Immerse Yourself: The Science of Skin Protection
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Stephanie Tanguay, OT/L, ATP
Invacare/Motion Concepts

Appropriate technology application can greatly enhance the functional outcomes for clients who utilize seating and wheeled mobility systems. Once the mat assessment is completed, it is necessary to interpret that data and convert it to equipment selection & configuration. Common seated postures will be presented, and the principles of accommodation or reduction of orthopedic changes will be presented. Considerations for the selection of seat cushions and back supports with a goal of maximizing consumer function will be reviewed using a clinical approach.

Power Assist: Applications to Improve Function
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Ginger Walls, PT, MS, NCS, ATP/SMS
Permobil

• Identify manual wheelchair riders who may be at risk for repetitive stress injury.
• Differentiate between three different types of power assist.
• Identity how power assist can improve function.

Small Clients, Big Decisions: Approaches in Pediatric Seating
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Stephanie Tanguay, OT/L, ATP
Invacare/Motion Concepts

It took a very long time for children’s wheelchairs to become commercially available. Once they did, there were still no ‘off the shelf’ wheelchair seating components available in pediatric sizes. The last 30 years have brought amazing variations to the seating & mobility market. Both manual and powered mobility devices are made in size ranges to accommodate pediatric, adult & bariatric consumer. Likewise, seat surface and back support products are available in a wide range of sizes. True pediatric ‘off the shelf’ seat and back supports allow early intervention which can reduce the development of orthopedic deformities, provide lighter weight options to enhance self-propulsion and offer lower cost options with the benefit of modularity. ‘Planar’ seating components allow custom configured interventions for children whose needs cannot be met with an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution. Molded seating products are often the highest cost and are utilized when the consumers’ needs cannot be met with other interventions.

Unlocking Mobility - Strategies for Optimal Drive Control with Alternative Drive Controls
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Ginger Walls, PT, MS, NCS, ATP/SMS
Permobil

During this 1-hour CEU, we will discuss for individuals with limited physical abilities, a power mobility device that serves as a gateway to independent movement and environmental control. The success of using such a device, hinges on the user’s connection to it, their ability to operate the power wheelchair effectively, and ultimately, their confidence in achieving their mobility goals. During this online course, clinicians and providers will gain valuable insights into evaluating, selecting, and configuring appropriate input devices for functional power wheelchair mobility. We will discuss client-specific factors and clinical considerations that influence drive control choices, exploring both proportional and non-proportional drive systems. Through practical examples and clinical applications, we’ll define essential parameters and discuss terminology relevant to a wide range of commercially available power wheelchairs and alternative drive controls. Actual client case studies will illustrate potential alternative drive solutions to optimize functional outcomes.

Pediatric Adaptive Standing: Five Considerations for Optimizing the Outcomes
0.1 CEU /
Presented by: Lori Potts, PT, OT, ATP, RTS
Rifton

This 60-minute presentation will address five novel and up-to-date considerations for pediatric adaptive standing. Specifically: standing as physical activity, positioning for postural control, hip abduction positioning and contracture management, active participation in the sit-to-stand transfer, and creating opportunities for social engagement and participation in standing. Current evidence supporting these interventions will be presented along with case examples to illustrate applications of these concepts. A segment for Q&A will conclude the session.

What’s in a Back? Clinical Considerations for Matching Client to Product
0.1 CEU /
Presented by: Alli Speight, MScOT, ATP
Motion Composites

This course explores the importance of proper back support selection as an integral portion of the seating and mobility assessment. Properties of back supports, differences and similarities, and clinical indications will be explored.

Preventing Deformities: Early Positioning is the Key
0.1 CEU /
Presented by: Maryann Girardi, PT, DPT, ATP
Altimate Medical

Deformities are common in children and adults with Cerebral Palsy. This presentation will discuss these deformities and interventions that have proven effective in minimizing/preventing these deformities from becoming severe. This course is appropriate for clinicians, caregivers and rehab technology suppliers.

Using Tilt Bases for Pressure, Posture, Function, and Participation
01. CEU / Beginner to Intermediate Level
Presented by: Erica Walling
Sunrise

The seat to back angle or a posterior, anterior, or lateral tilt can be incorporated into a seating system to provide increased opportunities for pressure relief, postural support, function, and participation. What benefits does an increased or decreased seat to back angle provide? When should it be adjustable? What are the benefits of fixed seat to back angles? What about tilt? How and why are tilt incorporated into a rider’s day? This session provides an overview of how tilt and seat to back angle recommendations can be incorporated into a stroller, dependent, or manual tilt wheelchair system. Available evidence and rider experiences will be shared to illustrate interventions focusing on seat to back angle and tilt.

Mobility Equipment Considerations with Multiple Sclerosis
0.1 CEUs / Beginner Level
Presented by: Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS
Quantum

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease associated with a variety of clinical presentations. This patient population can present in many different ways from having slight difficulty with ambulation to almost complete inability to move themselves. The progression of Multiple Sclerosis is quite unpredictable, it can progress rapidly in some forms and other forms of MS progress slowly and can plateau. This variable clinical presentation can make it challenging for the evaluation team to make the most appropriate equipment recommendations. The evaluation team needs to assess these individual’s current mobility status as well as consider the possible progression of their condition.  This course will provide guidance for mobility professionals to follow when making decisions about the mobility equipment needs of individuals who have Multiple Sclerosis.

Are Adjustable Cushions Better?
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Devon Doebele, PTA
Etac

Many consider adjustable wheelchair cushions to be the ultimate solution for clients at high risk of pressure injuries. However, they may not be fully aware of what defines an adjustable wheelchair cushion, how the technology works, and what it should accomplish when properly constructed, adjusted, and used. Every interaction between an individual and a different cushion is a unique result of those two specific variables at that point in time. Can you know whether a specific adjustable cushion can be properly adjusted for any individual’s seating needs without trialing it first? Further, can you determine the proper adjustment prior to trial? Over time, will the adjustable characteristics of the cushion be able to accommodate changes in clients’ needs? Should a good adjustable cushion offer the adjustment needed to properly fit at initial issue, as well as the ability to adjust as an individual’s needs change?

Pediatric Positioning: Facilitating Growth and Play
0.1 CEU / Beginner Level
Presented by: Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS
Quantum

Positioning children with complex needs is more than just providing smaller versions of adult equipment. One of the biggest differences between pediatric versus adult seating is accommodating growth. Not just physical growth, but also providing support to allow the child to engage in play activities. Play activities are necessary for cognitive, social, and emotional growth as well. This course will provide an overview of the considerations that differentiate pediatric versus adult seating and discuss potential seating system interventions to address the pediatric client’s needs.

Putting It All Together: Translating Evaluation Findings to Configure the K0005 Manual Wheelchair
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Devon Doebele, PTA
Etac

The seating and mobility evaluation has been completed and a K0005 manual wheelchair has been selected as the appropriate piece of equipment. The make and model of the wheelchair has been determined. Now it is time to fill out the order form. How do you compile all of the information from the subjective interview, physical assessment, and equipment trials to determine the final equipment configuration and set up? How do you ensure that the wheelchair will meet the needs of the user now and allow the potential for adjustments over time?  This presentation will use clinical examples to demystify the process of translating clinical findings to final equipment prescription, with particular attention to the complexity of rigid K0005 manual wheelchair configuration. Consideration will be given to changes in health condition/need as a result of circumstances such as: time post injury or illness, disease progression, and age.