Marianas Variety – OVR, Disability Network Partners provide seating and wheeled mobility services training

(Office of the Governor) — With the support of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Disability Network Partners recently sponsored — for the very first time — a seating and wheeled mobility services training workshop.

OVR Executive Director Arlene Yamagata, M.S., CRC shared that training included a combination of lecture, hands-on experience, client demonstrations, case examples, and opportunities for group discussion.

“Topics covered service delivery models, team members, roles and responsibilities, seating and mobility evaluation, simulation, measurement, common seating and mobility issues, distinguishing technology features, documentation requirements, and the impact of regulatory and legislative activities,” Yamagata said.

At the beginning of this year, OVR honed in on supporting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, which are all in line with increasing awareness and promoting independence for individuals with disabilities, while improving skills for caretakers throughout the commonwealth.

This workshop saw Laura Cohen, PhD, PT, ATP/SMS offer the training to those involved in wheelchair service delivery including clinicians, suppliers, claim reviewers, and those looking to increase their knowledge of wheelchair provision and specialty evaluations.

“Dr. Cohen is a principal for Rehabilitation and Technology Consultants, LLC in Arlington Virginia. She is a national expert on complex rehabilitation technology and came to Saipan to facilitate the training as well as to consult with the treating team on the assistive technology needs of clients,” Yamagata said.

Gov. Ralph D.L.G. Torres shared that increasing training opportunities for all disability and vocational rehabilitation stakeholders is a significant priority.

“Increasing our knowledge and training base will definitely improve the quality of rehabilitation and prepare employers and give employees with disabilities additional support in proper and dignified handling. I thank all the efforts of OVR and all our Disability Network Partners for continuing to advocate the trainings. It is my hope that we can strengthen vocational rehabilitation and increase client success for years to come,” Governor Torres said.

Over 30 participants represented the following public and private organizations: Eucon Medical Health Services, Healthcare Specialties, Marianas Health, Pro Therapy, LLC., Assistive Technology Professional Services, Guam System for Assistive Technology, Public School System Special Education Program, Medquest Medical Supply, NMC Disability Support Services, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System Inc., Maternal & Child Health Bureau, CNMI Division of Procurement & Supply, and NMC University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.