Continuing Education

In this interactive workshop, we will review anatomy, demonstrate key physical assessment skills, and highlight the importance of proper seating and how it affects client health and function. Current and relevant clinical terminology related to client presentations as well as interventions aiming to accommodate or correct postural asymmetries will be discussed and applied in clinical examples.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key anatomical features and their role in the selection of seating components.
2. Assess common physical asymmetries and determine level of intervention required.
3. Understand clinical principles of wheelchair cushion and back support design.
4. Differentiate between properties of seating components and interpret the clinical impact for the user.
5. Explain two examples of how wheelchair positioning affects elements of wheelchair use and user health.

0.3 CEU - IN PERSON ONLY

Frame selection, proper configuration and identifying components as well as seating and positioning devices are only the beginning steps in successfully prescribing a manual wheelchair system. In this presentation, we will do a comprehensive review of sequential vital decisions that need to be made and demonstrate principles using case studies and hands-on activities.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand obligations as a health care and/or sales professional when it comes to mobility and seating prescriptions.
2. Classify three aspects of manual wheelchair design that will influence propulsion efficiency.
3. Describe three key measurements affecting optimal manual wheelchair configuration and how they impact efficiency.
4. Identify 3 options for component selection and explain how they impact function and performance.
5. Assess common physical asymmetries and determine the level of seating intervention required.
6. Justify key features of seating and positioning products which can be applied to certain presentations in collaborative exercise.

0.4 CEU - IN PERSON ONLY

Back supports and cushions rely on understanding anatomy for effective positioning. We will also review current market products, examining components, sizing, materials, and features and how to determine if they align with client needs. Participants will enhance their proficiency in optimizing positioning and develop the confidence to pursue the ideal match between product and client.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Interpret three critical measurements for back support and cushion prescription.
2. Differentiate three properties of back supports and cushions and understand the clinical impact for the client.
3. Explain two examples of how positioning affects elements of wheelchair use and user health.

0.1 CEU

When configuring an ultralight manual wheelchair, significant time and consideration is spent on the base. Accessories are necessities of the seating system to complete the configuration. As professionals, we must educate clients and caregivers on the advantages and disadvantages of each selected component, creating an understanding of how components contribute to overall function and satisfaction.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the therapist/provider role and responsibility in the component selection process of manual wheelchair prescriptions.
2. Acknowledge clinical differences in 3 component selections for functional improvements.
3. Support the client on decision making for upgraded components to improve function and experience.

0.1 CEU

Pediatrics! That one word can bring anxiety and apprehension when preparing for a seating and mobility evaluation. Pediatric clients should not be treated as “little adults”. They have their unique mobility, positioning, and social needs. This course will examine growth patterns and the best ways to “build growth” into the mobility device. Ensuring optimum configuration, we will discuss propulsion training as an essential part of pediatrics’ prescription process.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify one key difference in growth patterns between children with disabilities and typically developing children.
2. Justify two factors, supported by research or empirical evidence, contributing to the increased weight of manual wheelchairs designed for pediatric use compared to those for young adults or adults.
3. Evaluate at least two components that, when appropriately chosen, contribute to reducing the overall weight of both the wheelchair and seating system for pediatric clients.

0.1 CEU

The geriatric client can be easily overlooked as one who could benefit from a custom fitting, ultralightweight, adjustable manual wheelchair. They are too often provided the “basic” wheelchair without much thought. This course with review normal physiological changes that come with aging, and how proper wheelchair seating, base selection, fitting, and set up, can be justified for the geriatric client.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Summarize and explain two musculoskeletal changes that are commonly associated with the normal aging process.
2. Apply knowledge by describing two specific adjustments that can be made to a manual wheelchair to address changes observed in a geriatric client.
3. Explain two justification rationales where the geriatric client would benefit from an ultralightweight wheelchair.

0.1 CEU

Misinformation regarding funding for complex rehab technology can create obstacles for clients and clinicians. This course takes a look at wheelchair funding programs, equipping participants with strategies for success and enhancing overall client outcomes through informed decision-making.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate between two distinctions in Medicare K codes for the prescription of manual wheelchairs.
2. Evaluate and articulate three clinical prerequisites for an individual to qualify for a K0005 manual wheelchair within the Medicare funding system.
3. Compile a list of three essential justification criteria for the K0005 code in the prescription of manual wheelchairs.

