Set aside barriers, provide innovative complex rehabilitation technology

by Cole A. Carlson

Pressure injuries kill 60,000 people and affect up to 1/3 of wheelchair users each year, the US Department of Health and Human Services estimates. Annually, upwards of 17,000 lawsuits are directly related to pressure injuries, which are the only hospital-acquired condition experiencing an increase in rates of occurrence in the country. These events, which commonly result in additional surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation periods and further costs (beyond just financial) to the patient, are among the most preventable in a wheelchair user’s daily life. You or one of your loved ones may have been affected by a pressure injury. These debilitating injuries can upend or even end someone’s life if not handled properly. We at Minnesota-based Tamarack Habilitation Technologies want everyone to be aware of innovations that could greatly improve wheelchair seating. But we also need to raise awareness of the obstacles one new type of seating faces.

Innovation and product improvement

To the editor: are often stymied by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) coding and reimbursement processes that make it difficult if not impossible for smaller businesses to successfully bring to market unique, viable, and effective medical equipment. Thus far, CMS has been unwilling to assign an appropriate code and reimbursement amount for new types of seating systems. CMS’s code definitions include strict/inflexible materials and process requirements based on existing products/technologies, and leave little room for new, more promising choices to make it into the lives of those who are continuously threatened by injuries that could be avoided. Code submissions are reviewed and judged based on interpretations of those CMS code “definitions,” often favoring designs that cater to the existing CMA language or existing products seemingly regardless of potential improvements in patient care or outcomes.

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies is attempting to address and raise awareness

Letter To The Editor

societal ramifications if a bill is not passed?

of this epidemic and the unfortunate, avoidable rise in pressure injuries with the introduction of its FlexForm Wheelchair Seating System. Tamarack, an international leader in designing orthotic and prosthetic components, has developed a unique seating surface that addresses friction/shear, pressure distribution, and microclimate vulnerabilities – the three primary factors of seating-related pressure injuries.

FlexForm’s design enables real-time adjustment of the seat, allowing pressure to be relieved in areas at risk for injury. The placement of GlideWear, Tamarack’s low-friction, breathable fabric, on the seat cover, reduces dangerous levels of shear and friction and enables heat and moisture to dissipate more quickly. The Tamarack team is excited about the potential advances in patient care and efficient product delivery process that FlexForm may bring to the public.

Tamarack debuted FlexForm this April at the International Seating Symposium in Pittsburgh, PA in an effort to engage with strategic partners and potential investors. But the wheelchair market’s decades-long complacency with the cushion model of seating is only one headwind that Tamarack and other medical engineering companies face.

Consumers who want better access to this technology can contact the Director of the CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation | CMS), the Director of CMS Office of Burden Reduction & Health Informatics – Emerging Innovations Group (Office of Burden Reduction and Health Informatics | CMS), and Director of the CMS Center for Medicare – Technology, Coding and Pricing Group (Center for Medicare | CMS, Overview of CMS Groups | CMS). Contact information can be found at www.cms.gov

Editor’s note: Cole A. Carlson is Director of Business Development at Tamarack Habilitation.

My winter safety bill for walker users who use transit buses has been passed into law. In the last five years, I have learned sadly that Metro Transit may know what causes a bad accident, but does nothing about it.

Even when you work with a nonprofit like the Minnesota Brain injury Alliance, you may not make progress. Legislating under COVID-19 also took a very long time.

Activists often find themselves working on their own, without a lot of counseling and support. How do you deal with the

Rosenfield

From page 1 an amazing human being. He made countless contributions to the disability community. People who spoke with Bud knew he listened and cared. Whatever the issue, he was quick to act for the benefit of others. Bud was serious about advocacy, kindness, and doing the right thing, always.”

The Arc Minnesota CEO Andrea Zuber said of Rosenfield, “His life’s work made a huge impact – for the better – for Minnesotan’s with disabilities.”

“I am fortunate enough to have been able to call Bud a friend and I learned so much from him over the span of my career. He was SO smart, such a passionate activist and understood more about the disability field – past, present and future – than most. He was funny, sweet and tough, all at the same time. He had a strong spirit, and his passing leaves a huge hole – in our community – and in my heart.”

“As the sibling of a brother with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Bud believed in and fought tirelessly for a better future for people with IDD. He was a strong supporter of The Arc Minnesota and partnered with us on countless efforts over the past 25 years, providing training and consultation, as well as supporting the advocacy we do at the individual, family and legislative level. He was a powerful thought partner and we looked to him for so many things. I feel so fortunate to have had Bud in my life, personally and professionally. He will be so missed.”

Barnett (Bud) Ian Rosenfield was a son, father, husband, brother, attorney and advocate. He attended the University of Michigan, where he met his wife Barbara. He graduated in the Class of 1987. The Rosenfields then moved to Minnesota, where he attended the University of Minnesota Law School, and graduated in 1990.

