Variety Ability Systems Inc.
Every year, Variety Ability Systems Incorporated (VASI) provides
several hundreds prosthetic, orthotic, homecare and wheelchair
assistive devices. Variety Ability Systems Incorporated was
established in June 1970 through the foresight of Sam Shopsowitz,
Frank Strean, and Doug Wells. They, together with other members
of the Variety Club - The Children's Charity (Ontario),
recognized the growing need for infants and children's
prosthetics, and so decided to build a production facility to
meet those needs. VASI has become a major supplier of prosthetic,
orthotic standers and head protection systems and home care
devices for children through 10 months to young adulthood.
Through product innovations, clinical support, production, and
marketing and distribution efforts, VASI has steadily increased
its product lines while maintaining specialization for the
paediatric community within Ontario, across Canada and around the
world. VASI continues to address the needs of children with
physical challenges and enhance the product lines with clinically
effective devices.
In the past 34 years, VASI has distributed over $20,800,000 worth
of these devices to improve the quality of life for over than
21,000 children worldwide. VASI devices that have been recycled
through limb banks located in many North American cities have
assisted an unknown number of children.
In 1978, operational responsibility for Variety Ability Systems
Inc. (VASI) was assumed by Bloorview MacMillan Centre (MacMillan
site) and VASI became the manufacturing and marketing arm for
their rehabilitation engineering efforts. This union fostered the
creation of a powerful team of clinical, engineering and
manufacturing personnel with the required expertise to provide
designing, manufacturing, and marketing functions for the
development of clinically effective devices. This relationship
also allows for constant review and upgrades to product lines.
The expansion of product lines to meet the growing needs of
children and teenagers with a range of physical disabilities,
resulted in a change of name in 1986, from The Variety Village
Electrolimb Production Centre. The 'active ingredient' in the
current name, Ability, implies VASI's goal of accentuating the
ability of the youngsters it serves. VASI expanded its plant in
early 1998 within a 10,000 square foot Toronto facility operated
by Variety The Children's Charity.
VASI is proud to be ISO-9001:2000 registered and continues to meet its
customers' high standards.
Company Details
Year Established:
1970
Total Sales ($CDN):
$200,000 - $500,000
Number of Employees:
6
Company Information
Martin L. Mifsud
Title:
Manager
Telephone:
(416) 698-1415
Fax:
(416) 698-5860
Email:
Click Here
Products
Upper Extremity Prosthetic Components
Orthopaedic Appliances Nes
Standing systems for children with spina bifada and
other lower extremity impairments including standing braces,
parapodiums and standers. Sold in kit form for Orthotist to fit
easily to a child.
Safety Helmets Nes
Custom fitted portective helmet that provides facial protection
for children and adults prone to falling forward. Can be fitted
in under 1 hour by an orthotist.
Aquanaut
An innovative system for children who cannot sit independently
while toileting. It maximizes support and comfort for the
child. Easy to install and maintain, this system has a unique
adaptor to any toilet allowing the unit to be removed. Currently
sold in Canada, USA, UK, Germany, and France.
Flip2sit
Flip2Sit is a simple positioning product for young children
who need some support when sitting. It helps to improve
posture, sitting balance and functional abilities. Flip2Sit
offers two unique seats in one product. On one side, it
provides a stable posture for table height activities.
Flip the seat over and it becomes a floor-level
positioner for playing!
Kidsert
kidsert is a simple, lightweight cushion that can be added to
childrens products such as strollers and high chairs. It has
unique features to provide extra comfort and support for
young children.
Mark3 Stander/Parapodium
Mark3 Stander
-Three sizes available
-Independent back panel and knee adjustments
-Front entry design
-Pre-drilled holes for medial/lateral adjustments
-Pre-drilled holes for posterior/anterior adjustments
-Rear anti-tip assemblies - front optional
-Foam block or padded knee options
-Easy fitting and adjustments
-Quicker growth adjustments
-Strong design
Services