Pediatrics

Throughout the pre-adolescence and adolescence phases of development pediatric clients will likely experience various changes in areas such as physical growth, appearance, cognition, emotional, and psychosocial development. All of these changes can have a significant impact on not only the equipment selected for a pediatric client, but also the level at which the client is directly involved in the entire complex rehabilitation technology provision process. During this two hour educational session participants will learn about considerations to keep in mind when recommending seating and wheeled mobility equipment for this unique population. Topics including the complete evaluation process, potential impacts of human development, and key aspects of equipment will be reviewed.  

Play is often described as the work of children and is one of the primary ways in which children learn. Unfortunately for many children with physical limitations engaging in activities including play without the support of adaptive equipment is not possible. In addition the lack of proper positioning and mobility equipment can have a significant impact on a child’s respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, muscular skeletal system, and develop skills (e.g. communication, cognition, social emotional, etc.). During this two hour seminar participants will learn about the role seating and mobility plays in a child’s development, the complete evaluation process, and complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) available specifically for infants to young children as well as the clinical application of the equipment discussed.

The full-day course covers dependent, manual and powered mobility intervention as well as alternative positioning options focusing on 24-hour postural care. Hands-on opportunities will allow the participants to understand how to safely use the equipment and make recommendations based on postural needs and functional abilities.