Weesie's World

WEESIE'S WORLD

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 doyou do for a living?” in a single sentence reply?

“I sell medical equipment.” That is a true statement,but it does not convey at all the breadth of serviceinvolved in Complex Rehab Technology (CRT).

“I provide custom seating and mobility.” Okay, thatcovers it better, but only if the person knows whatthat means.

“I work with people with disabilities who rely onassistive technology to meet their medical andfunctional needs.” Again, most people are not familiarwith the term “assistive technology.”

“I provide custom wheelchairs and positioningsystems.” Most will not have a clue what that means.

You are getting my drift.

There is no easy way to describe the CRT supplierrole. At a NRRTS Board retreat several years ago, thetask 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.

explain this fascinating occupation. It was not possible. You just can’tdescribe in one sentence.

You can describe CRT: Individually configured mobility andpositioning system that is determined by clinical physical assessmentwith input from the client.

Describing the role of the supplier requires more than one sentence.The CRT supplier is an integral part of the evaluating team whooffers technology recommendations and solutions. Once all thedecisions have been reached, the supplier must oversee submittingdocumentation to secure funding. When funding is approved, thesupplier must oversee ordering of all components; oversee assemblyof the mobility and positioning system; and last, but not least, providefitting and training on proper use of this system.

But wait, there is more! The supplier provides follow-up to addresschanges, growth, issues and modification to the system. This is a veryimportant aspect of the supplier role. Follow-up is key to the bestoutcome for the client.

Here is the point, you just can’t describe it in one sentence. Thesupplier’s role is multifaceted and requires not only knowledge butalso a tremendous amount of skill to provide a comfortable andfunctional system.

Next time someone asks you what you do for a living, send them towww.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.

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