I am 87 and cannot delay. Because of my fall and injuries, we lost most of our savings, and I have cried a great deal. Still, I hope to be involved in rulemaking for the law that came out of my bill.

Joy Rindels Hayden Minneapolis

Editor’s note: Retired teacher Rindels Hayden fell in January 2017 when she was getting off of a bus. She had just finished physical therapy and was getting off of a Metro Transit bus at 38th and Chicago Avenue. The hydraulic ramp failed to

Following law school graduation, Rosenfield clerked for the Honorable Harriet Lansing, then served as the staff coordinator for the state's Special District Apportionment Panel. Early in his career, he represented individuals in private practice in employment law and civil rights cases.

Yet his passion really grew through his work advocating for people with disabilities. For almost 25 years, Rosenfield worked at the Minnesota Disability Law Center, first as an attorney and then as a supervising attorney. In 2021, Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan appointed Rosenfield as the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. In announcing the appointment, Walz said, "I am honored to appoint Bud Rosenfield as the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Rosenfield is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record as a passionate advocate for justice. I am confident that he will use his knowledge, experience, and role to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable Minnesota."

Over the course of his career, Rosenfield served on numerous state and national committees and working groups, genuinely leaning in to tackle huge social and political issues. He received numerous awards for his work and advocacy. But he valued equally the cards and letters he received from individuals and families he had helped.

His obituary describes Rosenfield as “ thoughtful, compassionate, and whip smart.”

Rosenfield is described as a sports fanatic, rooting for the Red Sox, Twins, Saints, Vikings and Celtics. While some might think watching the Red Sox end the curse of the Bambino in 2004 was his favorite sports moment, it truly was watching his children play for the Lynnhurst LARC, Washburn Millers, Southwest Lakers and many more teams. He himself also loved recreational lower correctly because of snow piled on the sidewalk. The back wheels of her walker caught on the uneven ramp, and Rindels Hayden fell, slamming the back of her head on Chicago Avenue. She briefly lost consciousness but did not immediately seek medical help. She wound up with an internal brain bleed and stroke related to the fall, spent days in the hospital and went through rehabilitation. Her medical bills depleted her savings and she relies on a church.

Five days later, her husband found Rindels Hayden unconscious in bed with blood pouring from her nose — the result of volleyball, softball and long distance running as he completed four marathons in Minneapolis and one in Boston.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Fipp, children Hannah Fipp-Rosenfield and Jace Fipp-Rosenfield, brothers Keith (Helaine Winzelberg) Rosenfield and Paul Rosenfield, sisters Cathy (Nicholas Ruocco, Jr) Rosenfield, Mary Lynne (Jack) Cronin and Rikkie (Sandra Cornwell) Rosenfield as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Lenore (Johnson) Rosenfield, his father, Jace Louis Rosenfield, and his aunt, Bonnie Jean Johnson.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, August 18 at Lakewood Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S, Minneapolis. A reception and then a private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Rosenfield’s name to ARC of Minnesota, an internal brain bleed and stroke related to the fall. She spent the next 17 days in the hospital and had to undergo rehabilitation. She still suffers sharp pains in the back of her head, and the medical bills associated with her injury and physical therapy exhausted her savings.

The law she championed for years requires Metro Transit drivers to receive mandatory training on helping persons with disabilities and limited mobility enter and leave buses. The training covers scenarios in which access is made unsafe by snow, ice or other obstructions.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc., American Heart Association, or the Minnesota Disability Law Center, a project of MidMinnesota Legal Aid.

Do you have a daily productive cough?

The AffloVest could be for you!

What is the AffloVest used for?

• Recurring Pneumonia

• Bronchiectasis

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For groundbreaking vehicle is equipped with a height-adjustable universal changing table, an overhead ceiling hoist to facilitate easier transfer from wheelchair to changing table or toilet, a heightadjustable sink, and enough room for an individual and caregiver. A team of trained professionals will be available to inform guests about the amenities and to maintain and clean the space.

Check the guide to find this new feature.

Getting to the fairgrounds

Several options are available. A free park-ride lot with free wheelchairaccessible bus service is offered exclusively for people with disabilities and their companions. It is open to those with a disability certificate or license plate, on the north side of the Oscar Johnson Arena, 1039 De Courcy Circle, south of the fairgrounds near Snelling Avenue and Energy Park Drive. Buses run continuously to the fair 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (7 p.m. Labor Day). Return trips from the fair to the parking lot are available 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (9:30 p.m. Labor Day).

Several park and ride lots are offered but many don’t have buses accessible for people who use wheelchairs or mobility devices. Regular route buses including the A Line are offered for a fare payment. Go to www.mnstatefair.org/transportation/ metro-transit/

Metro Mobility drops off and picks up passengers at two locations, Loop Gate #9 on Como Avenue; and at the North Gate #2.

Rideshare services Uber and Lyft drop off and pick up passengers at two locations, east Como parking lot, south of Como Avenue and west of Snelling Avenue (enter at Gate #7); and at North Gate #2.

