Permobil Webinars

We welcome Lisa Kenyon, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, and professor at Grand Valley State University, to this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, where we discuss all things on-time mobility. This conversation ranges from Lisa's wide-ranging experience in pediatric power mobility to stories about kids she's helped independently move to why she does it all. ***SHOW NOTES*** Andrina Sabet et al. article "ON Time Mobility: Advocating for Mobility Equity" (2022) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35943383/ Lisbeth Nilsson 2014 article about Assessment of Learning Powered Mobility Use tool - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25357100/ Heather Feldner, Sam Logan, Bethany Sloane et al study on Ride-On Car usage - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7529107/ "Short-Term Powered Mobility Intervention Is Associated With Improvements in Development and Participation for Young Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial" - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39450982/ "Powered Mobility Device Use and Developmental Change of Young Children with Cerebral Palsy" - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37232636/ Wheelchair Skills program - Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia - https://wheelchairskillsprogram.ca/en/

In Episode 46 of Wheelchair Nerds, I sit down with Ken Winward, a legend in the TyLite world, to explore the fascinating process of creating custom-designed wheelchairs. With nearly 25 years at TyLite, Ken shares his journey from a temporary job to a lifelong mission of enhancing mobility. We delve into the Creative Mobility Division (CMD), where user-first innovations transform unique requests into reality. Ken discusses the importance of safety, quality, and engineering standards in crafting personalized solutions. Listen as we explore how CMD takes ideas from napkin sketches to fully realized, safe, and functional wheelchairs, ensuring that each chair is tailored to the individual needs of its user. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the art and science behind custom wheelchair design.

Join me, Angie Kiger, on Wheelchair Nerds for Episode 45: Rolling into the Kitchen: Cooking with Gabby DiSalvo. In this engaging episode, I chat with Gabby DiSalvo, a junior at UConn who is making waves with her blog, Cooking on Wheels. Gabby shares her journey of adapting her kitchen to suit her needs as a wheelchair user and discusses the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. We delve into her passion for cooking, sparked during the pandemic, and her dream of hosting a cooking show with a focus on disability advocacy. Gabby also opens up about her transition from a manual to a power wheelchair and how it has impacted her independence. Whether you're a therapist, caregiver, or someone who uses a wheelchair, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in for a lively discussion that might just inspire you to start cooking from your chair.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, hosts Angie and Hawken sit down with industry legends and editors Michelle L. Lange and Jean L. Minkel to explore the highly anticipated 2nd edition of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide. Together, they reflect on how far the field has come—from early clinical practices to today's evidence-informed, client-centered approaches. Hear firsthand the biggest lessons learned over the decades, the evolving role of interdisciplinary teams, and what exciting new content you'll find in this updated edition.

Wheelchair Nerds is back for Season 3 with a fresh new voice! In this episode, we introduce our brand-new co-host, Hawken Miller, a journalist by background, advocate, and fellow wheelchair nerd. Get to know a little about Hawken and his journey to being a part of Wheelchair Nerds. Plus, we'll give you a sneak peek at what's coming this season—engaging discussions, expert guests, and deep dives into the latest in accessibility, technology, and community. 

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we dive deep into the world of product development with Dan Debrah, Vice President of Research and Development at Permobil. Join us as we explore the journey from concept to creation, uncovering how Dan and his team generate ideas, gather invaluable market research, and navigate the challenges of bringing products to life. 

In this festive episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Jen Lyman, the Resource Content Manager for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF). Jen joins us to unveil the newly released 2024 CPF Accessible Holiday Gift Guide—a thoughtfully curated resource designed to make the season brighter and more inclusive for everyone. We discuss exciting new sections, including recommendations for accessible adventures, and spotlight a few beloved fan favorites. Whether you're shopping for inclusive gifts or seeking holiday inspiration, this episode has something for everyone!Click here to see the 2024 CPF Accessible Holiday Gift Guide.Click here to listen to last year's episode on the CPF annual gift guide.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we discuss what to look for in a first ultralightweight manual wheelchair with insights from Rachel Fabiniak, a physical therapist by background, and Cody Verrett an long-time industry expert who has previously worked as a provider. They cover the importance of keeping in mind topics such as the rehabilitation process after an injury, potential changes in functional ability, weight of the wheelchair, frame type (folding or rigid), and the need for adjustability. Listeners will also learn how lifestyle factors—like cooking, outdoor activities, or keeping up with kids—impact the right choice of wheelchair, helping new individuals pick the wheelchair that best supports their daily lives.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we explore power drive wheel configurations—front-wheel, mid-wheel, and rear-wheel drive—and break down the pros and cons of each. Learn how these setups affect maneuverability, stability, and comfort, with real-world examples of users who found the perfect fit for their needs. Whether you're navigating indoors, tackling tough terrain, or looking for power seat functions, this episode will help you make an informed decision for you or your client.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we dive into the complexities of pursuing employment while living with a disability. Our guests include Hawken Miller and Robert Barbieri who share their personal stories, highlighting the importance of open communication during the job search and onboarding process, and strategies for advocating for accommodations and accessibility in the workplace. Tune in for a candid conversation about navigating biases, building confidence, and finding empowerment in your career journey. 

