Wheelchair Accessible Scales and Pressure Mapping Technology
MassMATCH is pleased to announce the availability of scales designed for wheelchair users and digital pressure mapping technology (PMT) across Western, Central, and now Eastern Massachusetts. The Weight and Seating Independence Project (WSIP) makes this vital equipment accessible to individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and professionals. With funding from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, MassMATCH helps individuals with paralysis manage their health more effectively.
- Trainings with Pressure Mapping Technology
- Weigh Yourself at an Independent Living Center (ILC)
- Borrow a Portable Scale or Pressure Mapping Technology
- WSIP Outreach Flyers
- Pressure Mapping User Information
- Contact Us
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Trainings with Pressure Mapping Technology (PMT)
What is Interface Pressure Mapping?
Interface pressure mapping involves a mat equipped with sensors connected to a computer, designed to display pressure points when someone is sitting or lying down. Excessive pressure concentrated in one area can lead to skin breakdown and other injuries. Pressure mapping technology helps determine proper seating and positioning, especially for wheelchair users.
Getting Started with Pressure Mapping
On March 20th, 2019, at 2 pm ET, MassMATCH will host a live 60-minute webinar training focused on borrowing and effectively using pressure mapping technology.
Webinar Description:
“I live in fear of another pressure ulcer!”
“I lost three months in bed, time I will never get back.”
— MassMATCH spinal cord injury focus group participants.
In response to significant community demand, MassMATCH has acquired and now offers pressure mapping systems free of charge to individuals, caregivers, and clinicians statewide. Join us to explore pressure mapping and learn about preventing pressure injuries associated with paralysis. The webinar will cover the causes of pressure injuries, basic prevention strategies, the importance of pressure mapping, and instructions on borrowing and using the equipment. Experts indicate that 60% of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are likely to develop a pressure injury during their lifetime, with 1 in 10 potentially dying from related complications. However, pressure injuries are not limited to those with SCI and can affect individuals with other paralysis-causing conditions such as ALS, TBI, CP, MS, Polio, Stroke, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Transverse Myelitis.
Cost: Free
Register for Getting Started with Pressure Mapping
Presenters:
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Mary Jo Wagner, OTL/R, ATP is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience working in wheelchair clinics for people of all ages, diagnoses, and settings. She has traveled to Peru four times (2010-2013) working in wheelchair clinics and most recently to Haiti (2017 – present). Mary Jo has presented at OT State Conferences (MA, Vermont and New Mexico) and to OT and PT college students. Presently she works for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. |
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Louise Colbourne is the Director of the MassMATCH AT Regional Center operated by United Cerebral Palsy of Western Massachusetts, where she is also the director of Assistive Technology. Louise has taken the lead with making pressure mapping systems available to borrow across the Commonwealth through MassMATCH. She has been working in the field of occupational therapy for 18 years in a variety of settings including acute care, rehabilitation, schools, and early intervention programs. |
Weigh Yourself at an Independent Living Center (ILC) in Central and Western Mass!
Roll-on scales suitable for manual and power wheelchairs, including those with a bariatric wheelbase, are available for use at the ILCs listed here. Drop in or schedule a visit. First-time users will be asked to register with the WSIP so we can follow up for feedback and program evaluation. Registration is completely voluntary and the scales are available to anyone who uses a wheelchair.
AdLib (Pittsfield)215 North Street |
Stavros (Springfield)227 Berkshire Avenue |
Stavros (Amherst)210 Old Farm Road |
The Center for Living and Working (Worcester)484 Main Street, Suite 345 |
Borrow a Portable Scale or Pressure Mapping Technology (PMT)
The MassMATCH AT Regional Centers in Pittsfield, Worcester, and Boston offer equipment demonstrations of portable scales for wheelchair users and pressure mapping technology. These Centers also lend equipment for periods of 2 to 4 weeks at no charge to individual wheelchair users, families, and professionals. WSIP loaner equipment allows you to:
- Obtain your weight using a portable sling lift with an attached scale.
- Determine your “global weight” or the weight of your mobility equipment alone (with assistance from a support person) using a portable roll-on scale.
- Conduct pressure mapping for your seating and/or sleeping positions.
- Identify ways to relieve pressure in areas of high intensity.
- Map different seating settings: car seats, commodes, beds, and even recreational equipment.
- Understand how various activities impact your body.
Prevent pressure sores!
Contact your nearest AT Regional Center (ATRC) to schedule an equipment demonstration or to borrow devices. You can also view a variety of assistive technology available for loan at https://dmerequipment.org/inventory. Borrowing equipment from a MassMATCH ATRC is free of charge.
ATRC-Pittsfield operated by UCP-Berkshire208 West Street |
ATRC-Worcester operated by Easter Seals MA484 Main Street |
ATRC-Boston operated by Easter Seals MA89 South Street |
WSIP Outreach Flyers
WSIP Outreach Flyer – English (PDF)
WSIP Outreach Flyer – Spanish (PDF)
Please share this web page as an accessible option (http://www.dmerequipment.wbprg.pw/wsip.php).
Pressure Mapping User Information
Pressure Mapping Self-Evaluation (Word). This is a questionnaire that is included in a binder of information every borrower receives with the pressure mapping equipment. The binder includes a Quick Start Guide, information on pressure injuries and skin management, information on wheelchair clinics, funding and additional resources.
The Weight and Seating Independence Project (WSIP) is a program of MassMATCH, the Assistive Technology Act program for Massachusetts. MassMATCH is funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and managed by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). WSIP is made possible by a grant funded through a cooperative agreement between the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and ACL (cooperative agreement number 90PR3002-02-01; Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 93.325).
Contact Us
Questions about the Weight and Seating Independence Project?
Contact:
Kobena.Bonney@state.ma.us
617-204-3826