Know THIS before measuring up for a custom wheelchair

Let's make Seating Simple.
No more being scared of taking Body Measurements for wheelchair scripting. I got you.
When you look at a lot of wheelchair education and MAT Assessment training, there is often a section on body measurements and how that correlates to wheelchair measurements. I find this confuses people more than it helps.
I've said it in so many videos - 'Look at what sizes your trial items are and base the final chair off that. +/- as needed - don't overcomplicate it'. The body measurements are just to get to the trial. Then, we take chair measurements. Then the person (body) fits into the chair.
Also, I am in the process of making a step-by-step stress free guide to wheelchairs and seating. I’ve put hours into it to make it exactly what therapist wants to know. To do this, I have been interviewing OTs/PTs/ATPs to learn more about their actual challenges, frustrations, dreams and goals so I can make the course exactly what the people want. If you’re down for a 1:1 interview with me to help, please let me know by throwing a "🙌🙌" below or sending me a DM.
#OccupationalTherapy #AssistiveTechnology #Wheelchairs #Seating #Education #OTstudent #PhysicalTherapy #Physiotherapy #CRT #OccupationalTherapist #PhysicalTherapist

[@Fiddlinfrenzy]

I have to go with my prions experience because my OT has no idea how to measure correctly. She first suggested 16 by 16, as the vender measure my old cushion roughly when I sit in my old donated chair. Later on she suggested 14.5 by 14.5 as my old hair without the cushion. I kept telling her I sit deep in the chair so my butt is actually partly behind the seat. I can see the 16 inch width is too wide and cannot support my twist pelvis and spine.. Eventually I remember there was a chair I hadfit me pretty good and it was 15 by15, and insisted on that size. Turned out I am right.

[@JustinBoulos]

It sounds like you really advocated for yourself and your comfort, which is so important when it comes to mobility equipment! It's unfortunate that your OT didn't quite get the measurements right initially, but it's great that you were able to remember what worked well for you in the past and insist on that size. Your experience and feedback are invaluable in finding the right fit for your needs in the future!

[@Ronnock]

You know yourself best!

[@Ronnock]

Do you prefer calipers, measuring tape, or both?

[@JustinBoulos]

To be honest, a tape measure is fine. If you have callipers - great. If not, it doesn't really matter because we're basing our measurements off the trial equipment. If someone is sitting on a 16"W x 16"D cushion and I can see it is an inch too long or too short, I just base my measurement off that. I wouldn't even pull out the tape measure

[@Ronnock]

Says someone replied to me, but I don't see anything.