Mobility consultant

A big thank you to Jody Snider for answering our questions

1. What is it exactly that you do? I am now a mobility consultant for Motion Specialties, so now I do sales of Wheelchairs, walkers, ceiling lifts, porch lifts and many other AIDS to daily living.

2. How did you discover the profession of custom seating? When I graduated in 1996, hospitals in Ontario were being merged. Many places now had an abundance of orthotic and prosthetic technicians. So luckily I saw an ad for a company that made wheelchair seating. I worked for them making modular seating, and while there I saw an ad for a Custom seating technician. I applied with little experience, and luckily I got the job. My P&O background definitely helped.

3. What attracted you the most to that profession? Honestly just blind luck and I am a believer that it is easier to find a job if you have a job. It was the best opportunity for me. I was able to translate the skills I learned at GBC into something else.

4. Does it require additional education or specialized training? If so where did you receive it? Yes it does, in our field you are always learning. There are many opportunities to learn: courses, on the job, and formal education. But you learn a lot on the job, trial by fire, and the learning curve is huge. You can't be an automaton; you need to think creatively and like working hands on. You also need to be able to work as part of a team.

5. If someone wanted to pursue a career similar to yours, how would they go about doing that? Our company is quite large and we are always looking. People don't seem to know the option is available. Go to a local mobility provider and see if they are hiring.

6. What sort of challenges do you face daily? Now that I do sales, it is a constant juggling game to get everything done. It is quite hectic and stressful. But hey so is life. We usually see people on some of their worst days. We need to realize that.

7. Is there more area for growth within the field? If so, what is the next step? For me, it would be management, or a vendor rep? Depending on your goals, there are always options.

8. What can one expect for an hourly wage? If you do not wish to answer this question, simply answer N/A. I get salary and Commission. So say 60,000 to 90,000 a year.

9. What is the work-life balance like? How many hours a week do you work? It is up to you and how you work. My family is very important to me. So I do as much as I can in the day. Some of my co-workers are on the road all day and do 2-3 hours paperwork a night. That's crazy! But some do it. You'll get out of it what you put in.

10. If you have anything else you'd like the share, please let us know. The more information we receive the better! I feel very blessed to have my work life work out the way it did. I couldn't imagine just doing P&O, being given casts and making something. I am very sociable. This job has given me many opportunities I never would have had. I got where I am by luck and hard work. I wouldn't change a thing. For more information on the products and services Motion Specialties, visit our site

The BHM Medical Voyager Portable Ceiling Lift is one of the many products offered by Motion Specialties (image taken from their site)
