
Anne Rieck McFarland Chief Executive Officer Dear Friends of LifeScape, With your help, we are in the business of helping people lead fulfilling lives. We are very proud of the work that we do, and will always do whatever is needed to ensure the best opportunities and outcomes for the children and adults we support. LifeScape, as with any health and human services organization, works closely with state and federal agencies to be in accord with the guidelines that govern us. We expect rigorous rules to guide us. We expect that our government will provide oversight to protect vulnerable people. In turn, we also expect that each and every employee gives 100%, all of the time. We have always provided intense and thorough training to staff based upon their job requirements. We continue to raise the bar on training and services, finding new and innovative ways to ensure the people we support gain as much independence as possible. We have 1,100-plus employees providing services to over 2,800 people from across South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. We see our mission as a real opportunity to impact lives in positive, life-changing ways. I just received a note from one of our Direct Support Professionals, who beautifully summed up the essence of our work. It also highlights the quality of our staff: “I wanted you to know I am honored to be a part of the LifeScape family. I care deeply for all the individuals I support and the staff I work with. I can finally say that I have a job I love, and that I am happy to come to work. Does my job go smoothly every day? No. Can it be mentally and physically challenging at times? Yes. But knowing I have the ability to help someone when they are having a rough day makes me feel good. I get many praises for working at LifeScape, but I tell them I am blessed to be here. Six-and-a-half years and going--I love it here. “
THANK YOU for your role in helping us fulfill our mission of empowering children and adults with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. And thank you for your ongoing support. Whether it is your time, talent, or treasure – we truly appreciate you! Best wishes,
Anne Rieck McFarland, CEO
South Dakota Innovation Showcased at “Think Big, Act Bigger” Over 300 people gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Sioux Falls on May 31st for “Think Big, Act Bigger,” a seminar on innovation and entrepreneurship, held as a benefit for LifeScape. The keynote address was delivered by Jeffrey Hayzlett, bestselling author and host of Bloomberg Television’s C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett. After sharing that his support of LifeScape is personal-his brother-in-law Todd Anderson has received supports through the organization for 35 years-Hayzlett highlighted the business tenets of his newest book, “Think Big, Act Bigger.” Hayzlett’s presentation was followed by a panel of local entrepreneurial innovators who are improving lives in South Dakota and beyond. Marcia Hendrickson, CEO of biomedical research and development firm Mitogenetics, talked about their efforts to find cures for Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. Tom Walsh Sr., longtime owner of Dakota King Inc. and more recently Malaska GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness Club, talked about improving lives in his businesses through leadership development and providing opportunities for fitness and relationship building in families and friends. Duane Burman, Jerry Visser, and Dr. Lowell Hyland of 3dVHB, a medical technology venture, shared details of their efforts to create a process to produce custom orthotic splints and braces with 3D
Jeffrey Hayzlett
Photo courtesy of Reistroffer Design
printers. The orthotics would fit patients better, and be easier and cheaper to create. (3dVHB has been working with LifeScape to develop the process. See below.) All spoke of the need to be curious, as well as passionate about their pursuits to be successful as entrepreneurs. The lead sponsor for the event was Sammons Financial Group, and netted over $70,000 for LifeScape. Thank you to all who supported this “Think Big” event!
LifeScape & RMS Collaborate on Development of 3D-Printed Orthotics Harlan Temple knows firsthand how to “Think Big.” Born with cerebral palsy, he was a student in the 1950’s at Crippled Children’s Hospital & School, which later became LifeScape. He finished high school at Lennox, started an insurance business, and helped his father operate the family farm--not easy for someone using a wheelchair. Now semi-retired (he still farms 240 acres with the help of his wife Rita, and a few neighbors), he has been receiving outpatient services from LifeScape and subsidiary Rehabilitation Medical Supply since 2000, getting splints to counter the muscle spasticity in his arms, as well as customized wheelchairs. When 3dVHB contacted LifeScape to collaborate on the development of 3D printing of orthotic splints and braces, Assistive Technology Coordinator Arlen Klämm knew Harlan was the perfect patient for the process. “Harlan is a guy who likes to think outside of the box,” says Klämm.
LifeScape’s Arlen Klämm, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, with the 3D-printed arm splint created for Harlan Temple, shown in the background with his wife, Rita. Photo by Emily Spartz Weerheim/Argus Leader Media
Orthotic braces and splints are hand-made and take time and expertise to mold into a good fit. 3dVHB scanned a handmade forearm splint Temple liked and was able to print a perfect replica, complete with holes for straps. “It acts as a pattern,” says Klämm. “With the staff time you save, the cost is similar to a hand-made splint, but is more durable, slimmer and easier to maintain. Replacing the same splint in the future will cost about a quarter of a hand-made splint—and it’s a perfect fit.” LifeScape and Rehabilitation Medical Supply staff have enjoyed being part of the research and development phase of the 3D printing process with 3dVHB and look forward to it being in broad use. “It will be a really good thing for patients,” says Klämm, who presented on the process with 3dVHB at the “Think Big, Act Bigger” seminar. “Better fit and comfort, quicker process, lower cost. What’s not to like?”
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