Wheelchair Nerds

Permobil
  • 4.9 (14)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to Wheelchairs Nerds – a podcast to connect and inform people who utilize, prescribe, and provide seating and wheeled mobility equipment. Have a question, suggestion, or comment? Email us at wheelchairnerds@permobil.com. The information in the podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical, billing, or legal advice.

  1. Episode 56: Advocating for Yourself During a Wheelchair Evaluation

    10/29/2025

    Episode 56: Advocating for Yourself During a Wheelchair Evaluation

    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.

    1h 2m
  2. Episode 55: Navigating Changes to Medicare's Five-Year Wheelchair Replacement Rule

    10/15/2025

    Episode 55: Navigating Changes to Medicare's Five-Year Wheelchair Replacement Rule

    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.

    45 min
  3. Episode 54: The Origin Story of WheelyQ Barbecue with Collin Pollock

    09/10/2025

    Episode 54: The Origin Story of WheelyQ Barbecue with Collin Pollock

    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.

    1h 2m
  4. Episode 53: Drive Wheel Decisions with Sara Gaver and Hawken Miller

    08/27/2025

    Episode 53: Drive Wheel Decisions with Sara Gaver and Hawken Miller

    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.

    47 min
  5. Episode 52: Crafty Posture Conversations with Lee Ann Hoffman

    08/13/2025

    Episode 52: Crafty Posture Conversations with Lee Ann Hoffman

    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.

    1h 3m
  6. Episode 51: Adaptive Driving with Ryan Harrison

    07/23/2025

    Episode 51: Adaptive Driving with Ryan Harrison

    In this episode, we talk with Ryan Harrison, a field marketing manager at United Access. We discuss the intricacies of adaptive vehicles, the various hand controls available, and the importance of industry awareness. Ryan also shares his personal journey, from a motorcycle accident to finding a new passion in competitive shooting. Whether you're curious about adaptive driving or interested in the latest innovations in the industry, you'll want to tune into this episode!

    1h 7m
  7. Episode 50: Diving into 24/7 Posture with Sharon Sutherland

    07/09/2025

    Episode 50: Diving into 24/7 Posture with Sharon Sutherland

    Sharon Sutherland, a world-renown 24-hour posture care expert, joins Wheelchair Nerds for our 50th episode! Sharon shares her journey from sports physiotherapy to becoming a specialist in seating and positioning. We cover the importance of hands-on evaluations, understanding payer policies, and the impact of 24-hour positioning on health. Sharon addresses misconceptions about custom molded seating and dynamic solutions, emphasizing their role in managing complex needs. The conversation also explores the significance of sleep positioning, the challenges of telehealth evaluations, and the necessity of thorough assessments by trained clinicians.

    1h 2m

  8. 06/25/2025

    Episode 49: The Power of Occupational Therapy with David Miller

    In this episode of Wheelchair Nerds, hosts Angie Kiger and Hawken Miller welcome David Miller, a regional clinical education manager for Permobil. David has diverse experience as an occupational therapist, ranging from a school therapist in the New York City public school system to a seating mobility specialist at Helen Hayes Hospital to an educator of complex rehabilitation technology in his current role. He explains how he discovered his passion for seating, mobility, and complex rehabilitation technology and gave specific examples in his career where it changed lives. The conversation also delves into the evolution of wheelchair technology, the innovative solutions that have transformed the industry over the years, and the impact of manual tilt-in-space chairs.

    56 min
See All (59)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to Wheelchairs Nerds – a podcast to connect and inform people who utilize, prescribe, and provide seating and wheeled mobility equipment. Have a question, suggestion, or comment? Email us at wheelchairnerds@permobil.com. The information in the podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical, billing, or legal advice.

Information

  • Creator
    Permobil
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Permobil
  • Show Website
    Wheelchair Nerds