Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Bert Lindholm has worked in our industry for 29 years now, first in Georgia and then in Colorado. He is now at FWD Mobility in Aurora, CO. He originally moved to Georgia as a singer/songwriter. Bert has a background as an aerospace engineer and was working for the army on a helicopter design project. He decided to enter the field of complex rehab technologies after an opportunity to watch a wheelchair delivery with his roommate who worked as a supplier. He was hooked and stepped into this role two weeks later. He worked for a few more companies in Georgia before moving to Colorado in 2000 to be closer to family where “it has always felt like home”. With his engineering background, Bert has always loved an opportunity to design custom solutions as a part of his job. I’ve had the privilege of working with Bert for over 20 years.

What are your thoughts on why providing movement within a seating system is so important?

There are a number of reasons and not all of them have to apply in one client.

• I think the most important reason is to increase seating tolerance. People are happier to stay in their wheelchairs for longer periods of time and caregivers do not have to reposition the client as frequently.
• Second, dynamic seating prevents equipment from breaking. Client forces cause metal fatigue, equipment breakage, and clients can potentially harm themselves secondary to this breakage.
• Third, dynamic seating reduces the number of required repairs, which results in less client downtime. The supplier is usually understaffed, and repairs take time.
• Finally, most of the clients I work with are drastically limited in the amount of movement they have within their seating system. Allowing some movement in the client’s wheelchairs has to be tremendously freeing and increases independence of movement.

I think the most important reason is to increase seating tolerance. People are happier to stay in their wheelchairs for longer periods of time and caregivers do not have to reposition the client as frequently.

What has surprised you about Dynamic Seating products and/or results?

How well dynamic seating really works, resulting in less repair time, increased sitting tolerance, and improved quality of life. Clients are no longer ‘fighting’ their seating systems. Many clients I work with are not moving as much – knowing the dynamic seating can move helps the client to relax.

I also like the new Seating Dynamics Request for Quote system; it provides a fast turn-around.

Thanks, Bert for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat! We appreciate all you do for this industry and the clients you serve!