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we dive into the world of ultralightweight manual wheelchairs and the critical role of advocacy in ensuring access to the best materials. Alexis Ward explains the current policies that impact material choice and how advocates can drive change. Danika from the Rollettes shares her personal journey, contrasting her early experience with an aluminum wheelchair and the remarkable positive difference her titanium chair has made in her life. Tune in to learn why material choice matters for performance, independence, and long-term health.

In this episode, we explore Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) for the aging population, discussing care options from home health and adult day care to assisted living and long-term care facilities. We cover the pros and cons of each setting, funding options to support mobility equipment, and essential recommendations for wheelchairs and adaptive technology. Whether you're a caregiver to aging parents or navigating your own care needs, this episode provides key insights on maintaining mobility and independence as you age.

Join us as we explore outdoor accessibility for wheelchair users. We discuss funding options, grants, and non-profit organizations that can help you get the gear you need. Whether you're new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned pro, this episode offers essential insights and resources to make nature more accessible for all. Tune in and get ready to roll into your next adventure!

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, Angie is joined by Cathy Carver, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS to discuss power assist devices. They break down the different types of power assist devices, including hub-mounted, rear mounted, and front mounted devices, discussing benefits and limitations of each type. The episode also guides listeners through some key objective questions to consider when evaluating if a power assist device is right for them.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we explore accessible amusement parks, spotlighting Morgan's Wonderland, the first ultra-accessible theme park. Brooke Matula, CTRS, and Sharon Newhardt from Morgan's Wonderland join us as we discuss the park's innovative features, upcoming projects, and its inclusive vision. We'll also share tips on how to assess an amusement park's accessibility to ensure a fun-filled, barrier-free experience for every family.

Join us as we chat with Matt Abisamra OTR/L, CDRS, the Driving Program Supervisor at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as we delve into the world of driving with a disability. From eligibility criteria to exploring a range of equipment options, understanding the evaluation process, tips on finding the right instructor, and navigating funding sources, we cover a lot in this insightful discussion.

Tune in to the latest episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we explore the advancements in air travel advocacy with special guests Alex Bennewith and Kent Keyser from the United Spinal Association. Delve into the rich history and mission of the United Spinal Association, along with resources like local chapters and support groups. Our discussion goes into two crucial developments in advocacy and travel: the Department of Transportation's proposed rules to enhance the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), and H.R. 3935, the “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024,” which extends the Federal Aviation Administration's authority and revenue sources until September 30, 2028. 

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we have the pleasure of welcoming speech language pathologist and assistive technology professional, Debbie Perry, MSR, CCC-SLP, ATP to delve into the vital role that speech therapists play in the pediatric evaluation process for mobility products. Our discussion covers topics such as the vital role communication plays in the evaluation process, timely mobility solutions, fostering collaboration within the interdisciplinary team, and much more.

Join us for this special Mother's Day episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we sit down with Juliet Justice, a self-proclaimed wheelchair girl and devoted mom to two energetic boys. Juliet shares her insights on the universal challenges and joys of parenting, offering practical recommendations for baby equipment and sharing her own experiences of navigating motherhood from a wheelchair. Tune in to hear Juliet's story and gain valuable advice for all parents.

Delving into the world of disability representation in the arts, we have the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented Joci Scott on this exciting episode of Wheelchair Nerds. Joci, renowned for her captivating performances in short films and her dynamic presence in the Rollettes dance team, offers her unique perspective as an actor, singer, and dancer in the industry.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we discuss the world of alternative drive controls for power wheelchairs with complex rehab industry veteran Lindsey Rea. From simply changing the standard joystick programming to switching to an alternative input device, Lindsey and Angie talk about approaching each wheelchair evaluation with curiosity and a willingness to try different solutions.

