Sioux Falls occupational therapist makes global impact over 32-year career

This paid piece is sponsored by LifeScape.

For more than three decades, Arlen Klämm has been more than just an occupational therapist at LifeScape — he has been a transformative force in the lives of individuals with disabilities, bringing passion, dedication and innovation to everything he does.

As both an OT and an assistive technology coordinator, Klämm’s expertise extends far beyond the clinic, reaching individuals locally and globally.

“I’ve been working alongside Arlen for over 30 years. We were baby therapists when we started!” said Pam Dahm, a physical therapist who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Klämm’s remarkable career.

“He has this incredible calm, steady presence and, at the same time, a sense of humor that makes working with him such a joy. He’s the kind of person who will always take the time to think critically and come up with creative solutions for a client or family.”

Klämm’s journey is fueled by a genuine passion for helping others, and his qualifications reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence. He holds certifications from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America as an assistive technology professional and as a seating and mobility specialist — certifications that make him a leader in his field. But it’s not just his credentials that set him apart — it’s his relentless drive to stay at the cutting edge of his profession and his unshakeable belief in the power of personalized solutions.

“I enjoy being able to evaluate and prescribe or make equipment that allows people to do things they weren’t able to do prior to getting the equipment,” Klämm said. “I like to problem-solve and be creative to find solutions to unique problems.”

His impact is not limited to LifeScape. In February, he had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Ecuador with Medical Mission Ecuador. Based at Hospital Municipal in Ambato, a city nestled in the Andes Mountains, the team spent five days providing medical services to children with disabilities. The mission was part of a larger effort by a group of approximately 80 medical professionals who offered surgeries, orthotics, therapy and mobility devices to underserved communities in the region.

Klämm and his team, which included two OTs, one OT student, two PTs, three seamstresses and three technicians, evaluated 188 patients and provided or repaired 158 wheelchairs in just three and a half days.

The challenges were immense, but the rewards were even greater.

“I learned we are incredibly blessed with the resources we have available to serve people with disabilities in the United States. We utilized mostly used equipment from the U.S. and some basic purchased equipment to provide seating systems and wheelchairs to children with very complex needs,” Klämm said.

“We had to learn to make do with basic supplies like electric knives, foam and glue to make complex support systems. The families in Ecuador were very patient, some of whom waited for days to be seen.”

“As exhausting as it was, I think I will do it again because it was also very rewarding,” Klämm said. “It was a beautiful country with very friendly people.”

Klämm encourages others in the field of therapy and assistive technology to consider volunteering for mission trips like the one to Ecuador. “It provides a great deal of perspective to the work we do here,” he said.

His work at LifeScape and his contributions to medical missions, like the one in Ecuador, have shown that even small efforts can make a monumental difference in the lives of individuals around the world.

His journey over the past 32 years exemplifies a life dedicated to helping others. Through his expertise in assistive technology and his compassionate approach to therapy, Klämm has made a lasting impact both at LifeScape and globally.

“I so appreciate Arlen’s expertise in his ability to provide custom seating solutions,” Dahm said. “He takes his time to figure things out and will keep working to find a solution. Klämm is always willing to help, even if the patient is not on his caseload or if requested to help make something work better in the clinic as well as for the patient.”

Klämm’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity and compassion in transforming lives. His work continues to inspire everyone around him, leaving a legacy that will resonate for years to come.

To learn more about LifeScape’s outpatient therapy services, click here.