It’s another busy day at Five Counties Children’s Centre in Lindsay, as the monthly Seating and Mobility Clinic is underway.
There’s lots riding at every clinic visit — notably comfort and posture, but also inclusion and participation for young clients like 15-year-old Kaydance.
“Hey Kaydance, what are you doing for fun these days?” asks Ange Harrison, a physiotherapist at Five Counties, as she welcomes Kaydance and her mom April to the clinic.
“Studying,” Kaydance replies, as she maneuvers her power wheelchair into the clinic space.
Ange probes further. “Hanging out with friends?”
“That too,” replies Kaydance, her slight grin turning into a beaming smile.
“So tell us,” continues Ange, “what do you need? Is your wheelchair still comfy?”
Kaydance was born with cerebral palsy and has been coming to Five Counties since she was 18 months old. At today’s Seating Clinic, Kaydance is getting her wheelchair checked on — akin to getting a car tune-up — and, using that parlance, Five Counties staff like Ange and occupational therapist colleague Kate Jaboor are the mechanics.
Last year, 77 kids and their families were supported at the Seating and Mobility Clinic that operates at Five Counties sites in Lindsay, Peterborough, and Cobourg. The clinic — which requires a referral — is made up of therapists, a technician, and other staff who support children and youth who have difficulties with movement and require equipment like specialized strollers and wheelchairs.
Some clients also have more complex medical needs or degenerative disabilities which require mobility support. Whatever the case, the therapy team’s goal is to help improve a child’s comfort, posture, and overall ability to perform daily activities.
Typically, Five Counties staff will start with an assessment to determine what seating system and wheeled mobility is best suited for a child and their family. Comfort, posture, purpose, place of use, cost, and specialized needs are all factored into the equation. Even the type of family vehicle needs consideration to see if a potential chair will fit inside.
Once the right wheelchair or mobility assistive device is determined — “we prescribe,” is how Ange terms it — Five Counties will assist with ordering, customizing, fabricating, and (if needed) coordinating equipment with third-party suppliers.
Staff will also help families access financial support programs to offset the costs of mobility devices. As well, Five Counties provides short-term equipment loans to let families try out a chair before committing to buying one.
Several visits to the Seating Clinic may be required for initial assessment, customization, and final dispensation of the mobility equipment. Check-in visits will also be subsequently scheduled to ensure the wheelchair or other device still meets the client’s needs.
That’s the case today for Kaydance, who gets the wheel bearings on her latest power wheelchair fixed, while also discussing with Five Counties staff the ordering of new leg straps and seating covers to improve her seating and potential ways to cover these costs.
“They fix my chair, which makes it better for getting around,” she says.
Seeing Kaydance and her mom is like rekindling an old friendship for Kate, who has supported the family for many years.
“We have long-term involvement with many of our seating clinic clients,” she notes. “You really feel like you’re growing up with these families.”
Kaydance’s situation is a perfect example of “knowledge transfer” over time, says Kate.
“Initially, we’ll help to guide families on what their child needs, but parents — and eventually the client herself — become more involved in the process as they adjust to the learning curve.”
While not written on the equipment prescription, it’s a client’s independence and freedom that are at the core of what’s done at the Seating Clinic.
“We’re helping our clients more fully participate with their family and friends every day,” says Ange.
“It’s not about the chair,” adds Kate. “It’s seeing the child out in the community, going to the fall fair, or visiting the pumpkin patch. It’s heartwarming when you hear these stories, especially knowing that a child is being included and the barriers to their participation are being removed.”
For more information about the Seating and Mobility Clinic, visit fivecounties.on.ca/seating-and-mobility-clinic/.
