Wheelchair Nerds

This special episode is taken from a recent webinar focusing on bridging the gap between user experience and clinical expertise when going in for a wheelchair evaluation. Featuring ‪Spinergy ambassador and social media influencer, Tara Shetterly, and regional clinical education manager from Permobil, Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS, you’ll hear a user and clinician's perspective on how to advocate for your needs, what questions to ask, and how to make the most of every clinic visit.

In this episode, Jim Stephenson (Senior Market Access Manager at Permobil) and Tamara Kittelson (Executive Director of the Clinician Task Force) unpack recent changes in Medicare’s five-year wheelchair replacement policy. They explore what the new rules mean for end users, clinicians, and providers, especially the removal of the face-to-face requirement and the implications for clinical evaluations. Tamara shares her decades of experience in complex rehab technology, her personal journey as an OT and mother, and the mission behind Eleanore’s Project, which helps children in Peru access wheelchairs. The conversation also highlights the importance of regular evaluations, advocacy, and the evolving role of clinicians in ensuring optimal seating and mobility outcomes. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the surprising removal of ICD-10 diagnosis codes for seating and positioning products, a change that could improve access but also demands stronger clinical documentation.

Welcome to Episode 54 of the podcast, where we interview Collin Pollock. Collin has SMA type 3 and is an entrepreneur. He started WheelyQ Barbecue about 10 years ago, and it has been growing steadily ever since. We talked to him about how he started his business, how he manages his daily routine with SMA, and so many other fun tidbits.

Hawken Miller and Sarah Gaver join host Angie Kiger to compare front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive power chairs. From terrain and transfers to independence and advocacy, they share real-world insights that help clinicians and users make informed decisions about wheelchair configurations and how they impact daily living, mobility, and self-confidence.

In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, we sit down with occupational therapist Lee Ann Hoffman, OTD, MSc, OTR, ATP/SMS, to talk all things posture, seating, and the little details that make a big difference. She is currently the assistant program director and assistant professor of OT Programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Lee Ann shares her journey from South Africa to Texas, her passion for 24-hour posture care, and why a towel or pillow might be the most underrated tools in rehab. She opens up about lessons learned, the importance of collaboration, and how even small changes, like adjusting a webcam, can impact comfort and function. This episode is packed with practical insights mixed with a little bit of humor.