7 July 2011

Disabled people with complex postural or pressure management needs receive help to ensure their wheelchair is as comfortable as possible, and meets their goals for mobility and seating, by the Wheelchair and Seating Outreach service provided by Enable New Zealand.

Disabled people are referred to the service by their primary therapist – who carries out an initial assessment prior to the outreach appointment. The referral includes background, social, occupational and clinical information.

The primary therapist, also known as an EMS (equipment and modification services) wheelchair and seating assessor, is an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Both the primary therapist and disabled person attend the outreach appointment.

Emily Gooder, Wheelchair and Seating Outreach Co-ordinator for the lower North Island (excluding Porirua and Lower Hutt) says: “While the primary therapist assesses a disabled person’s needs for wheelchairs, seat cushions and back or seating systems, at outreach we discuss the options to meet the client’s needs and we identify any accessories required.”

“Where the service can make a significant difference to the comfort of disabled people, is by: providing a coordinated and speedier service for trial of wheelchair and seating options, including recycled equipment; coordinating product from multiple suppliers; providing technician support and support with funding applications; using pressure mapping assessment tools to assist in product selection; and accessing a range of possible alternative products. Nothing is too simple or too complex – any wheelchair or seating options are considered.”

Enable New Zealand provides this service on contract to the Ministry of Health. Applications for equipment for eligible people sent through the service are assured of approval.
The outreach service runs clinics around New Zealand at hospitals, health centres, schools and Enable New Zealand branches. Where appropriate the outreach service can also be mobile and do home visits.

Clinics are held in Hastings, Masterton, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Levin, Porirua, Lower Hutt, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, West Coast, South Canterbury, Central Otago, Dunedin, Invercargill and Gore.

For further information visit Enable New Zealand’s Wheelchair and Seating Outreach service.