ACT Now 2022

Pediatrics as a whole is a challenge when you start to talk about mobility options. This course will increase your understanding of all of the physical, social, developmental and physical considerations that need to be taken into account to allow for the best possible outcomes when recommending mobility device interventions for a pediatric client.

List 3 ways in which early independent movement can benefit the pediatric client.

1. Participants will describe 2 positioning or programming features to accommodate for clinical presentations related to diagnosis

2. Participants will be able to analyze the use of drive control devices listing 2 benefits of proportional or non-proportional control characteristics unique to the pediatric end user

3. Participants will be able to articulate 2 key components for an initial power wheelchair trial as presented through the literature

Ambulatory aids, manual wheelchairs, scooters (POVs), and power wheelchairs are designed to augment function when functional mobility is compromised or lost. For many geriatric end-users there is not only medical diagnosis and presentation, but also aging with a disability, additional comorbidities, on top of general deconditioning related to age that all play significant roles in the relationship to the end-user and their mobility equipment. This course will focus on the goals, focus, and recommendations for this population.

1. Participants will be able to list 3 potential adjustments to a K0005 ultralight manual wheelchair that increases biomechanics for the end-user

2. Participants will be able to differentiate 3 benefits of power seat functions for medical and positioning management unique to the individual

3. Participants will be able to describe 3 different mobility solutions based on the end-users presentation and abilities

Power wheelchair drive controls are constantly evolving with advancing technology. There is a wide range of these products and complex rehab equipment professionals often have limited exposure to the options that are available. This class will provide evaluating clinicians, Assistive Technology Professionals, and other seating/mobility professionals with knowledge of various drive control options and programming options available to provide maximal benefit to the end user.

1. Participants will be able to explain 4 clinical considerations for the recommendation of tilt, recline and power elevating leg rests.

2. Participants will be able to discuss 3 different options for providing the end user access to the power positioning functions through the wheelchair controls.

3. Participants will be able to distinguish the medical need for an end user to operate their power seat functions through the drive control input device.

A 24-hour postural positioning program provides equipment intervention for all activities a child may be involved in around the clock. Activities such as eating, communicating, self-initiated moving, standing, walking, sitting, playing and sleeping will be discussed with a demonstration of how equipment can be incorporated into the activity to support posture and function for optimal participation and safety. Mobility and postural positioning equipment will be available. Hands-on opportunities will provide the participant with the ability to understand how the equipment can be adjusted to meet specific postural needs.

1. Identify 3 pieces of equipment that can be incorporated into a daily routine.

2. Identify how self-initiated movement can enhance development.

3. Identify 3 different mobility bases to match a child’s abilities and functional needs.

4. Identify 2 reasons why equipment intervention during sleep may be necessary.

Seat and back cushions can provide pressure distribution, postural support, prevent leaning or sliding out of the wheelchair, decrease pain, and enhance function. This session will review the characteristics of various seat cushions and back supports. Participants will identify evaluation considerations for determining an individual’s positioning needs and how to make optimal seat cushion and back support recommendations. A brief overview of outcome measures to assist in determining a back support will be discussed. Participants will be able to have hands-on opportunities with various products to assess various aspects of cushions, backs, and hardware.

1. Identify 2 outcome measures for assessing a back support.

2. Identify 3 possible characteristics of cushion materials.

3. Provide 1 reason for recommending a shorter back.

The range of mobility options provides a plethora of decisions from dependent through various self-propelling manual options. The rotation in space wheelchair provides a range of adjustments to assist an individual who may not be able to tolerate upright positioning throughout the day. Another style of tilt may provide changes against the gravitational pull while promoting easier self-propulsion. A folding or rigid manual wheelchair provides decreased weight and varying adjustments to meet functional and postural needs. This session will review the choices for manual mobility bases, providing case studies to demonstrate why one might e chosen over another. Hands-on opportunities will allow the participant to see the wheelchairs and understand how adjustments can be made to meet the rider’s needs.

1. Describe 2 benefits of tilt in a wheelchair.

2. Define the slope of a seat on a rigid wheelchair

3. Describe the difference between an adjustable vs fixed rigid frame.

4. Describe 2 ways how changes in axle placement affect propulsion

The purpose of this 2-hour interactive course is to consider practical strategies related to seating and wheeled mobility evaluation and training for older adults. Older adults experience changes related to the aging process, but also may experience a number of other health issues. These individuals may demonstrate safety and mobility issues due to a variety of co-morbidities, cognitive changes and functional limitations.

This course will provide an overview of seating and mobility considerations for this population, including the clinical decision-making process. The best practice applications of manual wheelchairs; power assist technology; power wheelchair and power seat functions to promote safety, mobility and independence will be discussed. Wheelchair skills training techniques to ensure the client’s understanding of the equipment and to promote effective and safe use of the device will be reviewed. This will include, but not be limited to, strategies for optimal outcomes in seating, driving, and power seat function utilization.

Clinical evidence and case examples will be utilized to demonstrate best practice for seating and mobility solutions for this population. Various client presentations and equipment choices will be discussed, highlighting the process leading to equipment recommendation, justification, and training by the team.

By the end of this course, clinicians will have a better understanding of the changes that older adults or clients aging with a disability experience, as well as the ability to utilize best practice decision making in recommendations and training related to wheelchair seating and mobility for these individuals.

Course Objectives:

1. List 5 examples of changes that are expected to occur in the aging process that may affect an individual’s mobility and equipment recommendations.

2. Explain 2 issues related to skin and tissue health that affect recommendation of seating/positioning components for someone aging with a disability.

3. Identify 3 clinical considerations for utilization of MWCs to benefit mobility and safety for older adults

4. Identify 3 clinical rationale for recommendation of power assist technology or PWCs to benefit mobility and safety for older adults

5. Describe 3 power seat functions that can assist older adults with independence and safety with mobility and activities of daily living.

6. Discuss 3 potential training techniques for successful use of seating and mobility equipment for older adults.