Redefining Rehab: Making a Name for Itself

Over the last few years, the only thing more elusive than adequate funding for rehabilitation products and services has been an objective and comprehensive definition of rehab. Many profess to know what it is — and what it isn't.

One person's rehab is another's consumer power. There seems to be a pervasive attitude that “high-end” rehab is intrinsically better than all the rest. Many people dislike the service delivery model used by providers of non-rehab mobility services and mistakenly denigrate the value of these products and services to clients.

Given the funding environment on both the federal and state levels, these issues have polarized the industry and profession, and rightly so.

To be sure that we are all speaking the same language, here are two definitions of rehab. The first was adopted by the American Association for Homecare's Rehab and Assistive Technology Council, and reads as follows:

1. “Rehab technology services are defined as the application of enabling technology systems designed to meet the needs of a specific person experiencing any permanent or long-term loss or abnormality of physical or anatomical structure or function.

   “[They] are provided through a process that determines the appropriate array of products and services, the selection of which is based on the consumer's input, present and future needs, and his [or] her optimal levels of function. This decision-making process is crucial to the provision of rehab technology services, and is facilitated by a knowledgeable team of allied health care professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, physical therapists, orthotists, rehabilitation technology suppliers, etc.).

   “These services, prescribed by a physician, primarily address, but are not necessarily limited to, wheeled mobility, seating and alternative positioning, ambulation support and equipment, environmental controls and other equipment and services that assist the person in performing their activities of daily living.

   “Rehabilitation technology services facilitate and/or enhance access and independence, thereby improving the person's quality of life.

   “Rehabilitation technology services are provided by a rehabilitation technology supplier (RTS) working for a rehab technology company (RTC). The process of providing rehabilitation technology services includes, at a minimum, the RTS, working closely with other allied health professionals to:

   • complete a comprehensive evaluation of the consumer's needs and requirements;