We are very excited to announce the newest addition to our Albany Rehab Sales team; Dale Anderson. Dale has over two decades of experience in the complex rehab marketplace on both the dealer and manufacturer side of the business. Most recently Dale has worked with our ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) team to strengthen referral relationships in the Albany area. Surely his experience, work ethic, and unique perspective will be a great addition to our Monroe Wheelchair family. Welcome Dale!
Capital Region Team Addition
A Customer’s Poetic Thanks
A thankful customer from Amsterdam, NY wrote this beautiful poem to express her gratitude for her new wheelchair. Thank you to Heather for sharing such heartfelt words!
“Wheelchair” by Heather Purtell
Free as a bird flying in the air
That’s how I feel in my new chair
Here I go on a wing and a prayer
On my own I will go anywhere
Now I walk with my friends
On staff I will not have to depend
I have more time to spend
I don’t want this day to end
You won’t be behind
You’ll be by my side
We’ll go everywhere
I’ll be your guide
Making Independence Even More Affordable
In keeping up with the times to “Go Green” Monroe Wheelchair is very excited to announce a new program focused on providing gently used products at affordable prices. These products, like a power wheelchair or scooter, will enable individuals to achieve their desired independence while saving valuable dollars. Please visit our website at http://monroewheelchair.com/resource/products/productlist.asp?Cat=96 to view the wide selection of equipment offered and to fill out an order/information request form. One of our knowledgeable professionals will then contact you to evaluate your needs and find a piece of equipment that best fits those needs. Monroe Wheelchair is excited about transforming our wheels from black to green and protecting our future!
Mobility Management Update
Schmeler: ISS Tops 1,800 Attendees
- By Laurie Watanabe
- Mar 16, 2011
In its inaugural visit to Nashville, Tenn., the International Seating Symposium (ISS) tallied more than 1,800 attendees.
According to course director Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, that breaks down to approximately 1,400 conference registrants and 450 exhibitor staff for the event that ran March 3-5, with pre-symposium educational sessions on March 2.
“This also represents about a 50-percent growth from 2009, where we had about 1,200 total people on site in Orlando,” Schmeler said. The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences alternates hosting the event with the University of British Columbia.
Schmeler added that this year’s attendees represented 31 countries, also an increase of 50 percent from 2009, the last time the University of Pittsburgh hosted ISS.
Asked which aspects of the event he was particularly pleased with, Schmeler said, “All aspects of the ISS ran very smoothly, therefore I am most proud of the people that made it happen. We had more registrants than expected — a good thing by all means — and the ISS staff and volunteers were able to accommodate people pretty smoothly. We were fortunate to have many of our Pitt graduate students on site to assist, as well as several local OT students from Belmont University to handle the flow.”
read full article here
Impacting the Future of Complex Rehab Technology
Mickae Lee and Jen Westerdahl at CELA 2011
Doug Westerdahl, owner of Monroe Wheelchair, along with 2 other Monroe employees (Mickae Lee and Jen Loughner), headed to Washington, D.C. last week to advocate for the future of Complex Rehab Technology. They teamed up with over 150 consumers, therapists, suppliers, and manufacturers from all over the country to “divide and conquer” more than 200 Senate and Congressional appointments. Doug, Mickae, and Jen met with numerous New York State representatives (including the office of Senator Charles Schumer) to ask for support in creating a separate benefit category for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). The creation of a separate benefit category under Medicare would ensure access to CRT products and services for individuals with significant disabilities and medical conditions. Most legislators expressed their support and look forward to viewing the bill once it has been introduced. CELA 2011 was a huge triumph in the ongoing fight against cutbacks facing the CRT industry!
Congrats to Marc Rosen!!!
It is a great honor to announce that Marc Rosen has been named Monroe Wheelchair’s 2010 Employee of the Year!
Marc began at Monroe Wheelchair on December 15, 2003 and since that time has excelled in everything he has done. In addition to setting the bar in customer service, he is a tireless worker who uses his creative abilities and extensive product knowledge to find the best products available for his customers. It is because of this and his caring personality that Marc has a dedicated customer base who love working with him.
Please join us in congratulating Marc on this exceptional accomplishment. Monroe Wheelchair is fortunate to have such a dependable, positive, and dedicated Assistive Technology Professional as part of our family!
