Source AT files: Working together

What equipment suppliers and product specialists would love to know about your child and family

When it comes to finding the right piece of equipment for your child, whether that’s an indoor seating system, stroller, or standing frame, it truly takes a team. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech pathologists each bring their professional expertise, but there’s another key part of this team: your equipment supplier and Product Specialist.

Think of us as an extra set of hands (and eyes!) in your child’s multidisciplinary support network. We work closely with therapists and families to help identify, fit, and script the right equipment to meet your child’s unique needs and goals. Our role is not only about understanding the technical details like measurements, adjustments, and accessories but also about learning what really matters to you and your child in everyday life.

PART OF THE TEAM

As Product Specialists, we see ourselves as partners alongside your therapy team. While your OT might focus on functional sitting and participation, and your physiotherapist might look more at movement, our role is to bring product knowledge and practical experience to the table.

We understand how different pieces of equipment can support a child’s therapy goals, how they can be adjusted for growth, and how to make sure they’re comfortable, safe, and easy to use.

By working together, we can make sure the equipment fits your child’s needs, your therapy goals, and your family’s lifestyle.

Equipment isn’t just a tool it’s something your child uses every day to participate, play, learn, and explore. That’s why the process works best when everyone, therapists, parents, carers, and product specialists, are working together toward shared goals.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU 

Before your appointment or equipment trial, it really helps us to know a bit about your family and how the equipment will be used day to day. These details help us select and prepare the best possible options for your child to try.

Here are a few things we love to learn about before we visit:

• Where will the equipment be used most? Indoors, outdoors, at home, at school or all of the above?

• Who will be using or helping with the equipment? Parents, carers, therapists or support workers?

• What activities will your child be using it for? Feeding, learning, play or mobility?

• Does it need to go into a vehicle or be folded for transport?

• Will you take it travelling or between multiple environments?

• What are your goals for this piece of equipment?

Understanding your short-term and long-term goals helps us guide you toward the right options. Maybe your short-term goal is for your child to sit more comfortably and safely at mealtimes, and your long-term goal is to support better posture for independent feeding. Knowing this means we can recommend products that will adapt and grow along the way. Just like your child does!

Why Measurements Matter

One of the most helpful things you can provide before a trial are your child’s key measurements. This ensures that we can bring the right size of equipment, pre-set it, and focus on the most important part of the process, the trial itself.

For example, if you’re trialling a stroller such as the R82 Chilla or a Convaid Cruiser, we’ll usually ask for the following measurements:

• Seat depth – from the back of the pelvis to the back of the knee.
• Seat width – the widest part of your child’s hips or thighs.
• Back height – from the seat to the top of the shoulders or head.
• Lower leg length – from the back of the knee to the bottom of the foot.
• Chest width – across the chest at its widest point.

Having these details ready means we can set up the equipment in advance so that your appointment feels like a true trial and not a fitting session full of adjustments. It saves time, helps your child feel more comfortable, and gives everyone a clearer idea of how the equipment will work in real life.

Working Toward Shared Goals

Every family and every child is unique and that’s exactly how it should be. We’re not just here to deliver a product; we’re here to learn about your child’s personality, what they enjoy, what helps them feel calm and supported, and what’s most important to your family.

Whether you’re exploring an activity chair like the R82 Wombat Living, a mobility option like a Convaid Cruiser, or an indoor seating system such as the R82 x:panda shape, our goal is always the same. To find the best possible solution that supports your child’s comfort, participation, and independence.

By sharing your insights, experiences, and aspirations, you help us tailor our approach to your child’s world. When we work together as part of the multidisciplinary team, we can make sure each piece of equipment truly supports your child to thrive.

After all, the right equipment isn’t just about sitting, standing, or moving it’s about living.

James Haigh is the Education & Product Manager at Etac Australia. With over a decade of experience in paediatric assistive technology, he works closely with therapists and families to help children across Australia find the right postural and mobility solutions to support their growth, comfort, and participation.

To learn more about Etac’s Paediatric product range please visit www.etac-au.com