Seating & Positioning

DIDD operates three seating and positioning clinics across the state. The clinics are staffed with physical and occupational therapists with specialized expertise in evaluating individuals who have complex seating and positioning needs. Each clinic also houses a manufacturing shop with custom design fabricators who have extensive experience in the areas of construction, carpentry, upholstering, and electronics.

Jessica's Story

For people with intellectual disabilities who also are at risk for or have significant physical disabilities, customized wheelchair seating is often necessary. This may include custom components such as headrests, laptrays, footrests or power controls as well as custom molded seats and backs that fully support and accommodate a person’s body.

Ty's Story

Michael's Story

For years Michael relied on others to move from one place to another and wasn't sure if he would ever be independently mobile. If he wanted to check the mail, join his roommates at the dinner table, or to move a few feet to the living room to watch TV, he had to ask for help from his direct support professional. Now, after training and planning at the DIDD middle Tennessee seating and positioning clinic, Michael is using his new power chair to move wherever he wants, whenever he wants to. Hear from him and DIDD employees in this video to get a look at his journey to mobility independence.

Daren's Story

Darren has been receiving services from DIDD's West Seating and Positioning Clinic for years to improve his comfort, safety, and health in customized wheelchair and seating systems day and night. They've seen a lot of progress since he first came to the clinic but this recent moment is one their family won't soon forget!

The right postural supports can be transformative for individuals with physical positioning and mobility needs. It is critical that wheelchairs and seating systems promote comfort and function. When a wheelchair or seating system meets a person’s needs, they can participate in each day without wasting energy on being uncomfortable or attempting to maintain an upright and functional position against gravity. The Seating and Positioning clinics provide people more comfort, function, and independence with individualized wheelchairs, seating systems, and positioning supports

 For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also are at risk for or have significant physical disabilities, customized wheelchair seating is often necessary. This may include custom components such as headrests, lap-trays, footrests, or power controls as well as custom molded seats and backs that fully support and accommodate a person’s body.

Custom positioning equipment beyond wheelchair seating may also be needed. Therapeutic positioning beyond the wheelchair is used to prevent reflux and aspiration and promote improvement in mobility, skin integrity, respiratory capacity, eating, digestion, and elimination. In addition, when used consistently, throughout the day and during the night, custom positioning can prevent, as well as reverse the progression of asymmetrical posture (e.g. scoliosis, kyphosis, windswept posture, etc.) which can reduce secondary health complications and lead to improved wheelchair seating and function. 

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