Meet the Mary Free Bed Assistive Technology Team
Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists
Evaluates each client’s physical and functional needs relevant to mobility and assistive technology equipment
Documents medical necessity to pursue funding for recommended equipment
Assists in the fitting process of the various seating components as well as with education in the safe use or maintenance of the equipment
Rehabilitation Engineer or Assistive Technology Specialist
Uses engineering background to evaluate and train clients and to create assistive technology equipment for modified access to computers, telephones, environmental, or work-related equipment
Completes work site and home evaluations to determine necessary accessibility modifications
Seating Technician
Measures for and fabricates various seating components (seat, back, headrest, lateral supports, and arm supports, among others)
Designs and completes custom modifications to walkers, commodes, standers, bicycles, and custom safety beds.
Upholstery Technician
Sews and upholsters complex shapes of custom seating components
Assistive Technology Staff
Joel Allchin, MA, CCC-SLP
Joel is a speech-language pathologist on the Assistive Technology team. He specializes in augmentative communication evaluations and client training and offers pediatric and adult dysphagia services. Joel has been a Mary Free Bed staff member since 2001.
Karen Gora, MPA, OTR, ATP
As the clinical manager for Mary Free Bed O&P's Assistive Technology Program and OrthoSEAT Program, Karen's responsibilities include completing evaluations and/or training for: pediatric and adult seating and mobility; power mobility; Ride Design custom cushions; computer access; electronic aids for daily living (EADL); augmentative communication; home; child care equipment; and adaptive cycling equipment. Karen also performs wheelchair pressure evaluations (computerized pressure mapping) for pressure ulcer prevention or management. She is a RESNA-certified assistive technology practitioner and has been a Mary Free Bed employee since 1979.
Sister Kathryn Mullarkey, FSE, MA, CRC, LPC, ATP
Sister Kathryn has been with Mary Free Bed 's Assistive Technology Program since 1997. She specializes in augmentative communication evaluation and client training; computer access evaluation and client training; electronic aids for daily living (EADL) evaluation; home evaluation for adaptive equipment needs, for safety, and to promote independence; emergency call systems; and vocational services. Sister Kathryn is a RESNA-certified assistive technology practitioner (ATP).
Matthew Scholtens, MS, ATP
Matthew came aboard at Mary Free Bed O&P in 2000. As an assistive technology specialist, he performs computer access evaluation, equipment set-up, customization, and client training; computer voice access client training; electronic aids for daily living (EADL) evaluation, installation, and client training; wheelchair mounting for communication devices and EADL equipment; and installation, modification, or fabrication of electronic devices for emergency call, hospital bed controls, and door openers. Matthew is a graduate of the University of Michigan's Biomedical Engineering Program and is RESNA-certified assistive technology practitioner (ATP).