It doesn’t end! The old debate of “is standing beneficial” for people with paralysis and spinal cord injuries. These debates invariably lead to discussions on the benefits of standers, or sit to stand technology, standing frames, et al.

I have been around assistive technology for, hell, I hate to admit, over thirty years. The debate was around when I first came onto the scene and it’s still around today. I’m going to make this easy on everyone who is scratching their heads on this issue- Yes, it’s been proven! Standers work, medically, physiologically, emotionally, functionally, developmentally, and are cost efficient compared to ongoing in-clinic based therapy.

Even more important- The scores of standing device users I have known over the years have universally confirmed that they have benefited from use of a standing device. OK, so users get it and understand the advantages, but what about others, doctors who we call on to prescribe one, therapists who we need to recommend one, funders who need to be convinced that there is benefit from use of one? That’s a matter of educating those people. And that’s your job!
Check out the wealth of information on the Altimate Medical site.

The majority of clinicians have very little understanding about these devices. Why? Because the average physician or therapist has very little contact with the population that would utilize and benefit from use of a stander. Funders on the other hand are almost clueless except for rhetoric contained in their coverage policies and manuals.

Getting the message across means doing your homework. Bone up on it, know more than the people you approach, and don’t be shy. Grab up literature on the benefits of standing and quote it, pass it along to your care providers and to your funders. Get your funding strategy together and make your case so clear that it will command the ascent of all those involved. And by all means make your job easier by hooking up with doctors and therapists who have seen it and done it before.

Looking for a place to start your standing information hunt? Check out this page on the Altimate Medical website. It’s loaded with information and a great starting place.