COURSE DESCRIPTION: Assistive technology features embedded in power wheelchair electronics play a crucial role in communication, function, access, and community. However, while forms of this technology have been available for years, recently there has been both a growing awareness of the relationship between...
Education Level: Intermediate
State PT Credits: This course has been approved by the American Physical Therapy Association of Arkansas for 0.1 CEU/1 CCU
AOTA Category: OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge CEU(s)/Contact Hour(s) 0.1 AOTA CEUs/1 contact hour
Instructional method: Recorded on-line asynchronous lecture with supporting video demonstration.
Assistive technology features embedded in power wheelchair electronics play a crucial role in communication, function, access, and community. However, while forms of this technology have been available for years, recently there has been both a growing awareness of the relationship between technosocial and wheelchair seating and mobility goals and a greater emphasis by wheelchair manufacturers looking to expand the capabilities of their products and compatibility with consumer technologies
This presentation will cover essential aspects of the wheelchair provision process in the context of assistive technology integration. There will be special emphasis placed on creating an optimal match between individuals and their technology through an individualized needs-based assessment that includes consideration of access methods for controls and switches, power wheelchair electronics capability and compatibility, and seating and positioning.
Participants will gain practical knowledge of various technology access methods including infrared control, Bluetooth connectivity for mouse emulation and switch control, and Environmental Control Unit applications. Setup examples of phone, tablet, and computer access will be used to highlight some of the key considerations when transitioning between internal wheelchair technology and external device access.
More Information
Course Outline
Minutes
Topic
5
Introduction / Overview/ Review Course Objectives
10
Wireless technologies overview
20
How to set-up wireless technologies on power wheelchairs
20
Case examples of high-tech, mid-tech, and low-tech wireless solutions
5
Summary/ Sharing helpful resources
Who Enrolls
This program is designed for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Assistive Technology Professionals, and Medical Suppliers/Providers
Instructor Information
Sarah Lusto PT, MSPT, ATC, ATP is a physical therapist and the Regional Clinical Education Manager for Permobil in the Mountain Region. Prior to joining Permobil in 2021, Sarah worked at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation where she gained extensive experience in neuro rehabilitation. At Kessler, she served as the inpatient wheelchair team lead and a member of the outpatient wheelchair clinic. She has lectured for numerous Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Medical Residency Programs and was a faculty member for Kessler’s PT Neuroresidency program. She has also presented at ASCIP and the International Seating Symposium. Sarah is a current member of RESNA and the APTA Assistive Technology/Seating & Wheeled Mobility SIG. You can contact Sarah at sarah.lusto@permobil.com