Taxis drop off and pick up passengers at the Loop Gate #9 on Como Avenue. Driving? Parking is available on the fairgrounds in designated spaces, for motorists with a valid disability certificate. Spaces fill up quickly as they are offered first-come, first-served. Check the map for locations, www.mnstatefair. org/parking/vehicle/

Getting around the fair

HomeTown Mobility rents wheelchairs and electric scooters from five sites within the main entrance gates to the fairgrounds. Advance rental reservations are now being accepted by contacting HomeTown Mobility directly. Go to www.mnstatefair.org/general-info/ accessibility-guide/

Sensory-friendly offerings

Tips for guests with sensory sensitivities – including when to visit, things to do, what to bring and a social narrative – can be found in the Accessibility Guide on the fair website at www.mnstatefair.org/general-info/ accessibility-guide/#sensory

For fair guests who would like to experience the fun of rides and games at Mighty Midway and Kidway with reduced light brightness and sound volume, go to the Kidway 9-11 a.m. Monday, August 28, and Mighty Midway at 10 a.m.-noon. Lights, sounds and nonsafety-related announcements will be minimized.

Please note that the sensory-friendly hours apply only to Mighty Midway and Kidway. There may be areas in other parts of the fairgrounds that contain loud music and lights during these hours. In the Mighty Midway and Kidway, some lights and sound may still occur, as not all attractions can completely eliminate all sound and light.

The Fraser Sensory Building provides a take-a-break oasis specially created for fair guests of all ages with sensoryprocessing challenges who may find the sights, sounds, smells and crowds of the fair overwhelming. The space will be staffed by Fraser-trained sensory support volunteers, who can help individuals regulate with tools and techniques such as weighted blankets and shoulder wraps, calming music, floor cushions, an exercise ball and fidget toys. People with sensory difficulties are welcome to use the space to regulate. It is located on the west side of Cosgrove Street, south of the Home Improvement Building, and is open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m., closing at 8 p.m. on Labor Day.

Accommodations for select shows

Captioning for guests who are deaf or have difficulty hearing is offered at free events, with no reservations required. A monitor displaying the captioning will be positioned near the stage or in a designated seating area.

MNHS Presents History On-ASchtick, at Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater, is 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26; Sunday, August 27; Wednesday, August 30; and Thursday, August 31

The Draft Horse Supreme Six Horse Hitch Classic Series Exhibition, at Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum. is 2 p.m., Monday, August 28.

The 4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume Competition, at Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, is 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 30.

Audio description for guests who are blind or have low vision is offered at these free shows, with no reservations required. Headsets for audio description can be picked up from the audio describer, who will be located near the stage prior to the show.

MNHS Presents History On-ASchtick, at Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater, is 11 a.m. Saturday, August 26; Sunday, August 27;

Wednesday, August 30; and Thursday, August 31

Timberworks Lumberjack Show, at North Woods stage, is 3 p.m. Saturday, August 26; Sunday, August 27; and

Thursday, August 31

Theater Day at Dan Patch Park:

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR, at Dan Patch Park, south of the Grandstand and west of the Grandstand ramp, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, August 30

ASL interpretation is offered at free shows each day, no reservations required, and on two special days:

Fish Pond Talk, 9:45 a.m., the DNR Fish Pond, south of the DNR Building

All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash, 11 a.m., North Woods Stage

Timberworks Lumberjack Show, noon, North Woods Stage

Harvesting Honey, 1 p.m., Agriculture Horticulture Building

Milking Demonstration, 2 p.m., Moo Booth stage outside the Cattle Barn

DIRT Demonstration (topics vary daily), 2 p.m., DIRT Demo Stage in the Agriculture Horticulture Building

Thank A Farmer, 3 p.m., Christensen Farms Stage

Last Chance Forever Bird Show, 4 p.m., Garden Stage on west side of DNR Building.(No show Wednesday, August 30)

STEM Day at Dan Patch Park is Thursday, August 23, at 12:15 p.m. National Eagle Center; 1:15 p.m. ABC 6 News Weather Lab; 2:15 p.m. University of Minnesota Physics Force; 3:15 p.m. Concordia Science Academy.

4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume Competition. 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum

ASL interpreting is also available for concerts at the Grandstand and Leinie Lodge Bandshell upon request. Requests should be made at least 14 days prior to the concert. (Please note that a separate concert ticket is required for Grandstand shows; shows at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell are included in fair admission.) Contact accessibility@mnstatefair. org or 651-288-4448 to request ASL interpreting.

Visit disability service organizations

The Education Building is the place to find disability service organization and state agency information.

The Minnesota Council on Disability will have its booth open. Lots of free disability community information will be available. Stop and learn about what the council does for Minnesotans.

Also, stop and visit the National Alliance for the Mentally (NAMI) Minnesota booth. Learn about NAMI and how it helps Minnesotans who live with mental health issues.

Fair coverage was compiled by newspaper and Minnesota State Fair staff.