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

Jason Kelln is the Sales Manager at Prairie Heart Mobility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Jason was the first Canadian member of iNRRTS (the International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers) and just completed a term as their President. He frequently uses Dynamic Seating (DS) intervention with the clients he serves, and he kindly took the time to share his experiences and thoughts with me. 

What first led you to this exciting practice area?

Jason has worked in this field for nearly 30 years. When he started, “I didn’t know what I was doing!” Jason shared. He attributes his growth to mentors, going to conferences such as the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference and International Seating Symposium, professional organizations like iNRRTS, and networking. 

When Jason was a boy, his Grandma had multiple sclerosis (MS), and he would go to visit her with his mom. These visits planted a seed. Jason eventually worked for Dale Carnegie training. One day he received a call from a trainee who asked him to come and sell Lift Chairs. Later, Jason was asked to take over the Rehab sales. 

When did you first become aware of Dynamic Seating as an intervention?

Jason started using Dynamic Seating about 10-15 years ago. He was working with a girl who had broken many footrest hangers over the years. He put on Dynamic Footrests and the equipment damage stopped. He then worked with a therapist who wanted full dynamic seating on a young boy's wheelchair. After the boy received Dynamic Seating, he broke everything on his wheelchair besides the dynamic seating itself.

One time, Jason received a phone call from a mom who wanted to see the Dynamic Footrest that had been recommended for her child. She was wondering why these cost more than standard footrest hangers. Once she saw the dynamic footrest, she understood why this was more complex and was satisfied. Jason shared that she was a hard lady to satisfy!

"I've never seen her this comfortable"

Under what circumstances do you turn to Dynamic Seating?

Jason primarily considers Dynamic Seating when there has been past equipment damage, when force diffusion provides relief, or if the client needs to move.

He worked with a young lady with cerebral palsy who exerted a great deal of force. A Dynamic Back provided ‘relief.’ Her dad stated, “I’ve never seen her this comfortable.” She had experienced pain most of her life until receiving Dynamic Seating. She had also injured her feet from contact and pressure with the standard footrest hangers. Adding Dynamic Footrests prevented further injury. 

Another young lady had damaged her equipment. Specifically, she tended to throw her head back with force, breaking her head support. The Dynamic Head Support Hardware diffused that force and prevented further damage.

Have you noticed any unanticipated client benefits as a result of using Dynamic Seating?

In addition to preventing equipment damage and client injury, as well as providing movement, Jason has noticed increased comfort (decreased pain). He has also noticed that clients using Dynamic Seating better maintain their position within the seating system and may require less postural supports.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

“Seating Dynamic’s customer service is amazing.” Jason finds the Request for Quote (RFQ) system works well and that “JJ is great on the phone.” Jason just recently spoke with JJ Peek during an installation and received the information he needed quickly and accurately. Jason also shared that he has had “the honor” of meeting Greg Peek and that he is very accessible and a “genius.” Jason stated that he appreciates Seating Dynamic’s attention to detail and high quality. Jason also appreciates aesthetics and shared that the Dynamic Seating components “look like they belong.”

"On behalf of our company we are honored and pleased to work with Seating Dynamics"

Thanks for your valuable time and input, Jason! Keep up the great work up North!