8:00-9:00AM

Seating & Mobility Solutions for Older Adults
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Permobil

People who are older and require complex rehab technologies to address their seating/positioning and wheeled mobility needs can present with unique challenges. This course will examine how older adults present differently than their younger counterparts; and how those differences influence their risk for skin breakdown and wound development; influence clinical decision making for manual wheelchair set up, power wheelchair provision and training; and the opportunity to utilize power assist devices. This course will provide clinical evidence and case examples to demonstrate the best practice of providing the highest level of independence while reducing the risk of secondary complications.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss 3 potential seating strategies to promote optimal skin integrity and prevent pressure injuries in older adults.
2. Describe 3 clinical reasons of how MWCs and/or MWCs with power assist can benefit mobility and safety for someone who is aging or aging with a disability.
3. Apply 3 clinical rationales for recommendation of PWCs and power seat functions that can benefit mobility, positioning, skin integrity, safety, and independence for someone who is aging or aging with a disability.

Presented by: Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS
Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS joined Permobil as Regional Clinical Education Manager in 2019. Prior to this, she spent the bulk of her career at Providence Portland Medical Center, where she co-founded the outpatient seating clinic program in 2004. As lead seating specialist, Catherine worked to expand access to wheeled mobility services through staff education in OP satellite clinics, home health, and outlying Providence hospitals. She served as the RESNA PT SIG co-chair, and is co-founder of the Northwest Assistive Technology Access Coalition with a passion for improving Oregon Medicaid recipients access to assistive technology. She has presented at both the RESNA and International Seating Symposium conferences 2021.

9:00-10:00AM

Power Assist: Applications to Improve Function
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
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.

Presented by: Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS
Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS joined Permobil as Regional Clinical Education Manager in 2019. Prior to this, she spent the bulk of her career at Providence Portland Medical Center, where she co-founded the outpatient seating clinic program in 2004. As lead seating specialist, Catherine worked to expand access to wheeled mobility services through staff education in OP satellite clinics, home health, and outlying Providence hospitals. She served as the RESNA PT SIG co-chair, and is co-founder of the Northwest Assistive Technology Access Coalition with a passion for improving Oregon Medicaid recipients access to assistive technology. She has presented at both the RESNA and International Seating Symposium conferences 2021.

8:00-10:00AM

Standing Throughout the Lifespan (2 hour course)
0.2 CEU / Beginner level
Altimate Medical

This course will explore the benefits of standing for all ages.  The current evidence available and the indications for incorporating a standing program a treatment program. Options for standing technology will be discussed to enable the provider to select the appropriate stander to meet the needs of the user.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify a minimum of 3 benefits of standing.
2. Identify at least 2 pediatric and 2 adult conditions for which a standing program is indicated.
3. Discuss why standing should be incorporated early into the treatment plan.
4. Discuss the indications and contraindications of each type of stander.
5. Outline the elements of a letter of medical necessity for standing technology.

Presented by: Maryann Girardi, PT, DPT, ATP
Maryann is a Clinical Education Specialist at Altimate Medical, Inc. in Morton, MN, USA. She has been a PT for over 40 years and an ATP for 27 years.  She has worked with adults and pediatrics with neuromotor disorders in a variety of settings and roles including primary therapist, seating and positioning specialist, CRT sales and reviewer for the state Medicaid program.  She has presented nationally and internationally on standing technology, service delivery and client specific interventions.

Unlocking Mobility: Strategies for Optimal Drive Control with Alternative Drive Solutions
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
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.

Learning Objectives:

1. List three distinct functions of proportional and non-proportional drive controls, considering their impact on client performance.
2. Determine three key client factors to decide when choosing a drive control, ensuring a custom-tailored solution.
3. Learn how to apply insights gathered from client observation and evaluation to select the most suitable power wheelchair drive control.
4. Discover two methods for operating external devices (such as phones or computers) through the power wheelchair drive control.

Presented by: Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS

Catherine Sweeney, PT, ATP/SMS joined Permobil as Regional Clinical Education Manager in 2019. Prior to this, she spent the bulk of her career at Providence Portland Medical Center, where she co-founded the outpatient seating clinic program in 2004. As lead seating specialist, Catherine worked to expand access to wheeled mobility services through staff education in OP satellite clinics, home health, and outlying Providence hospitals. She served as the RESNA PT SIG co-chair, and is co-founder of the Northwest Assistive Technology Access Coalition with a passion for improving Oregon Medicaid recipients access to assistive technology. She has presented at both the RESNA and International Seating Symposium conferences 2021.

Recommending Complex Rehab Technology Early After SCI: Supported Standing Devices
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Altimate Medical

First, this course will review the types and secondary effects of spinal cord injury on an individual.  Secondly, we will discuss evidence related to supported standing devices and recommendations for use early after spinal cord injury. Lastly, we will discuss functional prognosis for the different types of spinal cord injuries and how this relates to supported standing device recommendations.

Learning objectives

1. Describe two physiological effects of a spinal cord injury on an individual.
2. Identify two evidence-based reasons to use and recommend supported standing early after an individual’s spinal cord injury.
3. Discuss three evidence-based clinical predictors for functional expectations following spinal cord injury and how that affects the function and design of a supported standing device.

