Spotlight on David Zabell, MSOTL, ATP

Occupational Therapist David (Dave) Zabell, OTL, ATP runs the Therapy Seating and Mobility Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and works closely with the WFCPC’s multi-disciplinary team. Dave evaluates for seating and mobility equipment needs, provides guidance for clinical specification of equipment, assists in procurement of funding (when needed), completes the fitting of the completed equipment, and assists with training when needed. The mission of the Seating & Mobility Program is to maximize independence and engagement for those with mobility limitations.

We caught up with Dave on his career change in becoming a seating and mobility expert and how he sees the future of equipment for people living with cerebral palsy.

1) What is the path in becoming a seating and mobility specialist?

To be a seating and mobility practitioner, you would start out as an occupational therapist, physical therapist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician, and you would get the experience to understand complex seating and mobility technology.

2) If you could invent something for people with CP, what would it be?

I would clone Jennifer (Pimentel) (WFCPC's Care & Outreach Coordinator). That would probably be the most helpful. I think more than the equipment that’s out being improved, support for what people need to do to get the equipment and to get the help they need is what’s most important.

3) Are there any future technologies that excites you?

I love the idea of wearable, (not implantable) technologies, neuro-interfaces for control of wheelchairs. To be able to harness what the brain is trying to do without being dependent on too much or too little movement, could really redirect the conversation and open up independent mobility to a whole new group of people.

4) You used to be a DJ. Why did you change career paths?

Ha! It was a long and sordid road between when I worked in radio to where I am now. Ultimately, I prefer to connect with people on a face to face basis, and in a small group, than say a whole lot of words to too many people. I’d rather have just one person not listen to me than too many!

5) As an ex-DJ, what’s your go-to playlist when in your workshop?

I have an eclectic playlist. With the exception of Johnny Cash, I don’t really like a lot of country (music). I’m everywhere else too – I have my rap days, have my metal days, my classical days to my French days, and my brooding teenage days when I listen to way too much Morrissey.