POSITIONING FOR THE SPIRIT AND SOUL:

WHEN WORK BECOMES OUR RELIGION

C. Kerry Jones

We all seek meaning in our lives, and the quest for something that fulfills this desire can become an obsession. The profession of “Seating and Mobility” for persons with disabilities seems to be an unlikely candidate until one observes the pervasive zeal and fervor practitioners exhibit when performing their work. A simple premise is proposed within this paper that our job is more than a nine-to-five career and we receive more from those we serve than we give. Our mutual vocation has become a religion that cries out for definition. A second portion of this premise is that extraordinary service can be provided, if we pay more attention to the spirit and soul of those we serve.

WHO ARE WE?

The devotees are connected through annual events, publications and a network of friends. There is a bond that ties us together, but we are so loose in construction that power is lost and our direction confused. A primary indicator of how disjointed we are is the lack of a common name by which an identity can be established. Any great religion or social movement needs a symbol, both written and graphic, that acts to unify those that profess a common belief. The closest we come to having words describe us is “Seating and Mobility” but these words need a raft of contextual descriptors to give them solid meaning. When approached by someone who asks, “ What do you do for a living?” or “What are your beliefs?” it takes a full paragraph to explain and the answer still leaves blank stares. The conversation usually ends with a half-hearted, last ditch attempt for understanding by saying, “I work with people who use wheelchairs”. Everybody else seems to have a much easier time in defining themselves by saying something like “I’m an electrician” or “I’m a Buddhist”. One word, pure and simple, is all that it takes.

We need a word, and a symbol, which can be recognized first, by ourselves, and then by others, as the essence of who we are. We are Seating and Mobility…..WASAM.

WHY ARE WE HERE?

This is a really good question and it needs to be answered before we can effectively teach others and gain recognition of our cause. Part of the answer can be found in the early writings of one of our founders. Page one, paragraph four, line two, from “Positioning for Function” by Adrienne Falk Bergen, Jessica Presperin and Travis Tallman reads “MAXIMUM FUNCTION WITH MINIMAL PATHOLOGY”. Implicit in this first “commandment” is the use of equipment and its application for persons with disabilities. We are here to serve, and in this service we become whole. The creation of a seated environment, within a mobility base, that improves an individual's life, is our art and our mission. For this mission to become more than a string of singular events the practitioners must bring the message to others.

PROSELYTIZE AND PREACH

A true believer has an unwavering faith that can not be shaken when challenged. It is in these challenges that the spirit is tempered and strengthened. We must actively seek out the non-believers and teach them about our “religion”. In order to be a good teacher, and deliver an inspiring sermon, the preacher must truly know what they are talking about. This requires study and practice with books being read and passages meditated upon. Confidence in one’s self, coupled with dedication and knowledge, will create an inspired testimony. We must write about what we do, and publish articles in journals that go beyond our trade. Going door-to-door with our message can be effective, if those doors are to schools, extended care facilities, and government agencies. By advocating for our beliefs many more people will come to understand what we do, and hopefully, they will join us in this great service.

CONVICTIONS

Consistency brings simplicity and we all seek formulas that can be followed in order to help create desirable results. The establishment of rules and dogma must be carefully pursued as they can quickly become traps and limit the methods of practice. We should never forget the tarnished “golden rule” of 90-90-90 positioning and how it tortured so many souls.

One of the few convictions that can stand the test of time and reason is that of “Balance”. A body needs to be balanced in order for the effects of gravity to be optimized. When a body is balanced it requires the least amount of intervention. This adheres to our first commandment and warns us that the over application of equipment can have as deleterious effects on the user, as no intervention. We must do the most with the least.

Comfort is king. No matter how good a person may look after the intervention, if they are still uncomfortable, then the system is wrong. Don’t make others in your own image and remember symmetry is a consideration, not an absolute.

Learn about the complete person and make a concerted effort to understand their life. This includes their environment, family, past history and personal desires.

Touch. Our hands were meant to touch those, we serve. The sensory input from the hands and whole body brings us information that can’t always be expressed in words. If you don’t touch, you can’t feel and if you can’t feel, then you’re not totally present. Being present requires listening with all the senses and paying attention to the smallest details. Lack of focus is a consequence of not being present and the culprit that steals focus from us is the constant worry we have about time. We don’t take the client out of the chair and place our hands upon their bodies because we suffer the illusion that there just isn’t enough time. If we can’t give our time when it’s needed, then we are doomed to fail. In the end, time is the only thing that we really have.

Pray, meditate, or just plain contemplate before engaging with the person you are about to serve. It doesn’t matter who or what you concentrate your intention upon, just that you have intent. It means you have a plan and are engaging in a process along with creating hope and opening up the possibility for success.

Mistakes are inevitable, as we are not perfect beings. Damage from mistakes is compounded when responsibility is denied. Instead of being corrected, the client is made to suffer. Assume responsibility when a problem exists and correct it quickly. Forgiveness is secondary to the opportunity for learning and the knowledge that you have done a good job.

Exhibit passion for your work. Look upon it as a gift and take pride in its performance. Few people have a career that brings with it genuine challenge, and personal reward. Yes, it is a job, but it does feel like a religion. It brings meaning to life.

References:

Bergen A, Presperin J, Tallman T.Positoning for Function Wheelchairs and other Assistive Technologies. Valhalla Rehabilitation Publications, Ltd., 1990

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