On the Road to Capitol Hill
Monroe Wheelchair has been busy these days scheduling appointments for consumers, therapists, suppliers, and manufacturers of Complex Rehab Technology products and services to meet with Members of Congress on February 17th, 2011. This gathering is part of CELA (Continuing Education And Legislative Advocacy Conference) 2011 where these advocates from around the country will fight for the future of Complex Rehab Technology. Complex Rehab Technology includes medically necessary and individually configured wheelchair and seating systems for people with complex disabilities and medical conditions.
A special thanks to Jen Westerdahl-Loughner and Mickae Lee who have worked tirelessly contacting both Senate and Congressional representatives all over the US to insure this event is a great success.
Monroe Wheelchair Nominated for a National Philanthropy Award
Monroe Wheelchair is Family!
Earlier this Summer Rochester Rehabilitation nominated Monroe Wheelchair for a National Philanthropy Day Award in the Outstanding Corporation category. National Philanthropy Day, in conjunction with The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), celebrates the critical role philanthropy plays in helping nonprofit organizations provide a broad spectrum of important services. The National Philanthropy Day Awards honor the individuals and organizations whose contributions support this vital work within our communities.
Ms. Lynn Barber, the Director of Marketing and Development at Rochester Rehab, nominated our company for this award and mentions Monroe Wheelchair’s numerous and innovative ways in which we donate funds and time back to society. Besides being generous corporate supporters of local nonprofits, (like the Muscular Dystrophy Association), we have also donated equipment, TV and radio advertising time, and our time volunteering to serve on Boards and Committees within the community. Our president, Doug Westerdahl, carries a simple philosophy on corporate philanthropy; “giving is just the right thing to do.” This attitude is carried from the top down and is evident within the variety of events our employees donate their own money and time to. The most recent example included teaming up to participate and raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. We may be a small business but we have a big heart!
Monroe Wheelchair would like to thank Ms. Barber, Rochester Rehabilitation, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals for our nomination! We are truly honored for the recognition and look forward to the November luncheon where the National Philanthropy Day Award winner will be announced.
Remembering Jen
In memory of a former employee and animal lover, Jen Azzolina, Monroe Wheelchair has decided to start collecting money towards something called a K-Fund at the Humane Society of Greater Rochester/Lollypop Farm. This K-Fund (or Emergency Vet Assistance) is used to provide medical and surgical care for dogs and cats at the Humane Society that are victims of abuse. Two examples of dogs that are being rehabilitated through donations to the K-Fund are the two pit-bulls that were found left in city dumpsters last week. If you didn’t hear about it here is their heartbreaking story: http://www.whec.com/news/stories/s1631584.shtml.
Our Director of Public Relations, Jennifer, was lucky enough to meet Wiki, the 6 month old female, who was an absolute sweetheart.
Although Jennifer didn’t meet Wiki’s brother, Timber, she heard he was slowly getting better and better by the day but still has a long way to go. After meeting Wiki today there was no doubt that Jen Azzolina would be honored about the decision to help animals in this way. Here is some more background information on the K-Fund if your interested: http://www.lollypop.org/org/org64.asp?ssid=&orgid=64&storyTypeID=&sid=&.
The owner, Doug Westerdahl, has gratefully agreed that Monroe Wheelchair will match any dollar amounts given and we are setting an overall collection goal of $3,000 by September 1st. We are so excited to be able to honor a beloved employee, while supporting abused animals at the same time!
Monroe Wheelchair on Capital Hill
On April 29, 2010, over 200 industry professionals, clinicians, and consumer advocates from around the country met in Washington, D.C. for the annual CELA (Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy) conference. Their purpose? To fight for the future of Complex Rehab Technology. These people met with 225 Senate and Congressional offices in hopes of having their message heard. The message taken to Capitol Hill included 2 “asks” of the legislators; their support in creating a separate benefit category for Complex Rehab Technology within the Medicare program, and Congressional support of H.R. 3790 (the House bill wishing to end the Medicare Competitive bidding program for home medical equipment and services). At the debriefing following the Capital Hill visits, the overall assessment was that it was a resounding success for the industry. Numerous Legislators expressed their support and with follow-up communication between these offices and the CELA conference members we look forward to seeing what the future of Complex Rehab Technology holds.