Wheelchair Nerds

In the seating and mobility industry, ROHO has been setting the standard with its Dry Floatation technology for almost 50 years. By providing pressure redistribution and positioning attributes, ROHO continues to be asked for by name. But what exactly is behind the name, ROHO?

We chat with physical therapist, Tricia Garven, who has been providing ROHO Clinical Education for over 15 years. We hear why its science and technology continue to lead the industry. We also talk with Bobby Brown, who shares his personal experiences with ROHO products and how this has affected his life as a wheelchair user. Where has the name been? Where is it going… the future of ROHO is exciting!

Whether starting school for the first time or going back to school, helping to ensure a student has a positive experience both inside and outside of the classroom requires a great deal of planning and collaboration. For students who utilizes wheelchairs and their support network, the process can be even more overwhelming. From potential physical barriers, modifications for accessing curriculum, to enhancing perceptions of the student’s abilities there are many opportunities for fostering successful outcomes.

Listen to the candid conversation with folks from different areas and backgrounds as we share experiences and ideas for helping students maneuver through school in a wheelchair.  

Power standing and power seat elevation can have a significant impact on an individual’s health, level of independence, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, accessing this technology can be difficult for individuals who need it. This is because Medicare does not cover either function citing them as “not primarily medical in nature.” 

In our first Stand for More webinar back in February, the panel of experts shared their perspectives and experiences with access to and advocacy for the power standing function on a power wheelchair. Since that time, there has been a great deal of work by many CRT industry stakeholders to move towards improved access for both power standing and power seat elevation.   

In this podcast, we bring members of the original panel back together alongside our internal government affairs expert to discuss exciting industry updates related to access to critical power seat functions and learn how YOU can help influence change. We need everyone (individuals who use power wheelchairs, caregivers, clinicians, providers, friends, etc.) to stand for more and rise to the occasion! 

When selecting an alternative drive control, finding the right match based on an individual's unique goals and abilities is key to a successful outcome. This podcast highlights consumer and clinical perspectives on alternative drive control selection.

Whether the priority is the need for enhanced control during driving, unique mounting options, consistent switch access, or technology integration, Permobil power wheelchairs are compatible with many different types of alternative drive controls emphasizing the importance of choice and adaptability.

Key features of the newly updated Permobil Total Control Head Array and the ASL FUSION Proportional and Digital Head Array, now available on Permobil M & F-series Corpus and Corpus VS models, are also discussed.

Standing as a therapy intervention has been broadly recognized as an effective method providing clinical outcomes and improvement of functions. Power standing wheelchairs offer great means for extending these outcomes to the domestic and community situation, adding additional functionality and also psychosocial outcomes. Permobil, with over 44 years of experience innovating and manufacturing standing power wheelchairs, has published a new white paper examining these benefits thanks to the efforts of a global clinical education and research team. The in-depth report looks at why users should have access to a power standing wheelchair to not only minimize the health risks of sitting, but to improve their overall health, performance of activities of daily living, social interactions, and mental well-being.

During this podcast, we discuss SpeedControl Dial, the new controller option for SmartDrive. The  SpeedControl Dial brings next-level control and intuitiveness to SmartDrive. Users are now able to start, stop, and adjust their speeds by simply rotating the dial forwards or backwards. This new standard controller is provided as a free option when purchasing a SmartDrive. It is wired and is powered directly by the SmartDrive unit, so there is no need to charge two devices, and setup takes less than 5 minutes.

During this podcast, the innovative air technology behind the Vicair® O2 Cushion line is discussed. You'll learn how it is different from traditional air options on the market. As well, clinical applications and benefits are explained for the three Vicair® cushions within the Permobil Portfolio: Vicair® AdjusterO2, Vicair® Vector O2 and the Vicair® Active O2.

This podcast features a discussion about the latest SmartDrive wearable updates, including the app for Apple Watch. Learn how these updates can positively impact SmartDrive users and providers. This podcast also features a guest speaker who will share her experience using SmartDrive in her everyday life.

As consumers, clinicians, and equipment providers, how can you stand for more when it comes to power standing? This interactive panel discussion highlights why it’s important to consider power standing as a critical component in addressing overall health and life participation for individuals who utilize power mobility. Historically, there have been significant barriers to accessing this technology. We review how access to power standing is evolving and what you can do to be a part of the change. We are also excited to have Joseph be a part of the conversation, an individual who utilizes power standing, to speak to why this shift in access is so critical.

This one-hour podcast focuses on how this interdisciplinary guideline can be an evidence-based resource for all team members who are involved in the provision of assistive technology and powered mobility.