This two-day workshop aims to help therapists in assessing the functional and postural needs of people using non-complex wheeled mobility and seating.

Objectives

Therapists completing this workshop will be able to:  

  • describe the eight steps of appropriate Wheelchair Service Provision (WHO – 2008)  
  • distinguish between different levels of sitting ability and the impact on function and participation
  • identify contributing factors and management strategies for people presenting with pressure injuries
  • identify five key pelvic positions and three key spinal positions  
  • execute a MAT evaluation in supine and sitting
  • describe equipment parameters to meet the person’s needs
  • evaluate the clinical and functional applications of wheelchair cushions and simple back supports
  • adjust standard manual wheelchairs to optimise self-propelling and wheelchair skills, as well as to minimise shoulder and upper limb injury 
  • identify indicators for power mobility and describe programming parameters on standard power wheelchairs (i.e. those with standard proportional joystick controls and up to two power seating functions)
  • identify indicators for referral to a specialised assessment service for people with complex wheeled mobility and seating needs

Content

This workshop will demonstate how to assess the functional and postural needs of wheeled mobility users through slide presentations, case studies and practical hands-on sessions with each other and with equipment. Attendees will also receive the presentation handouts and copies of assessment tools.

Equipment used in the workshops is for consolidating assessment skills and knowledge. The workshop does not intend to outline all equipment options nor recommend specific product.

This workshop is one of the three wheelchair workshops organised by Swinburne's Medical Technology Victoria (MedTechVic) in partnership with Deb Wilson from New Zealand's Seating To Go.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

    

Requirements

Please bring:

  • a rug or a yoga mat
  • suggested tools to adjust wheelchairs:
    • imperial and metric allen keys
    • 5-inch and 10-inch adjustable crescents (or bigger for rear axle nuts)
    • ring spanners (7/16, 0.5 and 0.75 inch and 10, 11 and 13 milimetres)

Speaker

Deb Wilson is an internationally renowned occupational therapist who has specialised in wheeled mobility and postural management for the past 35 years. She co-founded Seating to Go in 1997 – a leading wheelchair and seating assessment, training and repair service in New Zealand.

In 2009, she was contracted by New Zealand's Ministry of Health to develop their wheeled mobility and postural management credential for occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Deb is currently a member of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) Wheelchair Educators Package Development Group and the New Zealand Chair for the Oceania Seating Symposium (OSS).

See other wheelchair workshops

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    Wheelchair Workshop: Complex Wheelchair Seating

    This two-day workshop aims to help therapists in managing posture and promoting function and participation for people with complex seating needs.

    Wed 16 November to Thu 17 November
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    Living AT Lab, 20 Frederick Street, Hawthorn
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    Register now (Wheelchair Workshop: Complex Wheelchair Seating)
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    • Technology
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    Wheelchair Workshop: Specialised Manual Wheelchairs

    A masterclass on assessing and prescribing fully configurable manual wheelchairs to optimise function and prevent injury for active users.

    Fri 18 November
    9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
    Living AT Lab, 20 Frederick Street, Hawthorn
    $250
    Register now (Wheelchair Workshop: Specialised Manual Wheelchairs)