C LI NI CA L LY SP EA KING
A PASSION FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Written by: ROSA WALSTON LATIMER
Students in the Occupational Therapy Department of Western Michigan University (WMU) benefit greatly from the diverse experience of Cara Masselink, their associate professor. “I first became interested in occupational therapy as a freshman at Michigan State University,” said Massenlink, who has a doctorate in interdisciplinary health sciences. “I was thinking pre-vet, but then I worked at Beekman Therapeutic Riding Stable and grew interested in hippotherapy. Western Michigan University had a graduate certificate in hippotherapy at the time, so I changed my major to occupational therapy and switched to WMU! Unfortunately, the certificate program ended just Cara Masselink and her AQHA before I graduated in 2003.” stallion, High West Winds. Masselink’s first job as an occupational therapist was at a nursing home in Centerville, Tennessee, that also had a contract with Tennessee Early Intervention Services. “I enjoyed treating people at both ends of the age spectrum! Other positions in outpatient pediatrics, private pediatrics, home health, inpatient rehab and acute care led me to a job at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in the assistive technology department. I soon fell in love with assistive technology and the independence it enables.”
WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT WORK RESPONSIBILITIES AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES? I teach and conduct research in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at WMU. Primarily, I teach the assistive technology and theory content and lead research groups. Our goal is to increase access to technology and equipment that enables participation and engagement in occupations for people with physical, cognitive and/or psychosocial deficits, especially advocating for those within vulnerable populations. In addition to my responsibilities at the university, I am the executive director of the Clinician Task Force. I am constantly inspired by this group’s amazing work to advocate for access to and quality service provision of seating and mobility equipment. The members are passionate for their clients to
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have and use appropriate wheelchairs and understand the intricacy and details that make big differences in function and health. I am grateful daily for the opportunity to facilitate this group that makes such a significant impact on the industry. I volunteer as consultant with Disability Advocates of Kent County, a Center for Independent Living that has an amazing occupational therapy program, prolonging aging-in-place through adaptive equipment and home modifications.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT HAVE CHANGED SINCE YOUR CAREER BEGAN? I have definitely experienced personal growth. I graduated from my university experience with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, surely I would never return to school. However, after working in an assistive technology department and advocating for individual client needs, I was motivated to look at the systems that caused the need for so much advocacy. I returned to school for my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and then my Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a desire to produce research to make a difference. Although these are “things” I did, the experience taught me to be more intentional in my efforts and reflect with an intent to grow, a skill I am so thankful I have learned. Along the same lines, I have seen the impact we can make on policy when the stakeholders in wheelchair seating services come together. I am really excited to see the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recognize the contribution of clinicians and insight on policies for seating and mobility equipment. I believe we are on the cusp of Medicare recognizing power standing systems and power seat elevation systems for their role in managing the medical needs of wheelchair users, which would be incredible progress.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WORK YOU DO? There are so many things that are my favorite! In my work at WMU, I love seeing the students recognize the impact of the seated position on a person’s health and function and how the various wheelchair bases and accessories relate. I also love seeing the students utilize
The Masselink family, Easter, 2022: (l to r) Travis, Adalynn, Sadie, Keely, Jase, and Cara
