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MassMATCH Quarterly News: Fall 2017

In This Edition:

Do You Use a Wheelchair? Learn to Prevent Pressure Injuries!

Pressure Mapping Technology is now available. Learn to borrow and use PMT (it’s free!)

Mary Jo Wagner at a recent training

Spread the word! Through a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, MassMATCH is providing trainings on the use of digital pressure mapping technology (PMT) to anyone with an interest or a reason to learn. The trainings are targeting western and central Massachusetts where, until now, pressure mapping has had limited availability. Join us:

  • September 19th, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at UCP-Berkshire, 208 West Street, Pittsfield MA 01201
  • November 6th, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Easter Seals MA, 484 Main Street, Worcester MA 01608

To register for either training please email your interest to info@http://www.dmerequipment.org or call Tanya Bombard at 617-204-3851.

Learn about pressure injuries, including their stages, causes, and associated risks. Discover prevention methods, such as positioning techniques for sitting and sleeping. Explore how digital pressure mapping can effectively identify the unique needs of individual wheelchair users. If you or someone you know has experienced or is at risk for a pressure injury, attending this event is essential!

Pressure Mapping Technology for both seating and sleeping is now available for borrowing from the MassMATCH AT Regional Center in Pittsfield at UCP-Berkshire (and soon in Worcester). These mats can be borrowed for up to 4 weeks for use either at home or with a clinician. Each mat includes a comprehensive user guide and additional materials on preventing pressure injuries. MassMATCH is actively refining this information in collaboration with individual users, whose feedback helps benefit future borrowers.

The training sessions are designed for both professionals and individuals with paralysis and are led by Mary Jo Wagner, OTR/L, ATP, from the Department of Developmental Services, and Sarah Bandzak from Blue Chip Medical Products, Inc. Together, they bring decades of experience in seating and positioning.

This event offers a unique opportunity to increase knowledge and availability of this equipment in an underserved area of Massachusetts. All wheelchair users, particularly those with paralysis, should have access to this comprehensive information and the tools necessary to remain healthy, active community members. Wagner and Bandzak are also knowledgeable about the durable medical equipment (DME) funding process through insurance providers. Register today, inform your friends and colleagues, and join the email list for the Weight and Seating Independence Project to stay informed about future equipment demonstrations. Contact: info@http://www.dmerequipment.org or call Tanya Bombard at 617-204-3851.

Training participants will be awarded a certificate of attendance by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

Worcester AT Regional Center to Open this Fall! Equipped with VGo…

Earlier this month, the MassMATCH Quarterly News had the great pleasure of touring the space for the new AT Regional Center (ATRC) in Worcester. The ATRC will open this October and is currently under construction. Admittedly, the space was still pretty raw, but the tour was exciting, not only because it means soon we will have assistive technology in Central Massachusetts for anyone to come see, touch and try, but also because cutting-edge AT made this tour possible: a VGO telepresence robot!

Telepresence robots are like Skype on wheels. Users can visit a remote location and drive around using an iPad or a Windows laptop (success is WiFi dependent)

 

MassMATCH announced plans for the new ATRC in our spring newsletter edition. Since then, Easter Seals has brought on board Robert Bilotta as the new ATRC’s coordinator. Bilotta toured us around Easter Seals and the ATRC space. Prior to Easter Seals, Bilotta had been working at the Center for Living and Working in Worcester as a Transition to Adulthood skills trainer and in that capacity was involved with Easter Seals Youth Leadership Network. Bilotta was familiar with AT through his own experiences as a person with a disability and working with young people on self-advocacy skills and ADA rights. He also brings to the ATRC various Worcester relationships developed serving as vice chair of the Worcester Commission on Disability.

Robert Bilotta and his service dog in the unfinished ATRC space in Worcester. (MMQ Editor Eliza Anderson is in the top right corner.)

“I’m really excited about this center,” he says, “not only because it brings more assistive technology to central Massachusetts, but also because we’re using it as a hub for group education.” He showed us the newly mounted Smart Board (donated by a local business) and outlined plans for setting up workstations and a conference table. “We’re building partnerships with local colleges around assistive technology implementation and development. For instance, Worcester State University’s Occupational Therapy program plans to visit and present their new AT concepts to receive feedback from our clients and OT staff. Similarly, Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s engineering department will collaborate with our clients to create new devices and then showcase their work here. It’s very exciting.”