This week on Wheelchair Nerds, guest host Nicole LaBerge, PT, ATP teams up with Jenn Gray, OT, ATP and Caroline Pennell to dive deep into the realm of custom wheelchair seating. Jenn explains what custom seating is and emphasizes that custom solutions can be simple yet incredibly effective, while Caroline shares her journey of finding the perfect personalized seating option that truly meets her needs, after exploring both off-the-shelf and fully customized, molded alternatives.

Experience the insightful discussion on Wheelchair Nerds as we delve into the world of dependent mobility with Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS. Discover essential tips for conducting seating evaluations for individuals who are non-verbal, explore the practical applications of tilt-in-space manual wheelchairs, gain valuable advice on navigating funding sources, and uncover the dynamic components of seating and positioning crucial for dependent mobility.

Come along for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Abilities Expo with Lew Shomer, the chairman of Abilities Expo. Additionally, we delve into the exciting lineup of workshop topics to anticipate throughout the year. Discover what awaits you in the upcoming season, kicking off this March 15th-17th with the Los Angeles Abilities Expo.

Get ready for an exciting new season of Wheelchair Nerds! Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with songwriter and producer Cory "Pheez" Lee, exploring the world of music, the creative writing process, the art of recording, and the incredible role that adaptive technologies play in making it all happen.Pheez's SpotifyWheelchair Nerds Theme

Get ready to roll into a whole new dimension of insightful conversations and captivating stories with the upcoming season of Wheelchair Nerds! 

In our last episode of season one of Wheelchair Nerds, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jen Lyman, the Resource Content Manager for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF). Our conversation delved into the captivating history and current state of the CPF's annual accessible holiday gift guide. We were given an exclusive preview of the exciting new gift ideas that have made their way into this year's guide, as well as a selection of unbeatable favorites.2023 CPF Accessible Holiday Gift Guide

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we had the privilege of sitting down with Centra "CeCe" Mazyck, an Army veteran, to delve into her journey both before and after her injury. CeCe shared with us the incredible impact that different nonprofit organizations and people had on her journey to success post-injury, emphasizing the importance of finding supportive communities and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.Resources mentioned:Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)Disabled American Veterans (DAV)Travis Mills FoundationVetsFirst

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the importance of material choice in ultralightweight manual wheelchairs. Our special guests, Jim Stephenson and occupational therapist Thomas Halka, delve into the clinical applications of aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. They also shed light on the bill H.R. 5371, known as the Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023, which was recently presented in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 8th. 

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we have an exciting topic on our hands: the journey of transforming a wheelchair concept into a fully realized product. Join us as we engage in a conversation with Doug Garven, the principal product manager and creator of the TiLite CR1, and Martin Connolly, the visionary Founder and President/CEO of Spinergy. Together, they will share their insights and experiences on how they turned the innovative idea of the TiLite CR1 into a remarkable finished product that is now available in the market.

Listen to the latest episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we explore the exciting world of adaptive costume creation for Halloween and beyond! Tune in as we chat with Matt Lowell, MPT from Shriners Children's' Salt Lake City, and Lon Davis, the visionary founder of Walkin' & Rollin' Costumes. Discover how their organizations bring the incredible costume ideas of wheelchair users to life, whether it's transforming into a superhero, mythical creature, or beloved character.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we're joined by Bobby Brown, a clinical psychologist and end user, and Kara Kopplin, Director of Regulatory Science for Permobil to discuss how science meets application in wheelchair cushion design. Bobby shares his personal journey of discovering the immense importance of selecting the perfect cushion for his needs, while Kara provides valuable insights into the rich history of ROHO and the underlying principles that drive their innovative designs.

Check out the new episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we have a fascinating conversation with Ashley Davis, Executive Director of the Permobil Foundation, and Amy Burnett, a member of the board of directors for the Permobil Foundation and a talented athlete representing Team USA in Para Badminton. We explore the rich history of the nonprofit organization, delve into the impactful areas of giving the Foundation is involved in, and hear Ashley and Amy share their most cherished moments of making a difference through the Foundation. 

Tune in to the latest episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we catch up with Jim Stephenson and delve into the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding coverage for seat elevation. Jim provides us with an insightful update on the developments since May 16 and gives us a glimpse into what we can expect for the rest of 2023. Join us as we explore the eligibility criteria for this groundbreaking technology and uncover the lingering questions that still need answers. Don't miss out on this informative discussion!

