Date: Monday, April 29, 2024
Category: General

This month RESNA spoke with Erin Baker, PT, DPT, ATP, CPST, Assistive Technology Specialist at Nemours Children's Hospital in Florida.

How did you first become interested in the world of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology?
I did not come into the equipment world intentionally, but I am so glad I got here.  I was fresh out of school and working in a primarily neuro clinic where I did equipment as needed for my patients. Three years later I was asked to take a position in wheelchair clinic where equipment evaluations would be my primary role.  I had very little training and education in seating and mobility, so I had to quickly learn on the job. 

I jumped right in learning everything I could on my own and I was very lucky to have a wonderful group of ATP/vendors to help me along the way.  I never looked back, and have been involved with running seating and mobility clinics ever since.  

What drives your passion for AT?
I am driven by the children and families that I serve and the desire to both provide equipment and information.  Seeing the “lightbulb moment” when connections are made, and a parent or child understands why the equipment is or is not working for them is amazing.  It is rewarding knowing that through the education I provide, families can take both the equipment and knowledge home to maximize effectiveness of their device and give the child using it the best chances for success.

What is your proudest accomplishment you’ve achieved during your career in AT?
I am proud of all the work I do and don’t know if I could pick any one specific moment.

I would say a few of the highlights would be fighting and getting insurance to cover a wheelchair van conversion, giving an 11 year old with C2 quadriplegia the potential for independent movement via eye gaze drive, and the handful of opportunities I have had to speak at ISS and on webinars to help educate others about the things I am passionate about.

What advice would you give for anyone trying to get more involved with RESNA?
Just do it! 

Start a conversation; when you see something of interest, read it, research it, go to your SIG and ask questions.  Volunteer for something. There are a variety of opportunities available to take a more active role, find one and go for it.

What inspired you to take on leadership role in the Wheeled Mobility SIG?
I have been very focused on me and my career to this point, but I feel that I have a lot of knowledge, skills, and insight to share and there is a lot that I still have to learn.  I wanted to take on a leadership role to branch out and do more than the day-to-day routine of clinic and help create a community of highly effective seating and mobility specialists.

What are your main goals to accomplish in 2024 as the leader of the Wheeled Mobility SIG?
I have three main goals:

• Draw interest to continue to learn through new and novel ideas and up to date research.
• Encourage more conversation amongst the group to provide ideas and help when challenges or unique needs come about.
• Drive change! The more people we get involved the more people we have to “fight the good fight” and work towards positive change in legislation and benefits for those we serve.

What excites you most about the future of the field of assistive technology?
I am excited to see how the ever-changing work of technology can be translated into new and novel equipment and ways for the people we serve to live the most fulfilling life possible.