Presented by: Maryann Girardi, PT, DPT, ATP

Maryann is a Clinical Education Specialist at Altimate Medical, Inc. in Morton, MN, USA. She has been a PT for over 40 years and an ATP for 27 years.  She has worked with adults and pediatrics with neuromotor disorders in a variety of settings and roles including primary therapist, seating and positioning specialist, CRT sales and reviewer for the state Medicaid program.  She has presented nationally and internationally on standing technology, service delivery and client specific interventions.

Putting It All Together: Translating Evaluation Findings to Configure the K0005 Manual Wheelchair
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
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.

Learning Objectives:

1. Following the presentation, attendees with be able to explain the value of adjustability in a K0005 manual wheelchair configuration.
2. Following the presentation, attendees with be able to list 3 examples of adjustability to consider incorporating into the prescriptive configuration of a K0005 manual wheelchair.
3. Following the workshop, participants will be able to list 3 potential changes in user need during the life of the wheelchair and how they might change the optimal wheelchair set up.

Presented by: Amanda Storey MOT, OTR/L

Amanda Storey is the clinical seating specialist at Ki Mobility. She completed her Bachelor’s in health science and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2017. Amanda has been a practicing occupational therapist for 5 years and has provided services across the care continuum for adult rehab. She was introduced to seating and mobility while working at one of the wheelchair clinics within the VA Palo Alto healthcare system.
Shortly after that, she transitioned from direct patient care into being a manufacturing representative for Ki mobility in August 2021 prior to taking on her new role at the clinical seating specialist. Amanda is also a lab faculty assistant at the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA where she assists in teaching the assistive technology and psychosocial OT classes for the master’s and doctorate occupational therapy students.

Clinically Speaking: The Power of Prevention
0.1 CEU / Beginner Level
Quantum

Individuals with chronic medical conditions and long-term disabilities who have a permanent need for a wheelchair require a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of their physical, functional and environmental needs to allow clinicians and ATP suppliers to make appropriate Assistive Technology recommendations for a successful outcome.

This course will examine the clinical decision-making process and algorithmic approach to mobility assistive equipment trial and recommendation. This course will also serve as a review of preventative therapeutic use of powered seating features that allow end user increased independence not only in daily activities but also in the importance of medical management when caregiver and therapy resources may be limited. The use of powered features will be reviewed in regard to management of frequent co-morbidities and medical conditions such as: orthostatic hypotension, edema, contracture/tone management, pressure injury prevention, and the application of positioning components that can aid in decreased the complications of skeletal deformities over time. Many times, end users may be overlooked for their potential of meeting power wheelchair criteria that could provide them increased functional independence and control within their environments and to help be a part of preventing further medical complications. It is known that over 60,000 people in the United States die each year form pressure injuries alone and we know that utilization of pressure re-distribution for those lacking sensation and independent mobility can reduce this by giving the user control of their repositioning.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the significance of 3 power seating features and positioning principles in the evaluation and recommendation process.
2. Describe 2 medical conditions that may require intervention with mobility assistive equipment.
3. Identify 2 power seating functions recalling what medical management/prevention application it serves.

Presented by: David Bertz & Orlando Diaz

Transportation of Children with Special Needs: Current Guidelines, Standards and Adaptive Equipment Options
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Etac

This course reviews updates on current guidelines of transporting children with special needs per the 2019 American Academy of Pediatric Policy Statement.  Various child restraint options including infant car beds, vests, car seats, and booster seats will be presented as options for infants and children with special needs including those with risk of airway obstruction, tracheostomy, muscle tone abnormalities, gastrointestinal issues, casts and challenging behavior.  Case studies will be presented to reinforce clinical application of various restraints. Additionally, the importance and necessary components of hospital-based multi-disciplinary child passenger safety programs will also be discussed as a means to increase child safety and prevent delays in hospital discharges.

For children with disabilities who are unable to transfer from their wheelchair when traveling in motor vehicles, and the wheelchair serves as the vehicle seating system a thorough review of ANSI/RESNA and ISO safety standards and transit compliance will be presented.  This includes selection of appropriate transit options for wheelchairs (WC19) and seating systems (WC20), as well as securing the wheelchair in the vehicle (WC18) using Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS).

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify at least five common medical and development needs of infants and children who will benefit from utilizing adaptive equipment for transportation.
2. Choose the most appropriate specialized restraint system for at least three clinical scenarios and identify resources for configuration, positioning, and installation of systems for optimal comfort and safety.
3. Recognize at least three elements of a multi-disciplinary child passenger safety program.
4. Identify the required transit options for pediatric wheelchairs that meet RESNA WC18, WC19, WC20 and ISO safety standards.

Presented by: Amanda Storey MOT, OTR/L

Amanda Storey is the clinical seating specialist at Ki Mobility. She completed her Bachelor’s in health science and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2017. Amanda has been a practicing occupational therapist for 5 years and has provided services across the care continuum for adult rehab. She was introduced to seating and mobility while working at one of the wheelchair clinics within the VA Palo Alto healthcare system.
Shortly after that, she transitioned from direct patient care into being a manufacturing representative for Ki mobility in August 2021 prior to taking on her new role at the clinical seating specialist. Amanda is also a lab faculty assistant at the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA where she assists in teaching the assistive technology and psychosocial OT classes for the master’s and doctorate occupational therapy students.

