Course Description:

The geriatric population has distinct needs which impact all areas of intervention, including wheelchair seating. Optimal seating determination is complicated by comorbidities, poor skin integrity and healing, residential status, and funding issues. While challenging, bringing optimal seating to this population is critical to prevent pressure injuries, optimize function, and provide comfort. This course, Seating Solutions in Aged Care, will systematically review...

Course Description:

This course focuses on positioning challenges frequently seen in clients with high muscle tone and the seating solutions and strategies to address those challenges. Clinicians are instructed in definitions, etiology, pathophysiology, movement disorders, reflexes, and diagnoses associated with high muscle tone. This course also covers the causes and interventions to address challenges at the pelvis, trunk, lower extremities, upper extremities, and...

Course Description:

Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are typically recommended by a team, often including the speech language pathologist and occupational therapist. The occupational therapist determines optimal client position and device position. The access method must also be determined and may include Direct, Mouse, Eye Gaze, or Switch scanning. If switch access is required, the team must determine the optimal switch site and type,...

Course Description:

Many people with motor, cognitive, and/or sensory limitations will have difficulty controlling basic devices in their environment, including audiovisual equipment, lighting, thermostats, power door openers, phone, and hospital bed. Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADLs) have been used to provide a means of independent control for many years, but are now outdated and overpriced. Newer consumer technologies, such as Alexa, are...

Course Description:

This course systematically reviews wheelchair seating considerations, beginning with evaluation and assessment. A key part of seating assessment is the mat examination, which helps determine where and at what angles a client needs postural support for optimal alignment as well as pressure distribution and relief to prevent the development of pressure injuries. Body positioning is critical; the body should be positioned to support the task that needs to be...

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to present the power wheelchair assessment process for the pediatric population, including determining optimal equipment parameters. Part of the assessment process is determining the optimal driving method. A wide variety of power wheelchair driving methods will be covered in a hierarchy of use, with clinical indicators for each. Finally, the course will illustrate this information in a case study.    

This course will present the Importance of Early Mobility and the research that supports the developmental benefits of self-initiated mobility. The course will also address how to determine if a child is ready for a power wheelchair even before a formal mobility evaluation occurs. If a child is not yet ready, strategies to develop that readiness are presented. By recognizing the importance of power mobility for young children and developing readiness skills, we...

Course Description:

Kids are not just small adults and seating systems must accommodate far more than just growth. This course will address how pediatric seating differs from adult seating. Included will be alternative positioning systems, such as standers, adaptive strollers, and wheelchair seating. A case study is included.

Course Overview

Many people with motor, cognitive, and/or sensory limitations will have difficulty controlling basic devices in their environment, including audiovisual equipment, lighting, thermostats, power door openers, phone, and hospital bed. Electronic Aids to Daily Living (EADLs) have been used to provide a means of independent control for many years, but are now outdated and overpriced. Newer consumer technologies, such as Alexa, are providing new options to increase control of devices...