Conference Event Schedule

EDUCATION SESSIONS

WORKSHOP BLOCK A (75 MINUTES)  Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022  • 9:45 – 11 a.m. 

W1 – CLINICAL WORKSHOP Get Them Out of Their Chairs – The Benefits of a MAT Assessment

The MAT assessment, also called the physical evaluation, is part of the comprehensive seating and mobility assessment. Coupled with the information obtained from the interview and functional assessment, the MAT assessment will guide the recommendation and selection of products designed to support the wheelchair user. During this session, participants will be introduced to the importance of conducting a MAT assessment, including how to, basic principles, and strategies on this key component of the wheelchair assessment process.    Presented by: Andree Gauthier OT Reg. (Ont.) 

W2 – CLINICAL WORKSHOP Using Pressure Mapping in Mobile Shower Commode Chair Assessments 

Pressure mapping is used as part of comprehensive seating and mobility assessments. In this workshop, we will explore the use of pressure mapping in assessment of mobile shower commode chairs. The workshop will begin with a review of evidence on pressure mapping in seating, and a discussion on current best practice guidelines and protocols. The unique aspects of seating in mobile shower commode chairs, and implications for pressure mapping interpretation, will be discussed. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to work hands on with pressure mapping systems, and to explore and discuss clinical assessments of seating postures, activities, and chair features. 

Presented by: Jessica Presperin Pedersen, OTD, OTR/L, MBA 

W3 – PARTNER WORKSHOP Adjustable Seat Angles – Optimizing MRADLs and Propulsion 

This hands-on workshop will review principles involved in wheelchair performance, with an emphasis on the potential clinical benefits of adjustable seat angles. These benefits include postural control, aid in transfers and transitions, and how seat angle can impact varying means of propulsion—beyond conventional bilateral upper extremity propulsion. After reviewing the relevant clinical principles and evidence supporting them, participants will have the opportunity to perform adjustments and experience how setup and component choice affect performance. Correlations will be made to basic concepts that underlie the optimization of wheelchair setup for individual needs. 

Presented by: Deborah L. Pucci, PT, MPT  and Bill Randall 

*Exhibitor Workshop, not eligible for Continuing Education Units 

W4 – CLINICAL WORKSHOP Screening and Assessment Approaches to Identify Functional Vision Loss in Seniors During Mobility Aid Assessments 

Concurrent impairments in mobility and vision are prevalent in the aging population. Additionally, ambulation difficulties and falls are impacted by vision loss from age-related eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Community-dwelling older adults frequently require mobility aids. Clinicians providing assessment for mobility aids require tools to ensure that clients have adequate vision for safe mobility aid use; however, they may not have access to medical documentation on vision status. This workshop identifies screening and assessment approaches to enable clinicians to determine functional vision loss to guide mobility aid prescription. Time will be provided for clinicians to practice with the screening tools demonstrated during the workshop.    Presented by: Linda S. Petty, MSc OT, O.T. Reg. (Ont.), AT Services 

W5 – CLINICAL WORKSHOPS Blind Spot Sensors for Wheelchairs: From Research to Market

Powered wheelchairs can improve independence, mobility, and quality of life for those who are unable to walk or self-propel manual wheelchairs. However, safe operation of powered wheelchairs can be challenging. In this workshop, we will explore research conducted for over a decade at universities across Canada on “smart” wheelchairs that can enhance safety. We will discuss key findings from this research, study limitations, and ethical considerations. We will also highlight examples (including live demos) of commercially available systems that can increase safe and independent mobility. Finally, we will share case studies and preliminary study findings with a blind spot sensor system. Our study has shown that in controlled settings, experienced older adult users (N=10) are more able to accurately and quickly detect objects behind their wheelchair with the addition of a blind spot sensor system compared to the control condition with no sensor at all. The data also provides some insight into further service support necessary in order to increase longer-term system use with the older adult sample population, and the characteristics of users who may benefit most from sensor use. The findings of this study, as well as future studies, can prevent undue exclusion from powered wheelchair use or extend the period of use by current users by providing alternative solutions for safe and independent mobility. Presented by: Pooja Viswanathan, Post-Doctoral Fellow, CEO and Rosalie Wang, Associate Professor, OT Reg. (Ont.)

W6 – CLINICAL WORKSHOP Power Up! A Clinical and Functional Review of Power Add-On

Looking beyond a manual wheelchair user’s daily traditional and essential method of mobility through propulsion can be critical in reducing potential repetitive strain shoulder injuries. During this workshop, we will review how to take the wheelchair prescription beyond its typical four wheels by adding power assist devices to significantly impact client quality of life and function. We will consider assessment criteria, implications of front, rear, and mid-drive assist products, as well as the wheelchair prescription and setup factors that may impact overall use and safety. The impact of material choices of the wheelchair frame and components, as well as the distribution of weight of the entire seating and mobility system, will be discussed.  Presented by: Sheila Buck, B.Sc.(OT), Reg. OT (Ont.), ATP Occupational Therapist, Therapy Now and Brenlee Mogul-Rotman, OT Reg. (Ont.), ATP/SMS, Permobil Canada