Best Practices – Shared

Submission date: 10/16/2008
Submitted by: Berta Santos
Provider name: Shared (APD, Vocational Rehabilitation, WSC)
APD Area: 11

Practice
“Paul” is a young man who just turned 21. Paul has a diagnosis of Spina Bifida. He is a very determined person who is planning a career in sports broadcasting at Miami Dade College and with the assistance of his WSC, has been a volunteer with the Marlins since he turned 18. His life as a college student attending several classes daily at different locations on campus while propelling his manual wheelchair created another challenge. He developed progressive degenerative rotator cuff tendonopathy which is a very painful and ultimately immobilizing condition. Paul’s physician recommended a more customized, power chair. The WSC had to be the liaison between the attending physician, APD, AHCA, and VR to obtain the prescribed chair. Paul requested the assistance of VR to purchase the equipment. After several requests and with the assistance from APD, VR agreed to pay for the necessary equipment.

Who Benefits? How?
Since Paul obtained the wheelchair that he needed to be safe, pain free, and pursue his education, he feels that he can reach his dream of being a sports commentator.