Aligning Seating Technology with Clinical Needs - Pediatric Wheelchair Cushions and Backs
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Lauren A. O’Rourke PT, DPT, ATP, CPST
Etac/Ki Mobility

For many years, there were only a couple basic choices of primary supports for pediatric wheelchair users: custom configured or custom molded, with limited choices in between.  The options available in seating technology for the pediatric client have expanded considerably over the years, and today there are a number of off-the-shelf, out-of-the-package products available.   This greater range of available products requires professionals to be more discerning regarding the variety of choices before them, and recognize which product accomplishes the objective in a clinically appropriate way.  We know that children are not just a smaller version of the adult client and that their needs can be different.  What does the research say about what is important for the pediatric client regarding postural support and addressing postural asymmetries, maintaining tissue integrity, facilitating function, etc.  This reworked presentation will explore the types of seating technology on the market and seek to inform clinical practice by discussing considerations and applications of the various types of technology for primary supports for the pediatric wheelchair user.

Clinical Implication for Power Wheelchair Technology
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Lisa Rotelli
Invacare/ASL

This course will review the complexity of patients with the most involved bodies. People with limited access points that are speech impaired, mobility impaired and need to have support to access technology. 

We will discuss the integration of controls to connect technology that can optimize solutions for clients with limited control. 

9:00-10:00am - CEU Session
10:00-11:00am - Exhibit Hall Time

Building for the Future – Comprehensive Evaluation and Interview to Address the Equipment Needs of the Pediatric Client
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Lauren A. O’Rourke PT, DPT, ATP, CPST
Etac/Ki Mobility

Children with special healthcare needs may have many needs that differ from their typically developing peers.  This may include adaptive equipment to maintain or improve health status, help them function, and meet developmental milestones.  Refined assessment tools allow for early diagnoses, which then leads to early therapeutic intervention.  As a result, we can anticipate what the functional impairments are going to be, and what type of equipment may be indicated.

The timing of interventions, including provision of adaptive equipment, can be a critical contributor to success in meeting therapeutic goals.  Professionals involved in equipment prescription should recognize what types of equipment may be helpful, based on timing and diagnosis.  This presentation will review childhood development and disability and encourage the learner to consider the scope of possible equipment needs for the child with special healthcare needs.  

9:00-10:00am - Exhibit Hall Time
10:00-11:00am - CEU Session

Making Power Wheelchairs Smarter: Exploring the Continuum of SMART Technology
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Angela Regier, OTD, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
LUCI

Many power wheelchair drivers face a variety of issues related to their independence, safety, efficiency, and accessibility as a result of impaired motor control, visual deficits, impaired reaction time, inattention, and various other deficits that are common among wheeled mobility users. This course will review the continuum of currently available SMART technologies that can be incorporated into the power wheelchair to address these issues and improve driver safety, confidence, and independence.

11:00-12:00pm - Lunch
12:00-1:00pm - CEU Session

Prescriptive Planning - Turning Chaos Into (an) Order
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Bill Randall
Etac/Ki Mobility

Every wheelchair fitting starts with a good eval, from client history to equipment trials, to careful measurements (and let’s not forget to get the rider’s and caregivers’ thoughts on what matters to them).  Once we have funding, we do our delivery and fitting and we’re done with that rider for the next 5 years, right?  We know that’s not the case at all.  Riders change.  Whether it’s growth, weight changes, changes in the rider’s condition, or evolution of wheelchair skills, riders change.  Can the chair you prescribed change with them?

In this session, we are going to look at a variety of the decisions that you often face when configuring a chair and help navigate some of options that will allow you to build future adjustments into the chair.  We will discuss some of the more critical adjustments to consider, and what their impact can be on present and future performance.  We will also discuss some of the set-up factors you need to consider when fitting and adjusting your chair and will offer some tips on how to avoid some of the mistakes that can rob a chair of its efficiency and performance. 

11:00-12:00pm - CEU Session
12:00-1:00pm - Lunch

Balancing Function and Independence: Clinical Considerations for Power Adjustable Seat Height and Anterior Tilt
0.1 CEU / Beginner
Presented by: Ryan Cavender
Quantum Rehab

Power wheelchairs are designed to augment function when functional mobility is compromised or lost. However, this is not the only benefits that the power mobility systems can provide. There are critical components of this system that also facilitate or improve the end user’s ability to complete functional activities/ADLs, support their physical and mental health, provide independent repositioning for pressure relief, increase tolerance of the seated position, and increase the overall satisfaction of the equipment. These critical components are known as power positioning devices. While there are several different types of power positioning products on the market, this presentation will focus on the clinical benefits of power adjustable seat height and anterior tilt.

Building Firm Foundations in Early Intervention: Adaptive Standing as AT
0.1 CEU/ Intermediate
Presented by: Jason Mehler, PT, DPT
Rifton

This course highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis and the timely use of assistive technology to support children from birth to age five. Assessments for early diagnosis can identify the risk of cerebral palsy as early as four months of age. Current participation-based practices will incorporate equipment such as standers to implement postural management, promoting engagement in daily routines while leveraging crucial early brain plasticity. Specific strategies will strengthen communication among providers, families, and the EI team. Understanding key laws under IDEA will enable the team to successfully navigate funding for standing devices and similar essential assistive technology.

