Adaptive equipment use

PT/OT P-PAS, Adaptive Equipment and You December 03, 2019 by Sue Cecere PT, MHS
young man using a Rifton TRAM with a caretaker
The Posture and Postural Ability Scale or P-PAS is a tool that can be used to assess posture, postural ability and the quality of posture in prone, supine, sitting and standing positions. Posture, in this context, refers to the anatomical alignment of body parts in relationship to each other and the environment.
PT/OT SATCo, Adaptive Equipment and You November 18, 2019 by Sue Cecere PT, MHS
boy sitting on Rifton Activity Chair with caretaker
SATCo is a valuable tool to help clinicians determine just where a client needs trunk support in order to engage in a task or activity. The work of Butler et al. demonstrated the validity of the tool and its ability to detect trunk weakness and postural control challenges. This approach to assessing the trunk is a paradigm shift.
Videos MPS Posterior Adjustment
Rifton Pacer MPS in posterior position
Watch this video to learn how to quickly and easily reverse the Multi Positioning Saddle (MPS) of the Rifton Pacer when using it as a posterior walker.
How To's Guidelines for Functional Use of the Pacer Gait Trainer Part II
girl using Rifton Pacer playing basketball
The Pacer gait trainer is a walking device used in pediatric and adult rehabilitation settings to support individuals with disabilities for upright posture and ambulatory activities. Each Pacer component (or prompt) adjusts to accommodate various positioning needs, and is easily removed when it is no longer required.
Tips & Advice Guidelines for Functional Use of the Pacer Gait Trainer Part I October 07, 2019 by Elena Noble, MPT
girl using Rifton Pacer
The Pacer gait trainer is a walking device used across pediatric settings and adult rehabilitation settings to support individuals with disabilities in upright postures and ambulatory activities. With the appropriate supports in the gait trainer, independent mobility becomes a possibility. Each Pacer accessory (or prompt) adjusts to accommodate any positioning need or is otherwise easily removed to...
How To's Pacer Prompt Reduction Strategies: Examples A and B
person using a Rifton Pacer
Use only the components that the individual requires for walking posture and alignment. Every individual is unique, and therefore prompt reduction should be customized to the individual.
Tips & Advice Pacer Prompt Reduction July 16, 2019 by Lori Potts, PT
a boy in a Rifton pacer with prompts
See also: Part 2: Prompt Reduction Strategies. Using the Rifton Pacer’s full range of adjustment possibilities will help you meet goals for mobility and activity. Individuals who cannot bear weight fully through their lower extremities, or need prompting for alignment need appropriately positioned prompts and supports. Motor skills acquisition and strength building are best achieved when an...
Tips & Advice What To Do About Gait Trainer Seat Sitters June 10, 2019 by Elena Noble, MPT
A theraband in use with a blue Rifton Pacer gait trainer.
Do you work with children whose hips won’t stay forward during gait training? Or those kids who sit on the seat of a gait trainer when you want them upright? Whether from hypotonia or decreased core stabilization, here is a great idea to help cue those hips forward in the Rifton gait trainer. 1. Position the handholds of the Rifton Pacer upside down and towards the back of the top bar. 2. After...
PT/OT Useful Tips for Writing a Letter of Educational Necessity for Adaptive Equipment April 22, 2019 by Sue Cecere PT, MHS
A young girl feels flowers on a table while standing in a Rifton Mobile Stander.
As a school based practitioner, I understand the challenges and frustrations of acquiring adaptive equipment for students that will help bridge the gap between their capacity and performance. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) defines capacity as the student’s abilities in a situation apart from real life, such as during an evaluation in a quiet room with no...
PT/OT Four Essentials to Know Before Writing an Effective Letter of Educational Necessity April 10, 2019 by Sue Cecere PT, MHS
A young boy sits in a Rifton Activity Chair and uses an assistive device to talk to his caregiver.
1. Understand the requirements of federal law IDEA 2004. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires schools to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities. Funds for IDEA are allocated at federal, state, and local levels. To be eligible for the provisions of IDEA, the student must present with one of the following disabilities: intellectual disability...
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