Stories Using the TRAM for Safe Transfers and Mobility in the School Setting March 13, 2018 by Terri Goebel, PT, Kellie Ray, ESE Teacher and Tara Wayland, OTR/L
A young boy uses the rifton tram for safe transfers to standing and ambulation over the carpet of the gym.
Our team of therapists and educators works together to provide opportunities for functional mobility to our students throughout the school day.The challenges we face include a variety of health diagnoses, behavioral management issues, and cognitive and physical deficits. These situations require team problem solving for safe and efficient physical management of the student while maximizing participation in...
PT/OT Out in Front with Mechanical Lifts in Schools February 27, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
safe lifting
Last week I attended the Combined Section Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association. It was held in San Antonio (great choice, especially in February!) and included some excellent programming. I’d like to share highlights from one of the workshops which focused on using lift and transfer devices in schools. It was presented by therapists from four large school districts. Each district...
Tips & Advice Toileting Transfer Tips for Individuals with Muscular Dystrophy December 02, 2016 by Elena Noble, MPT
A person with muscular dystrophy shown supported by the Rifton TRAM during a toileting transfer even though they have low tone
Transferring someone with low tone and little or no weight bearing to and from the toilet is challenging. Along with a dependent lift, a therapist must guard against the individual slipping down or sagging during the seat-to-seat transfer in addition to managing clothing. Even with lifting devices it is difficult to execute a smooth, dignified, safe transfer with an individual unable to maintain any...
Tips & Advice Toileting in Schools with the TRAM July 05, 2016 by David Zoller, PT
A physical therapist uses the Rifton TRAM for toilet transfers for a student
Using the Rifton TRAM for toileting can make a huge difference for both students and staff, providing both safety during transfers to the toilet and dignity and privacy for the student. Because students with disabilities have a wide range of needs, there are many ways to use the TRAM for this purpose. Here are some methods we’ve found here at Socorro,  presented as three case studies. (I&rsquo...
PT/OT The Importance of Measuring Partial Weight Bearing October 09, 2012 by Elena Noble, MPT
partialweightbearingtram_feature
A Conversation with Sue Cecere, PT, MIT Rifton is pleased to have Sue Cecere, PT, MIT join us for this conversation. This topic was initiated after Sue and a fellow therapist toured our Rifton factory; they were introduced to our newest product – the Rifton TRAM. One of the features on this transfer and mobility device is a scale. In addition to simple weight measurements, this scale can also measure...