Finding the right fit for a person and his/her wheelchair or other mobility device is a unique process involving the expertise of a seating and positioning specialist. This is a specialty of occupational or physical therapy.

The seating and positioning therapist conducts a clinical assessment and makes recommendations for proper seating and wheeled mobility for someone with a physical disability. The main objective of the therapist is to facilitate the highest functional level possible for the client. This involves meeting a wide variety of criteria, such as support requirements, posture, range of motion, disease progression, strength, skin sensitivity, environment and functional ability.

A seating and positioning specialist may work in private practice as a consultant, in a hospital or rehabilitation center. He or she will consult with patients and their families, work as part of a team of professionals, or with vendors, manufacturers of rehabilitation and mobility equipment.

Barb Jungbluth, PT-ATP, has been a physical therapist for many years and has also studied to become certified as an assistive technology practitioner (ATP). This certification is offered by the Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA). (Click here for the RESNA website for information on becoming an assistive technology practitioner.)

In her private practice, Ms. Jungbluth works as a consultant to vendors of assistive technology rehabilitation equipment. She educates representatives of these companies and assesses their clients' needs for an appropriate fit with equipment. Ms. Jungbluth also consults in home healthcare and pediatrics.

One of the fun things Ms. Jungbluth does is consulting for Creative Mobility. Creative Mobility sells adaptive bicycles, tricycles and scooters in St. Charles, Illinois to people with disabilities or special needs. She educates the mobility equipment merchant and conducts assessments for customers to recommend the appropriate equipment.