We are delighted to introduce Henry Bertulfo, an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for wheelchair mobility seating who is preparing to launch an exciting new product range for Cubro.

Henry joined us a few months ago and has been busy researching and hand-picking the best wheelchair and seating products which we will officially launch to the New Zealand market at the ATSNZ Expo this November. Henry will then be available to support OTs nationwide to find the best wheelchair and seating solutions for their clients.

“Our new product range will strongly focus on dynamic wheeled mobility rather than static positioning,” Henry explains. “The concept of dynamic wheeled mobility involves on-the-fly adjustments and add-on components to give users the ability to quickly change the base set-up of their wheelchair for improved usability in multiple environments and activities. Our product range will cater for that. For example, one of our new offerings is an ultra-lightweight chair that allows the user to change seat height and the back angle adjustment to suit their functional and positioning needs.”

Among the new wheelchair brands chosen by Henry is a bariatric power wheelchair which will cater for clients weighing over 300kg – the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Henry is originally from the Philippines and worked in a spinal unit at a large military hospital in Riyadh Saudi Arabia before moving to New Zealand in 2004. He speaks three languages and loves the diversity the occupational therapy profession can provide.

Henry has worked in both acute and community OT practice but for the past 15 years has specialised in wheelchair and seating assessment and intervention.

Prior to joining Cubro, Henry worked for many years as a wheelchair and seating therapist. “I jumped on the opportunity to work at Cubro and have input into shaping their wheeled mobility and seating product offerings,” he says.

Henry’s wealth of experience has allowed him to pinpoint gaps in the market and look for products that will meet those needs. “I’ve really focused on sourcing robust, well-designed, user-friendly wheelchairs. We’ve got some great alternatives to what’s already available on the market. My background puts me in a unique position where I can utilise my skill set to help therapists provide an ideal solution to their clients.”

Choosing the right wheelchair and seating is a bespoke process, taking into account a client’s physical characteristics, medical needs, caregiver support, as well as the environment and terrain the wheelchair will be operating in.

Outside of work, Henry embraces an active lifestyle and loves walking outdoors and playing basketball. Since moving to New Zealand, Henry started following the All Blacks, America’s Cup and SailGP. He also enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts, allowing him to explore diverse topics and stories while on the go.

Henry is looking forward to working closely alongside New Zealand therapists to provide expert advice on Cubro’s new product range.

Henry is ready and eager to help, if you’re a therapist you’re welcome to give him a call on 021 240 8698 or flick him an email at [email protected].