Custom Wheelchair Seating

More than two decades of experience
in proper support and comfort

Creating an effective custom wheelchair seating system for someone with unique physical needs requires the integration of many components – molded orthotic back, abductor pommel, shoulder harness, padded hip belt, foot box, adjustable head support, trunk support, carved positioning seat, elbow blocks and tray. At UDS, we specialize in this, which is why we are a leading resource for therapists, individuals, families, and caregivers throughout the Central Pennsylvania region.

Pressure Mapping. The latest in comfort creation technology

A useful added-comfort tool we offer – in the field or at our Custom Wheelchair Seating facility – is Pressure Mapping. Using the XSensor Pressure Mapping system, our specialists are able to assess the pressure distribution under the client as they sit on the sensor mat. A full-color computer image shows the areas of highest and lowest pressures. Individualized reports and recommendations to reduce the incidence of pressure sores can be sent to the client's physician, therapist, clinic, and insurance carrier.

Our process to ensure the wheelchair is well suited to the person’s needs

1. Professional Evaluation
   The first step is evaluation and measurement at a residential facility, school, hospital, therapy center, or at our Lancaster facility. Working closely with the therapist, family, caregiver, and custom wheelchair frame vendor, we measure, design, and specify all necessary components. The team performs a comprehensive assessment of the person’s physical needs, including medical history, range of motion, anatomical measurements, and orthopedic concerns.
2. Gaining Insurance Approval
   The UDS seating specialist writes a detailed “Letter of Medical Necessity” to justify for the insurance carrier each specified component. If the insurance carrier agrees that the individual will benefit from a custom wheelchair seating system, design and fabrication begins.
3. Fit and Fabrication
   Wearing everyday clothing, we position the client on a specially designed beanbag-like device that precisely contours to the shape of the individual. Accurate molds of the seat and back are created by applying a vacuum. A digitized 3-D computerized image is used to carve the seat and back to the exact size and shape of the individual. We can even custom carve the seat out of multiple layers of high-density foam. A variety of seat coverings are available to meet specific requirements.
4. Delivery and Final Fitting
   At the time of delivery, we conduct a final fitting at the individual’s location or our Lancaster facility, making any necessary minor adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and utility. The result: a remarkably effective custom seating system that addresses the client's unique medical, positioning, and comfort needs.

Counties served in Pennsylvania

Adams, Berks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Union and York