Using Tilt Bases for Pressure, Function, and Participation
0.1 CEU / Beginner to Intermediate Level
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.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify three reasons why seat to back angle should be increased.
2. Identify three benefits of incorporating posterior tilt into a seating system.
3. Describe how does a tilt mechanism set up lower in the wheelchair frame assists with functional propulsion.

Presented by: Mayari Solorzano-Chavez BA, BHScOT, MHM, OT

Maya has been with Sunrise Medical since May of 2014. She is the primary contact and Clinical Educator for Latin America. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 2006 from the University of Costa Rica. She worked five years for one of the biggest distributors of medical equipment Costa Rica ordering and delivering complex rehab products. This gave her the opportunity to position people of all ages, diagnose, and respond to their postural needs.
In 2011, Maya moved to the United States and obtained her ATP certification from RESNA and worked as an ATP before joining the team at Sunrise Medical. During her career with Sunrise, she has had the opportunity to deliver clinical sessions to physicians, PTs, and OTs in Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia, Uruguay, and other countries in the region in their own language. She also trains dealers on Sunrise Medical products and systems as well as informs them when new products are launched.
When not busy improving people's lives with complex rehab technology, she is a mother of two adorable children. She likes to exercise and go for fun adventures with her husband and kids to the beautiful mountains of the Central Valley in California.

What Factors Really Affect the Efficiency of a Manual Wheelchair?
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Etac

There are many firmly held opinions about what factors most dramatically affect manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency. Which factors have the greatest impact and are most important to consider? Is it the weight of the chair? Is it the component selection? Like an automobile, is it the way it is tuned or set up that optimizes efficiency?

Prescribing professionals must understand how people use their manual wheelchairs. They must also understand how wheelchairs actually work as a machine. Armed with this knowledge, the professional can make appropriate decisions to optimize efficiency while meeting the user's needs for support, stability, and function.

This presentation will discuss factors commonly considered to be predictors of manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency. We will compare these factors in light of what current research suggests as being predictive and then provide some applicable conclusions to inform clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Following this presentation, participants will be able to cite 2 examples of how end users move about in wheelchairs during everyday life.
2. Following this presentation, participants will be able to list and explain 2 principles of physics that impact propulsion efficiency of a manual wheelchair.
3. Following this presentation, participants will be able to describe 3 characteristics of component selections that influence propulsion efficiency of a manual wheelchair
4. Following this presentation, participants will be able to list 2 examples of propulsion maneuvers influenced by rotational inertia, and describe a strategy for each to lessen that influence

Presented by: Amanda Storey, MOT, OTR/L

Amanda Storey is the clinical seating specialist at Ki Mobility. She completed her Bachelor’s in health science and her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2017. Amanda has been a practicing occupational therapist for 5 years and has provided services across the care continuum for adult rehab. She was introduced to seating and mobility while working at one of the wheelchair clinics within the VA Palo Alto healthcare system.
Shortly after that, she transitioned from direct patient care into being a manufacturing representative for Ki mobility in August 2021 prior to taking on her new role at the clinical seating specialist. Amanda is also a lab faculty assistant at the University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA where she assists in teaching the assistive technology and psychosocial OT classes for the master’s and doctorate occupational therapy students.

Positioning for Participation and Function: 24-hour Postural Support
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Sunrise

This course is designed for clinicians to enhance their knowledge and clinical application of the subject matter. A 24-hour postural care program provides for seating and mobility intervention as well as when the individual is not in the wheelchair. This session addresses options for alternative positioning, toileting, bathing, and sleeping. Physiological and anatomical theoretical principles will be addressed incorporating how equipment can address an individual's postural needs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will identify 3 postural positioning needs throughout the day.
2. Participants will identify 2 benefits of supported standing.
3. Participants will be able to list 2 benefits for equipment intervention throughout the day.
4. Participant will identify 2 activities that can accompany the equipment intervention.

Presented by: Mayari Solorzano-Chavez BA, BHScOT, MHM, OT

Maya has been with Sunrise Medical since May of 2014. She is the primary contact and Clinical Educator for Latin America. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 2006 from the University of Costa Rica. She worked five years for one of the biggest distributors of medical equipment Costa Rica ordering and delivering complex rehab products. This gave her the opportunity to position people of all ages, diagnose, and respond to their postural needs.
In 2011, Maya moved to the United States and obtained her ATP certification from RESNA and worked as an ATP before joining the team at Sunrise Medical. During her career with Sunrise, she has had the opportunity to deliver clinical sessions to physicians, PTs, and OTs in Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia, Uruguay, and other countries in the region in their own language. She also trains dealers on Sunrise Medical products and systems as well as informs them when new products are launched.
When not busy improving people's lives with complex rehab technology, she is a mother of two adorable children. She likes to exercise and go for fun adventures with her husband and kids to the beautiful mountains of the Central Valley in California.