Evidence-Driven MWC Configuration: Optimizing Fit and Function for Different Body Types and Propulsion Method
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Thomas Halka, MOT, OTR, ATP 
Permobil

This 1-hour course is designed to help providers and clinicians develop best practices for recommending complex rehab technology (CRT) manual wheelchairs for individuals with varying body proportions and propulsion styles. Using the ICF model, the course will guide participants through the decision-making process, balancing evidence with functional outcomes to ensure successful CRT seating and wheeled mobility solutions. Through case examples and clinical reasoning discussions, participants will learn to identify clients' individual clinical and functional goals, driving configuration and component recommendations that enhance functional mobility outcomes, participation, and overall satisfaction with the equipment, ensuring a good person-technology match.

3:00-4:00pm

Power Assist and Power Add-on for Manual Wheelchairs: A Clinical Perspective
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Karla Sonderland, MS, OTR/L
Sunrise Medical

This course is designed for direct access therapists, suppliers, product representatives, and other seating and mobility professionals to enhance their knowledge and clinical application of the subject matter. Power assist and power add-on systems have rapidly evolved in recent years. They are commonly considered as a method of making a manual wheelchair a more functional option or as an alternative to a power wheelchair. This course focuses on rear, main-wheel, and front-wheel motor options as a power assist. Clinical indications for these technologies and objective measures useful to qualify the technology will be outlined. Funding criteria and justification for reimbursement will be provided. Functional use, training, set up, and care of the devices is also discussed.

Beyond Hand Control: Considerations for Proportional Drive Controls at the Head/Chin
0.1 CEU / Intermediate
Presented by: Ryan Cavender
Quantum Rehab

For approximately 10% of power wheelchair users, the standard joystick control is not suitable due to factors such as joystick location or required strength. While adaptations can be made to the joystick handles or placement, some individuals may prefer alternative control methods that do not involve using their hands or fingers. This session will explore the innovative options of head, chin, and foot control systems as alternative input methods for power wheelchairs, providing insights on their benefits, challenges, and considerations.

The presentation will delve into the selection and assessment process and will link these findings to the unique features and characteristics of each alternative control method, emphasizing the importance of personalized solutions tailored to individual needs and preferences to maximize outcomes. Discussions will also revolve around functional benefits for users with programming options in wheelchair electronics and specialized controls, emphasizing the role of collaboration with occupational therapists and clinicians in developing and implementing customized solutions for clients.

Case studies and successful implementation examples will be presented to showcase how alternative control options can significantly enhance the quality of life for wheelchair users. The presentation will highlight the critical role of interdisciplinary teamwork in creating effective and sustainable alternative control options for power wheelchairs, driving home the significance of user-centered approaches in improving independence and mobility for individuals requiring specialized controls.

3:00-4:30pm

**1.5hr Course - limited to 25 participants**
Sharpen Your Skills - Power Mobility
0.15 CEU / Advanced-Hands On
Presented by: Thomas Halka, MOT, OTR, ATP
Permobil

Clinicians and providers must be able to evaluate and train their clients with power wheelchairs and seating systems that meet their clients’ needs.  This can be challenging when many clinicians and providers often lack time and first-hand exposure on how to utilize complex power wheelchairs to complete functional tasks. 

In this 90-minute interactive class, participants will be able to improve their understanding of power wheelchair mobility skills in order help them better facilitate their clients’ skill acquisition and outcomes.  This course will review strategies for maneuvering various types of power wheelchairs, as well as discuss applications of combinations of power seat functions to complete everyday functional tasks. Participants will engage in experiential learning by operating power wheelchairs and utilizing power seat functions to perform occupation-based tasks and assess measurable functional outcomes. The course will also examine how seating systems and power wheelchair programming influence occupational performance and the development of mobility-related skills.

By the end of this course, participants will demonstrate an enhanced understanding of power wheelchair mobility, including the application of power wheelchair driving principles, occupation-based use of power seat functions, and the integration of seating and programming considerations to support clients’ daily occupational performance and participation.

Upper Extremity Arm Support
0.1 CEU / Beginner
Presented by: Kelsy Brown, OTD, OTR/L
Partners in Medicine

This 1-hour interactive course explores the functional application of the use of upper extremity robotics during activities of daily living for individuals who have upper extremity limitations due to illness or injury.

The course will give clinicians and providers a framework to aide them in recognizing which individuals would benefit from upper extremity robotics, and will help clinicians and providers identify:

• How assistive robots differ from traditional robots.
• How assistive robotics are integrated mechanically
• and electronically with a power wheelchair.
• How assistive robotics can be utilized in activities of
• daily living and independent activities of daily living.

Deciding on Power: Clinical Implications and Client Considerations
0.1 CEU / Beginner
Presented by: Ryan Cavender
Quantum Rehab

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 algorithmic approach when deciding on power mobility base selection while also discussing key performance parameters and capabilities of power options that lead to equipment recommendations specific to group categories and clinical implications. This framework will provide clinicians with the tools necessary to effectively evaluate and document the medical need for Power mobility intervention and assist the supplier ATP in matching an individual's identified needs to the technology interventions.