Driving the VGo was surprisingly enjoyable. Its range was greater than anticipated, and it proved to be a wonderful icebreaker with staff. Imagine rolling up to the water cooler and playfully requesting assistance! It’s nearly impossible not to smile when addressed by a robot. We encountered Eric Oddleifson in the hallway (not literally—the VGo has built-in safety features).

Eric Oddleifson surprised by VGo. (The VGo takes high-definition photos, still it’s best not to move when photographed…)

 

Oddleifson is the assistant vice president of Assistive Technology and Community Support Services at Easter Seals MA. He says the plans for the new center include setting up a corner for filming AT demonstration videos to upload to a YouTube channel. These videos will support training efforts for Elder Affairs staff. “Elder Affairs also plans to send staff here to learn about aging-in-place technologies, funding sources, borrowing devices for their clients, and generally how to navigate this sometimes overwhelming field of AT.” Establishing these partnerships from the outset is a powerful way to ensure the center is utilized differently, he believes. “We’ve learned from operating the center in Boston that we must develop strong community relationships. The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be using the center as well.”

Another significant difference from the Boston ATRC will be the organization of the equipment. “We’re going to have a section dedicated to aging-in-place technology, another focused on emerging technology, and another specifically for home automation technology.” The goal is to associate technology with function rather than disabilities, he explains. The shelving will also be open for easier viewing and access, instead of drawers filled with labeled but concealed equipment. “It’s going to encourage people to come in and pick something up.” There will even be a “make-and-take” space, where visitors will find instructions and materials for quickly constructing low-tech devices (inspired by the work of Therese Willkomm, PhD).

“Make and Take” example using InstaMorph moldable plastic

Every AT Regional Center offers AT demonstrations and short-term loans of equipment at no cost. The VGo will be part of the Worcester Center’s AT inventory. So far the robot has been used by a member of the MassMATCH AT Advisory Council who, because of his disabilities, regularly attends remotely via conference call. This year, for the first time, he participated as a moving physical presence.

The Worcester AT Regional Center is slated to open October 13th. Stay tuned for the unveiling! And if you are interested in borrowing the VGo or other assistive technology, contact Rbilotta@eastersealsma.org.

Browse the inventory of the Short-term Device Loan Program
Read more about how VGo and other telepresence robots are used as assistive technology

The AT Regional Center in Boston Welcomes Desiree Forte

If you’re a regular at Easter Seals in Boston, Desi Forte is likely a familiar face. Originally from outside of Boston, Forte has worked at Easter Seals for four years, serving as Youth Services Manager. This spring, however, Forte has also begun assisting with the AT Regional Center, and we’re lucky to have her.

Forte holds a master’s degree in Assistive Technology from Simmons College and brings personal experience using AT. “My strongest personal interest is in apps and technology for independent living—consumer tech as assistive tech,” she explains. “I’m very interested in looking at everyday technology and thinking about how it can function as assistive technology.” Being newer to the field, she’s enjoying the chance to explore newer devices, meet clients with diverse needs, and introduce them to AT solutions. “I’m also able to apply what I’m learning in the ATRC to my youth services work and expose the young adults I work with to these technologies.”

Staff at Easter Seals jokingly tease Forte that she’s a product of Apple, but Forte insists that’s not entirely true. “I do love Apple, but I also really like Amazon Echo for its ever-expanding skills, and the Microsoft Surface for its touchscreen.”

Working at the center is also allowing Forte to explore beyond the technologies she personally uses, particularly technology for vision and hearing. “The ATRC is this amazing resource. I really enjoy the opportunity to work in the Center because I strongly support our mission of introducing more people to assistive technology. More people need to know we’re here.”

Where Can I Get Weighed? New Options for Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair-accessible scales are now available in Amherst and Pittsfield!

MassMATCH is pleased to announce that wheelchair-accessible scales have been installed at AdLib in Pittsfield and Stavros in Amherst, and portable scales can now be borrowed at no cost from the AT Regional Center in Pittsfield. The scales are ready to use and can accommodate weights up to 1000 lbs. (portable scales can handle up to 800 lbs).

