Suggestions

Permission for Use

Assistive Devices

Closing Viewpoints

Student: After traveling with Susan to schools where she works, I could see how important it was to have testing and treatment supplies at the treatment site. Her experience and wisdom have allowed a natural transition from direct service provision to consultant, advocate, and teacher of future occupational therapists such as myself.

Client: The attitudes that have been most helpful to me are demonstrated by professionals who actively listen to me as a polio survivor, who acknowledge the impact post-polio is having on my current abilities, and who appreciate my current coping skills and offer new ideas. Recognize, too, that those with post-polio may benefit from long term contact with support groups and community services.

Physical Therapist: Finding the kind of cane and cart that works for Susan in her country lifestyle meant considering her preferences as well as her environment. She keeps a city cane and a country cane - one of plexiglass and one of natural wood. A wheeled cart with basket and bench works better indoors and serves more functions than a traditional walker used for mobility. A heavier four-wheeled vehicle works better than a lightweight Amigo on the farm.

Occupational Therapist: Linking Susan with other sources of help makes it easier for her to comply with prescribed exercise routines and lifestyle changes. Connecting her with community resources for swimming or orthotics, for example, help her maintain her strength and mobility over the long haul. Lift chairs, ramps instead of steps, and larger and easier-to-use doors and fixtures make the house easier for Susan. Central vacuuming, covered walkway to the garage, and raised flower beds are features in the restored farmhouse that help her conserve energy and continue to do the things she loves.

Orthotist: Susan needed a custom-made leg brace giving her stability and support to the knee while restoring a more normal gait. Susan's hip flexors were almost gone so that she was compensating in new ways, putting stress in new places to move the brace. The brace needed some adjustments to prevent pressure points and discomfort.

It was also a psychological adjustment to go from using nothing but a cane to using a device that is heavy, hot, and limiting. If she uses the brace, she will need Lofstrand crutches and will have to give up a piece of her lifestyle which includes having her hands free (a compromise - when working with the children and sitting on the floor, she might not need it). Wearing the brace when working on the farm gives her stability and protects the joint but limits her mobility and compromises her lifestyle. Accepting and living with that is hard.

Adjustments are still a problem for rural people like Susan. Team evaluations should include the orthotist so that unnecessary trips and appointments can be avoided and the P.T. consult can be done at the same time.

Social Worker: In Susan's case, finding ways to continue to work and maintain private health insurance is probably her most reliable source of funding for adaptive equipment. Purchasing Lofstrand crutches out-of-pocket this year enables her to use her leg brace more effectively.

We need better financial safety nets for people with disabilities trying to secure the adaptive devices that enable them to continue being productive citizens. Employers have a responsibility for making reasonable accommodations so that a person with a disability can continue to work. Susan has been a tireless educator about the rights and responsibilities all of us share in a community. She has opened doors not only to her guests, but to children and families dealing with disabilities.