Unlocking Mobility: Strategies for Optimal Drive Control with Alternative Drive Solutions
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Ashley Detterbeck, DPT, 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.

Using Tilt Bases for Pressure, Posture, Function, and Participation
0.1 CEU / Beginner to Intermediate Level
Presented by: Jessica Pedersen, OTD, MBA, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
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.

Seating & Mobility Solutions for Older Adults
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Ashley Detterbeck, DPT, ATP/SMS
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.

Considering Equipment as Relates to Development
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Jessica Pedersen, OTD, MBA, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Sunrise

This course is designed for clinicians to enhance their knowledge and clinical application of the subject matter: considering mobility equipment as it relates to development. As part of this course, we will discuss the application of mobility equipment to support the development of self-initiated movement for function and participation. Additionally, the course will review specific challenges related to children with disabilities or delay, current evidence, and the assessment and prescription of products pertaining to on-time mobility or function desired.

Are Adjustable Wheelchair Cushions Better?
0.1 CEU / Intermediate Level
Presented by: Lauren O'Rourke, PT, DPT, ATP, CPST
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?

The Big Picture - Seating the Bariatric Client
0.1 CEU / Beginner to Intermediate Level
Presented by: Stephanie Tanguay, OT/L, ATP
Invacare/Motion Concepts

The focus of this course is to examine the measurement and accommodation of excessive tissue as it relates to the prescription of seat and back support surfaces and mobility devices for the bariatric client. Emphasis will be on the challenges of evaluation, measurement, and product interface with the bariatric population. Basic principles for accommodation of excessive tissue will be presented.

The Art of Documenting and Quoting Complex Rehab Equipment for Authorization
0.1 CEU / Beginner to Intermediate Level
Presented by: Melissa Tally, PT, MPT, ATP
Adaptive Imports

This course provides experienced based knowledge and standard practice guidelines to aid clinicians and medical equipment suppliers in explaining and justifying CRT recommendations based on evaluation findings. Emphasis on the importance of equipment trials and the Rule in/Rule out process of optimal equipment is presented. Required elements of supportive comprehensive documentation are discussed, including suggested templates and coordination of HCPC codes for optimal authorization review.

Recommending Complex Rehab Technology Early After SCI: Supported Standing Devices
0.1 CEU
Presented by: Kristen Cezat, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS
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.

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.

Client Centered Prescriptions
0.1 CEU / Beginner Level
Presented by: Alli Speight MScOT, ATP
Motion Composites

There are many elements that come into play when prescribing a wheelchair, and it can be difficult to make sure you are truly staying client-centered. This presentation will review the process of a wheelchair prescription while managing the client, therapist, dealer and funding sources interests. We will review therapeutic models and professional standards, which highlight the therapist’s goals and responsibility as well as strategies to manage all priorities and opinions.

Clinically Speaking: The Power of Prevention
0.1 CEU / Beginner Level
Presented by: Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS
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.

Dynamic Gait Training: Principles and Solutions
0.1 CEU / Beginner Level
Presented by: Lori Potts, PT, OT, ATP, RTS
Rifton

Dynamic positioning options in gait training is supported by current research. This presentation explores the dynamics of human gait and the evidence for positioning support for gait practice. Practical recommendations and case examples will provide insights toward improving functional walking skills through motor learning opportunities, from early intervention to young adult. A discussion of techniques for optimal positioning for functional and therapeutic gait training and a review of up-to-date published evidence regarding the use of body weight support gait devices, will provide a foundation for effective gait training.