Power Mobility

A power wheelchair has the potential to provide a client with independent mobility to increase independence with activities of daily living across various environments. One of the key selections the client and team of professionals involved in the provision process of a power wheelchair must make is the selection of the wheelchair base. In order to make the most appropriate choice to meet a client's specific needs, it is essential to have an understanding of the various technology and components that comprise a power wheelchair base. This educational seminar will provide participants with the opportunity to examine various aspects of power wheelchair bases such as drive wheel position, suspension, caster wheels, overall footprint, etc. Discussions will also include the potential benefits of each, areas of consideration, and examples of clinical applications

Independence through power mobility can be life changing for a client with physical disabilities. From standard joysticks, proportional head arrays, to proximity switches there are numerous types of input devices an individual can use to drive a power wheelchair. However, selecting the drive control is only one piece of solving the drive control mystery. Determining the best place to mount a drive control device and the equipment needed to make that happen can be challenging. During this two hour seminar participants be introduced to a variety of equipment, adaptations, and concepts that may improve their clients’ level of success with finding greater independence through power mobility.
Target Audience: OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, ATPs, CRT suppliers

Creating exciting yet effective strategies for evaluating and teaching power mobility skills can be difficult. During this session participants will learn tips and tricks for creating a successful power mobility training program. First considerations to keep in mind when setting-up the environment, communication techniques, and expectations of the end user and the entire team will be reviewed. Next strategies and activity ideas for developing skills while the client is not in a power wheelchair (i.e. home, school, day treatment program, etc.) will be discussed followed by curriculum ideas for power mobility training sessions while the client is “behind the wheel." 
Target Audience; Target Audience: OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, ATPs, CRT suppliers