Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Category: Conference News
RESNA is pleased to welcome
Ride Designs as a 2015 conference gold sponsor. The company, founded in 1998, is a leader in the development and provision of unique and highly effective seating systems, based on orthotic and prosthetic principles, for wheelchair users representing a broad range of needs from simple to complex. Unique among wheelchair seating manufacturers, Ride Designs develops and tests all products through their own seating clinic, the
Aspen Seating Clinic.
The Aspen Seating Clinic was developed by Joe Bieganek, Orthotist, ATP, and Tom Hetzel, Physical Therapist, ATP (pictured left). The clinic specializes in the toughest seating cases—the ones where all other interventions had failed. As the Aspen clinic grew, so did the demand for their customized products and services, and as a result, the two founded Ride Designs.
Through Ride Designs, Joe and Tom were able to patent the unique elements of their orthotic seating systems and expand access into the U.S. and international marketplace. By maintaining a commitment to the Aspen Seating Clinic, now located in the company’s headquarters, they essentially had a built-in product development laboratory for their work. The clinic, which continues to serve over 3,500 clients, is used by world-class athletes and Paralympians, as well as clients with significant postural and pressure sore challenges.
Ride Designs seating systems are now recognized internationally for their ability to manage the broadest range of seating issues, from simple to complex. Ride Designs products, both custom and non-custom, have continued to improve and evolve and are now used by thousands of satisfied customers.
The latest product is the
Java® Cushion, which works by redistributing the forces of pressure and shear from high risk areas, while selectively applying the forces to areas more tolerant, helping to decrease long-term skin risk.
Supported by university-level research, the Java Cushion is an evidence-based seating intervention proven to mitigate skin risk. RESNA 2015 conference attendees will have the opportunity to see the cushion themselves, as well as other Ride Designs products, in the AT Pavilion at the Ride Designs booth (Booth #2).
“We’re excited that the RESNA annual conference is in Denver this year,” said Tom. “RESNA folks are some of the most knowledgeable, enthusiastic people in this industry, and we’re looking forward to serving up some Java.”
Presentations at the RESNA Conference
CEUs will be provided for all presentations.
- Workshop #3: "Growing Evidence in Support of Orthotic Based Seating Interventions" on Friday, June 12 from 10:45am to 12:00pm in Governor's Square 12.
- "Introduction to Evidence-Based Wheelchair Seating Interventions" on Friday, June 12 from 2:30 to 3:30pm on the Main Stage in the AT Pavilion; Joan Padgitt, PT, ATP, Ride Designs Director of Sales and Education, is the presenter.
- "Introduction to Evidence-Based Wheelchair Seating Interventions" on Saturday, June 13 from 3:30 to 4:00pm on the Main Stage in the AT Pavilion. Tom Hetzel, PT, ATP, and Ride Designs CEO is the presenter.