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Forward to a Colleague

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Assistive Devices

Opening Viewpoints

Student: Transporting testing and therapy equipment is a challenge for anyone providing OT services in rural settings! How does Nancy manage time, energy and resources to treat children during the week and accommodate guests on weekends?

Client: I have been able to achieve many dreams because of my disability as well as in spite of it. My ability to adapt and problem solve has been sharpened by necessity and by the profession I chose after having polio at age 17. I may take a different perspective and approach at times but I've also had experiences that make me empathetic, resourceful, and creative in my approach to others and to living.

Physical Therapist: Some of the mobility aids that work in urban areas don't work in the country. What kind of wheelchair, cart, or small vehicle is most useful?

Occupational Therapist: What lifestyle changes will make Nancy's retirement dreams more reachable? What adaptations to a modular home and a 19th century farm house are practical and esthetically pleasing? What tools and adaptations make gardening, cooking, and leisure activities on a farmstead easy and fun to perform?

Orthotist: During Nancy's acute polio period in the 1950's, the mark of successful rehabilitation was to throw away orthotics and assistive devices. Now many persons with post-polio syndrome (PPS) have to reassess. Their previous reliance on compensatory movement may now be taking a toll in terms of energy, pain, and fatigue. For Nancy, genu recurvatum, or 'back-kneeing,' has been her compensatory movement for walking. Now it is causing transient back pain and instability for which a brace has been prescribed. Custom-made orthotics for the shoes help other people relieve back pain and fatigue. An ankle-foot orthosis can help correct foot drop and prevent the need to lean forward to watch the floor when walking.

Social Worker: Nancy is fortunate to have a profession and retirement plans that allow her financial stability. Many adaptive devices are expensive and require outside funding such as the state division of vocational rehabilitation, private insurance, and supplemental security income or small grant and non-profit organizations.

Sometimes the greatest adjustments for people with post-polio are not just the physical losses. The financial, psychological, and self-esteem issues are often tied to reduced or lost employment and the hardships of being on disability. I could help Nancy address some of these issues and also support her in her active participation in the International Polio Network.

Nancy has been a strong advocate for persons with disabilities, and knows first hand the struggle to be a productive working taxpayer. My job is to help her find the resources to continue her personal and social quest which benefits our community and strengthens the quality of life for all of us.