Join us for the latest episode of the Wheelchair Nerds podcast as we conclude our exciting 2-part series on navigating school life in a wheelchair. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from clinicians Erin Baker, PT, DPT, ATP, CPST, and Stephanie Frazer, MS, OTR/L, CPST, as they delve into the important topics of selecting and maintaining the right mobility device for school, ensuring safe transportation to and from school, and empowering kids to fully participate in all aspects of school life, from academics to extracurricular activities. Don't miss out on their valuable insights and practical tips!

Join us on the newest episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we delve into the topic of maneuvering through school with a wheelchair. We have the pleasure of being joined by Tiffany and her daughter Sophia, as well as Sophia's physical therapist, Erin Baker from Nemours Children's Hospital in Florida. Together, we will explore Sophia's journey, tracing her path from pre-K all the way to her starting high school this fall.

Discover the latest episode in our ongoing wheelchair travel series, featuring the return of Kristy Durso, the owner of Incredible Memories Travel, and Jerod Nieder, the co-founder of Positively Paralyzed. Join us as Kristy and Jerod delve into the various challenges they have encountered while traveling and share their insights on how to navigate these tricky situations and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way.

Tune in to the newest episode of our podcast series on wheelchair travel, where we are delighted to have Kristy Durso, the owner of Incredible Memories Travel, and Jerod Nieder, the co-founder of Positively Paralyzed, join us. Together, Kristy and Jerod provide invaluable tips on how to ensure a successful wheelchair travel experience, covering everything from smoothly navigating the airport check-in process and boarding the plane, to arranging transportation and making the most of hotel accommodations. Don't miss out on their expert advice!

In the first of our series highlighting travel, we dive into all things accessible travel with Kristy Durso, the owner of Incredible Memories Travel. Kristy brings her expertise and passion for travel to this conversation. We talk tips for traveling and highlight some must visit places the US and abroad, including Incredible Memories 2024 Cruise.

Check out the latest episode of Wheelchair Nerds as we discuss the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' decision on coverage for seat elevation. There is a lot to unpack on the approved criteria and next steps, and Ali Ingersoll and Jim Stephenson join us to discuss the impact of this decision and consider what's to come. 

Listen as we discuss common myths and misconceptions surrounding standing power wheelchairs from clinician concerns to funding questions. We're joined by Jim Stephenson and Ashley Detterbeck for this interesting conversation. 

Get some insight on clinical research, as talk white papers in general and deep dive into the updated Standing White Paper from Permobil. Highlights include new additions to the white paper, survey results from a wide variety of power wheelchair end users, and what motion sensor graphics can tell us about body position before and after the standing sequence. 

Get inspired by Danielle's story! She's a young woman with CP who advocates for herself and her clients. Discover how she fought to get her power wheelchair with standing and see how this technology helps her unwind after a long day as a social worker, giving her the independence she needs to live life to the fullest. 

Check out the very special bonus episode of Wheelchair Nerds featuring some Permobil team members who were at ISS, giving you an exclusive look at what was happening in the Permobil booth. And that's not all - our team members also tease a few new Permobil products that we're excited to share with you.

As we come to the end of our series on the International Seating Symposium, we had the pleasure of conversing with three clinical educators hailing from Permobil Asia-Pacific on their exceptional ISS 2023 experience. In this discussion, they shared with us the latest products they're excited about, the speakers and presentations that stood out and much more.

Listen to our latest episode as we discuss ISO standards and testing for wheelchair seating. We also speak about distilling a large amount of data and research on cushions into a format that everyone can understand.  Check out the Trust & Transparency page here

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we connect with a few clinicians who will be presenting at this year's International Seating Symposium. We talk about their presentation topics, share advice on how to create your ISS schedule, and discuss what they are looking forward to seeing at ISS.

Listen to this episode of Wheelchair Nerds as some of the people behind the International Seating Symposium discuss the history of the conference, preview what is happening at this year's ISS, and give us a glimpse of what's in store for the future. 

Dive in on our first episode of Wheelchair Nerds as two industry veterans share memories and perspective on what makes the International Seating Symposium the “can't miss show of the year”.

Introducing Wheelchairs Nerds – a podcast intended to connect and inform people who utilize, prescribe, and provide seating and wheeled mobility equipment. 

During this webinar Heather Cianciolo and Mauricio Arredondo explore ways SmartDrive can help people who use manual wheelchairs and propel themselves in non-traditional manners. Learn what types of configurations and settings might better fit users who foot-propel, use one-arm drive systems, tilt-in-space chairs, and even pediatrics users!