Adding to this dilemma is the fact that those who need to know are our very own elected officials who for a number of years now have been engaged in legislation that can make or break wheelchair users and the wheelchair industry. The honorables are not going to allow you a tremendous amount of time (if any) for education. At best, a few minutes of an aids time, a few less minutes of their own time, or a short note slipped under the door.

This was exactly the problem faced by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) in their recent efforts to bring the honorables up to speed or at least into gear on Complex Rehab Technology. In this case knowledge wasn’t power, the honorables already have the market cornered on that commodity. Rather, the need for this very basic understanding is critical. It is critical that the power be used to secure the future well being of America’s wheelchair users and the nation’s wheelchair and medical equipment industry.

Here is exactly how NCART put it to the honorables. Short, basic, and to the point. From feedback I’m getting, it appears to be sinking in.
Thanks to NCART and the Clinician Task Force for the info.
Click here to find out what all of this is about.

Below is a copy of what the honorables were handed:

• Only 7% of Medicare Power WCs
• Intended for Progressive Diagnoses
• Advanced Electronics and Controls
• Provides Positioning
• Accommodates Deformity
• Provides Pressure Management
• Offers Ventilator Accommodation

• 93% of Medicare Power WCS
• Intended for Ambulatory Limitations
• Basic Joystick Drive ONLY
• Provides NO Positioning
• NO Deformity Accommodation
• Provides NO Pressure Management
• NO Ventilator Accommodation

Complex Rehab Vs. Basic

• Only 6% of Medicare Manual WCs
• Intended for long term use
• High Adjustability
• Provides Positioning
• Accommodates Deformity
• Accommodates Deformity
• Provides Pressure Management

• 94% of Medicare Manual WCS
• Intended for short?term use
• Minimal to Zero Adjustability
• Provides NO Positioning
• NO Deformity Accommodation
• Provides NO Pressure Management