APT Free Seminar - Manual and Power Mobility Solutions
Mulgrave Country Club, Cnr Wellington Rd & Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
This intermediate level program is designed for practicing clinicians (occupational therapists, physiotherapists), rehab technicians, and equipment suppliers who provide and prescribe wheelchairs and seating products – with a special focus on individuals who work with clients with Spinal Cord Injury or progressive disorders.
Morning Session: Manual Wheelchair Fitting
This course will address recommendations in the guidelines that directly relate to the importance of properly fitting the wheelchair to the person – a customised fit to the unique measurements and needs of the individual. How an individual sits and fits in the wheelchair is a key predictor of safety, comfort, and independence, and, over the long term, will impact the likelihood of secondary injuries. The course will review fitting techniques across all dimensions (length, width, and height, wheelbase, functional footprint) and will include specific examples of setting front and rear seat height, frame depth, and seat width. Computer generated models will be used to provide concrete demonstrations of poor vs. proper fitting. Additionally, material properties of the wheelchair frame will be reviewed and hands-on time with the equipment will be provided.
Afternoon Session: Powered Mobility Technologies and Innovations
Power seating is often prescribed to manage the risk of pressure ulcers, a potentially serious complication for individuals who use wheelchairs. This course will review the current evidence for power seat functions, as well as demonstrate emerging technologies for improving health outcomes for power seat functions. Time will be allotted for audience participation, discussion, and equipment demonstration.
Presenter: Magdalena Love, OTR, ATP
Permobil
Magdalena received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from University of Florida. Following a specialty affiliation as a research assistant at the National Institute of Health (NIH), she worked as an OT in the New York School system and at an outpatient paediatric clinic. In 2011, she went on to hold an OT position at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston, TX on both the Brain Injury then the Spinal Cord Injury/Specialty Rehab team. Magdalena was actively involved in seating and mobility clinics during her career at TIRR. She currently works for Permobil as Clinical Education Specialist, is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), and an active member of AOTA and RESNA. In 2016, Magdalena relocated to Sydney to assume the role of Clinical Education Specialist for Permobil in the Australia & New Zealand regions.
Morning Tea and Lunch is provided. Please email training@aidacare.com.au if you have any dietary requirements.