0.1 CEU - USA ONLY

Often, shower commode chairs are perceived as an off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all device. In this course, we will look at the person and identify key areas where customizing a mobile shower commode chair can maximize client outcomes. Including maintaining skin integrity, reinforcing appropriate positioning, identifying key anatomical landmarks, taking accurate measurements of the client, and identifying the ideal features required to optimize function.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize three measurements essential for recommending a mobile shower commode chair.
2. Explain how pressure distribution changes in seating when adjustments are implemented, illustrating two distinct methods.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify three functional activities that are carried out when utilizing a mobile shower commode chair.

0.1 CEU - CANADA ONLY

In this course, examine wheelchair frame design and materials that affect client outcomes. When selecting an appropriate manual wheelchair, it is easy to get lost in the features and benefits of the latest product. Once overwhelmed, many surrender to their usual routine. Focus on the form and function of the wheelchair to ensure client needs are being met.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze and categorize two factors regarding frame structure that impact manual wheelchair performance.
2. Recognize and classify the three most common materials used in fabricating wheelchair frames.
3. Apply knowledge by recalling two basic parameters of the International Organization of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) testing for manual wheelchairs.

0.1 CEU

Define and examine center of gravity as it relates to manual wheelchair configuration. Review evidence related to configuration and optimal manual wheelchair performance. Explore the impact of vertical and horizontal axle position changes on end user function, safety, and upper extremity health.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the optimal rear wheel position for a manual wheelchair based on research and the client’s upper extremity static position.
2. Evaluate the impact of three manual wheelchair configuration changes on the center of gravity.
3. Synthesize information to discuss two safety strategies associated with a more forward rear wheel.

0.1 CEU

Assess the roles of clinician, end user, configuration, tools, and education in maximizing propulsion efficiency. Explore the effects of propulsion on upper extremity health, functional independence, and safety. Utilize objective measures to qualify and quantify efficiency to begin incorporating propulsion into treatment plans.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate three aspects of manual wheelchair design and configuration that will influence propulsion efficiency.
2. Analyze three key points of manual wheelchair configuration and their impact on propulsion efficiency.
3. Implement two techniques to assess manual wheelchair propulsion on level surfaces.

0.1 CEU

What effect does manual wheelchair weight have on the user? In this course, consider clinical evidence and best practice guidelines supporting the goals of cutting weight and improving efficiency through frame material, accessories, and configuration. Explore decisions made during ordering and configuring a wheelchair that can have lasting effects on client function, independence, and safety.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the evidence of the physical and social implications of manual wheelchair weight on the end user.
2. Analyze two mechanisms through which the wheelchair frame influences the total weight of a manual wheelchair.
3. Contrast how three components can be prescribed differently, reducing the overall weight of manual wheelchairs.

0.1 CEU

There are many elements which 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 highlight key points which lead to successful prescriptions as well as client satisfaction, decreasing risk of equipment abandonment.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate between client goals and those of other stakeholders, and effectively integrate them when prescribing wheelchairs and seating.
2. Identify and uphold obligations as health care and/or sales professionals in the realm of mobility and seating prescriptions.
3. Implement practical strategies within their daily practice to enhance the client-centered prescription process for wheelchairs and seating.

0.1 CEU

Measuring for a manual wheelchair is a detailed, personalized process that can ultimately result in client satisfaction or equipment abandonment. Explore formal and informal assessments used to collect information needed to complete wheelchair order forms. Consider how clinical judgements impact client outcomes.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and apply three key measurements for manual wheelchair set-up, correlating them with order form specifications.
2. Analyze the effects of implementing the three key measurements on client outcomes.
3. List three techniques for client measurements, prioritizing methods that enhance performance and functionality.

0.1 CEU

Cambered wheels are most often associated with adapted sports, however, some of the best candidates do not even participate in sports. Often overlooked, there are populations of wheelchair users, outside of wheelchair sports, who would greatly benefit from cambered wheels on their daily chairs. In this presentation, we will explore special considerations for gender and age, biomechanical benefits, limitations, and applications of cambered rear wheels on ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Recall and list three benefits associated with the use of cambered rear wheels on a manual wheelchair.
2. Identify and articulate three limitations associated with cambered rear wheels on a manual wheelchair.
3. Apply knowledge of two specific populations, excluding wheelchair athletes, that can experience biomechanical benefits from the use of cambered wheels on their daily wheelchair.

0.1 CEU

This course covers wheelchair seating assessment, focusing on optimal postural alignment, key physical assessment skills, and the impact of seating on function and health. Participants will explore postural asymmetries of the trunk and pelvis and apply seating interventions for postural correction or accommodation through clinical examples and case studies. 

Course Objectives: 

By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 

1. Discuss three clinical implications of optimal postural alignment on the wheelchair user’s function.​
2. Assess three common postural asymmetries and determine the level of intervention required.​
3. Determine three appropriate seating interventions for spinal asymmetries to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.​