W23 - You Have Tried EVERYTHING to Help Your Client Become a Safe and Independent Power Wheelchair Driver…or Have You? The Continuum of Solutions to Facilitate Independent PWC Driving
Workshop
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Clinicians and ATPs often find themselves at a loss when trialing a powered wheelchair in hopes of increasing a client’s functional independence - they have tried “everything”, yet the client continues to struggle with safety, confidence, and proficient driving. Frequently, this results in clients being placed in dependent-based mobility solutions. As clinicians and ATPs, we know the numerous benefits of self-generated mobility - the value of functional independence is immeasurable. In this course, we will explore the continuum of available options that clinicians and ATPs can implement to improve the independence of their clients and provide access to safe and proficient powered wheelchair driving. Working through a checklist, we will examine least to most complex solutions - from positioning to optimize function, potential programming solutions, tracking technology, wheelchair skills training, exploring alternative drive controls, up to the addition of a SMART technology solution.
Learning Objectives:
- List 2 research articles establishing the importance of access to self-generated mobility.
- List 3 objective measures that can be utilized in PWC driving assessments.
- List 3 potential interventions when your client is struggling to drive a powered wheelchair.
- State the most important skill of a powered wheelchair driver