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WHAT IS A COMPLEX REHAB TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIER? Written by: WEESIE WALKER, ATP/SMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NRRTS
Have you ever tried to answer the question, “What do you do for a living?” in a single sentence reply?
explain this fascinating occupation. It was not possible. You just can’t describe in one sentence.
“I sell medical equipment.” That is a true statement, but it does not convey at all the breadth of service involved in Complex Rehab Technology (CRT).
You can describe CRT: Individually configured mobility and positioning system that is determined by clinical physical assessment with input from the client.
“I provide custom seating and mobility.” Okay, that covers it better, but only if the person knows what that means.
Describing the role of the supplier requires more than one sentence. The CRT supplier is an integral part of the evaluating team who offers technology recommendations and solutions. Once all the decisions have been reached, the supplier must oversee submitting documentation to secure funding. When funding is approved, the supplier must oversee ordering of all components; oversee assembly of the mobility and positioning system; and last, but not least, provide fitting and training on proper use of this system.
“I work with people with disabilities who rely on assistive technology to meet their medical and functional needs.” Again, most people are not familiar with the term “assistive technology.” “I provide custom wheelchairs and positioning systems.” Most will not have a clue what that means. You are getting my drift. There is no easy way to describe the CRT supplier role. At a NRRTS Board retreat several years ago, the task was to create an elevator spiel that would clearly
DESCRIBING THE ROLE OF THE SUPPLIER REQUIRES MORE THAN ONE SENTENCE. THE CRT SUPPLIER IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE EVALUATING TEAM WHO OFFERS TECHNOLOGY RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOLUTIONS. 44
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But wait, there is more! The supplier provides follow-up to address changes, growth, issues and modification to the system. This is a very important aspect of the supplier role. Follow-up is key to the best outcome for the client. Here is the point, you just can’t describe it in one sentence. The supplier’s role is multifaceted and requires not only knowledge but also a tremendous amount of skill to provide a comfortable and functional system. Next time someone asks you what you do for a living, send them to www.nrrts.org.
CONTACT THE AUTHOR Weesie may be reached at WWALKER@NRRTS.ORG
Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS, is the executive director of NRRTS. She has more than 25 years of experience as a CRT supplier. She has served on the board of directors for NRRTS and GAMES and RESNA’s professional standards board. Throughout her career, Walker has worked to advocate for professional suppliers and the consumers they serve. She has presented at the Canadian Seating Symposium, RESNA Conference, AOTA Conference, Medtrade, ISS and the NSM Symposium. Walker is a NRRTS Fellow.