The scales were inspired by focus groups that MassMATCH held with individuals with paralysis in August of 2016. Focus group participants described the lack of access to wheelchair-accessible scales and digital pressure mapping technology in central and western Massachusetts. They explained that they often couldn’t weigh themselves easily, even at their own doctor’s offices, and noted that rehab facilities often lacked sufficient privacy. Some had resorted to using industrial scales at the local post office, UPS, or even scrap metal yards, while many simply went without knowing their weight at all.

Managing weight is essential for everyone. We need our weight information for general health and wellness, diabetes management, proper medication dosing, preventing illness, and prolonging our lives. Weight management is particularly important for wheelchair users. Many wheelchair cushions require adjustments based on the user’s weight or are rated specifically for certain weight ranges. This is also true for adapted recreational equipment.

For these reasons, MassMATCH pursued and received a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation to fund the Weight and Seating Independence Project (WSIP). WSIP is now active, providing wheelchair-accessible scales as well as digital pressure mapping equipment.

(see Do You Use a Wheelchair? Learn to Prevent Pressure Injuries, above).

The roll-on scales are located in Independent Living Centers in Pittsfield, Amherst, and soon, Springfield and Worcester. Portable scales are available for borrowing from the AT Regional Center at UCP-Berkshire (in Pittsfield). Portable scales may be used at home for up to 4 weeks at a time and are an excellent way to obtain the weight of your mobility equipment. Armed with that information, anyone can roll onto a scale at an ILC anytime thereafter and determine their weight, as needed.

MassMATCH demonstrated the Lilly Pad portable wheelchair scale at a recent ADA celebration event

Stavros in Springfield anticipates their scale will be operational beginning in mid-September. The scale at the Center for Living and Working in Worcester will be operational by October 3rd. The scales at AdLib and Stavros in Amherst are ready now, as are the portable scales to borrow from UCP-Berkshire in Pittsfield.

If you or someone you know uses a wheelchair and needs easy access to a scale in central or western Massachusetts, the Weight and Seating Independence Project is designed to help.

Learn more about the Weight and Seating Independence Project
Learn about the Lilly Pad portable scale (opens in a new window)
Learn about the Rice Lake portable scale (opens in a new window)

REquipment Welcomes Ken MacDonald and Ginny Morse

By Karen Langley, Executive Director, REquipment Inc.

REquipment, Inc. is delighted to welcome the addition of two new staff members: Ken MacDonald and Virginia “Ginny” Morse. Ken and Ginny are job-sharing the REquipment Program Coordinator position. Welcome aboard! We are lucky to have two fabulously experienced DME professionals coordinating REquipment services.

Ken MacDonald Virginia “Ginny” Morse

Before REquipment, Inc., Ken MacDonald worked for 17 years coordinating operations at a national DME provider and within a Massachusetts healthcare provider. For the past few years, he has consulted to REquipment, Inc., helping us develop our policies manual, training partner staff on best practices for equipment cleaning, and conducting consumer satisfaction follow-up surveys. Going forward, Ken will handle equipment donation requests and outreach to potential sources of bulk or on-going DME donations.

Ginny has spent 18 years in the disability field, working with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Disability Policy Consortium where she has coordinated and organized advocacy. Since January, Ginny has been researching and developing marketing and outreach lists for REquipment. Ginny will handle equipment requests and continue to assist in developing our outreach lists and mailings.

Both Ken and Ginny bring significant knowledge and commitment to our program’s mission and values. In short, they “get it” when it comes to the impact a DME reuse program like REquipment can have on individual lives, families and even whole communities.

Back to School with Assistive Technology: Browse the Virtual AT Toolkit

As you gear up for the 2017-18 school year, consider browsing the MassMATCH Virtual A.T. Toolkit for Education. Here you will find:

  • AT Product Search Tools for Education
  • Online Learning Communities
  • Assessment/Evaluation Tools
  • Professional and Program Development Resources
  • Local Resources and more!

Get more AT Tips for Education: sign up for our weekly email!

Join MassMATCH at Abilities Expo Boston!

What: Cutting-edge assistive technology, adaptive sports and dance, dynamic workshops, local and national exhibitors, face-painting for the kids and more! This year, MassMATCH is demonstrating one of the pressure mapping systems and wheelchair-accessible scales now available to borrow from the AT Regional Center in Pittsfield. Stop by booth 727 to check it out!

When: September 8-10th, 2017. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Hall C.

How Much?: Registration is FREE

Learn more: Abilities.com/boston