Description
Custom molded seating systems have been regarded as a “last resort” for too long. However, they can be highly effective when
used early on – especially with the advent of less bulky, lighter and adjustable products. The key is understanding and recognizing early “red flags” and being proactive. Adopting custom made seating earlier rather than later, can help prevent later complications – particularly when paired with carefully planned postural support around the clock.
Learning Outcomes:
List three factors contributing to posture deviation and complex body shapes in wheelchair riders.
Describe the progression from careful posture analysis to early custom-made seating integrated with a 24-7 positioning plan.
Describe the strategy for justifying early custom-made seating to funding sources.
Tamara is an occupational therapist and RESNA certified ATP/SMS. She founded Posture 24-7 and Eleanore’s Project, promoting 24-hour posture care management and appropriate seating and wheeled mobility provision in low resource settings. She is founding chair of the RESNA 24-7 PCM special interest group, and a member of AOTA, RESNA, CTF and FON. Tamara has presented and written on these topics nationally and internationally. Tamara served children and adults with complex Neurodisability’s in Montana, 1983-2022. She credits her daughter Eleanore, born with cerebral palsy and profound deafness, as her best teacher.