Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Work Availability
Quote
Timeline
GeneralManager
LEAH BARID

LEAH BARID

Assistive Technology Specialist
Decatur,GA

Summary

Multi-faceted professional with the ability to handle large caseloads, multiple tasks and clinical education initiatives. Highly proficient Assistive Technology evaluation and applications including integrated technologies on power wheelchairs (Bluetooth, IR) and adaptive gaming. Achieved Assistive Technology Professional Certification. Extensive experience in Neurological Rehabilitation. Skilled in designing, creating, and implementing individualized strategies to consistently produce desired outcomes while prioritizing patient needs and meeting patient goals. Adept at working with standardized evaluations including MMT, INSCSCI, and SCIM. Exceptional analytical, problem resolution, and communication skills. Strengths and core competencies include: Clinical Education | Electronic Aids to Daily Living | Power Wheelchair Device Access | Environmental Control | Occupational Therapy | Patient Education


| Assistive Technology | Complex Rehabilitation Technology | Clinical Training | CPR Adaptive & Assistive Equipment | Epic EMR | Research | Complex Problem Solving

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistive Technology Specialist

SHEPHERD CENTER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
01.2014 - Current
  • Charged with accountability for caseload of 20-25 patients on inpatient neurological injury and disorders unit
  • Coordinated care with 8+ multidisciplinary teams
  • Incorporated iADL goals into customized treatment plans to maximize effectiveness and patient functional outcomes
  • Spearheaded center wide Assistive Technology Champion program to increase efficiency
  • Co-authored peer reviewed journal articles in recognized industry publications
  • Key Achievements:
  • Gained significant experience in wheeled mobility including participation in ISS
  • Formed collaborative process between Seating Therapists and Assistive Technology Specialists
  • Provided specialized equipment evaluations and prepared letters of medical necessity to payor sources with very high acquisition rate
  • Served as guest speaker at local, regional, national, and international conferences including International Seating Symposium (ISS) and Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
  • Recognized as subject matter expert for creation and design of new EMR section on assistive technology.
  • Responded to patient and family inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.

Occupational Therapist

INPATIENT SPINAL CORD INJURY UNIT AT SHEPHERD CENTER
01.2011 - 01.2014
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions that targeted proximal strengthening, functional reach, community mobility, and diagnosis education
  • Steered career ladder performance improvement effort to ensure representation of occupational therapists’ professional development

Key Achievements:

  • Expertly trained and mentored new therapists to increase knowledge, performance, and overall quality of care
  • Delivered compassionate treatment interventions to clients with spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders
  • Planned and executed family training sessions for diverse clientele including hands-on instruction, equipment recommendations, home modification guidance, and provision of follow-up resources.

Occupational Therapist

SPINAL CORD INJURY DAY PROGRAM AT SHEPHERD CENTER
01.2003 - 01.2011
  • Maintained responsibility for supervising and training Level I and Level II occupational therapy students
  • Managed peer chart audits to maintain standards of documentation and accountability
  • Launched weekly group sessions that focused on scapular and shoulder girdle strengthening
  • Completed Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations at request of insurance companies
  • Key Achievements:
  • Implemented innovative and hands-on therapy experiences for clients with neurological deficits in Post-Acute setting
  • Strategically designed home exercise programs specific to unique needs of each patient
  • Conducted home evaluations and life skills training for clients
  • Administered fine motor and upper extremity assessments and treatments.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Medical College of Georgia

Bachelor of Science - Education, Therapeutic Recreation

University of Georgia

Skills

  • Assistive Technology
  • Electronic Medical Records subject matter expert
  • Microsoft Windows and Office
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Collaborative Team Player
  • Tracking and Documentation
  • Customer Communication and Empathy
  • Task Analysis
  • Creative Device Access Solutions
  • Integrated Power Wheelchair Technologies
  • Process Improvement
  • Product Development
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Patient and Family Education
  • Clinical Reasoning
  • Build Skills

Accomplishments

  • Designed and implemented a training/champion program to train therapists as "apprentices" in the field of Assistive Technology, which encompassed developing a curriculum, providing ongoing training, designing competency checkoffs, and evaluating level of competence for participants
  • Played an integral role in securing a $2M donation to support clients served while providing essential clinical insight

Affiliations

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)

Certification

  • Assistive Technology Professional - 2016 - present
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist - 2003 - present
  • CPR certified

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote

Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.
Bill Nye, the Science Guy

Timeline

Assistive Technology Specialist

SHEPHERD CENTER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
01.2014 - Current

Occupational Therapist

INPATIENT SPINAL CORD INJURY UNIT AT SHEPHERD CENTER
01.2011 - 01.2014

Occupational Therapist

SPINAL CORD INJURY DAY PROGRAM AT SHEPHERD CENTER
01.2003 - 01.2011

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Medical College of Georgia

Bachelor of Science - Education, Therapeutic Recreation

University of Georgia
LEAH BARIDAssistive Technology Specialist