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began working for Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute inpatient rehab. I have stayed on this developing campus, currently working in their outpatient therapy clinic. I have dedicated my career towards helping patients return to a meaningful life after suffering a neurological injury. Here at Banner, we have an amazing team that uses creative thinking and innovative technology to help our patients achieve their goals. Working closely with individuals with disabilities, especially spinal cord injury, I have seen how having the correct (or incorrect) seating, positioning, and mobility products can greatly impact people’s lives. As a RESNA certified Seating and Mobility Specialist for the Banner Physical Therapy Seating and Mobility Clinic, I assist individuals with disabilities to select the most appropriate mobility and seating/positioning products to help achieve their functional goals. Also, I’ve seen the struggles my clients have with obtaining the medical equipment they need in order to function so I became a member of the Clinician Task Force (CTF), whose mission is to bring the voice of the clinical community to those issues threatening appropriate access to seating, positioning and mobility products and services. I try to be an advocate and resource for individuals with disabilities. With shorter hospital stays, many wheelchair users are forced into the community before they have had the opportunity to learn strategies and skills needed to be successful. As a co-instructor for an Advanced Wheelchair Skills Clinic (occurring every spring and fall), we have a team of healthcare professionals and experienced wheelchair users to help individuals be more efficient in the use of their wheelchair in the community. I have been active in the disability community and am a recipient of the Paul A. Singer Award for Community Service for volunteer work as a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, planning committee member for Camp with a Ramp (a camp for those living with spinal cord injuries and diseases), wheelchair basketball tournaments, and various adaptive recreational events.
Working in the community has enriched my life by introducing me to so many amazing people. Injury, illness or disease can be life changing, but I’ve met many people that have found it within themselves to overcome adversity, resume meaningful lives and achieve more than they previously thought possible. I try to use these connections to inspire those that I work with that hard work and a positive attitude can help overcome life’s challenges. Our community is filled with inspiring peer mentors, encouraging support groups, loving family members, caregivers, giving volunteers and knowledgeable professionals. I have learned that it is these connections that motivate us to be a better version of ourselves. I believe everyone has the potential for improvement and will be successful if they have the determination to work toward their goals. I consider myself lucky to be a part of that process and a member of such a wonderful community.
-Christine Beecham