How do I decide on wheelchair seating for a client?
Answer
There is a wide array of seating products on the market. We have only touched on some of them. It is imperative to first evaluate the client to determine their needs. That narrows down the possible seating products that we are even going to consider. If you have tried 20 cushions with the client, chances are you need to go back to the drawing board and clarify the seating parameters. We should have narrowed down the field quite a bit by the time we are ready to consider any specific materials. We need to keep in mind the seating system category, the primary and secondary supports and the materials that are being used.
Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA-certified ATP and SMS.
Related Courses
1https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/continued-conversations-ce-podcast-top-4610Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: The Top Ten Mistakes Clinicians Make During Seating and Mobility EvaluationsThis podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!auditory
'Everything discussed made it Excellent'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Introductory, OT Service Delivery; CE Broker/1.0 Home Study, General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-769118; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Beginner, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Introductory
This podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!
2https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/wheelchair-mobility-power-alternative-driving-4363Wheelchair Mobility: Power Wheelchair Alternative Driving MethodsWhile some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.auditory, textual, visual
'Well described the electric wheelchair and it's part by the instructor'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery; CE Broker/2.0 Home Study, General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-746906; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.2 Advanced
While some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.
3https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/switch-assessment-determining-optimal-type-5928Switch Assessment: Determining Optimal Switch Type And PlacementAn access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.auditory, textual, visual
'Michelle Lange is always a great instructor! She’s so knowledgeable and I love her teaching style with lots of videos and photos'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.2 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, 06648; CE Broker/2.0 General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-1041668; IACET/0.2; NBCOT PDUs/2.5 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.2 Advanced
An access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.
4https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/seating-and-mobility-specialist-sms-4201The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) Certification: An OverviewThe Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification recognizes competence in assessment and intervention. This course will cover what this certification is, who the SMS is designed for, why it was developed, why the SMS may be beneficial to a clinician and how to acquire this certification.auditory, textual, visual
AOTA/0.1 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, Professional Issues; CE Broker/1.0 Home Study, General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Professional/Health Care Related (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-716748; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Advanced
The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification recognizes competence in assessment and intervention. This course will cover what this certification is, who the SMS is designed for, why it was developed, why the SMS may be beneficial to a clinician and how to acquire this certification.
5https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/wheelchair-seating-considerations-for-hands-4202Wheelchair Seating: Considerations for the Hands-Free SitterWheelchair seating is designed to provide postural support and alignment, stability for function and mitigate pressure issues. This course will address assessment and intervention when working with a client who can sit without the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-free’ sitter.auditory, textual, visual
'Good review of seating options and case study was good'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Advanced, OT Service Delivery; CE Broker/1.0 Home Study, General (FL), Patient Related (AL), General Continuing Education (GA), Direct Client/patient Services In Occupational Therapy (SC), Related To OT (AZ), Related To OT (LA), Directly Related To OT (MS), Directly Related To OT (TN), CE Broker #20-718234; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Advanced
Wheelchair seating is designed to provide postural support and alignment, stability for function and mitigate pressure issues. This course will address assessment and intervention when working with a client who can sit without the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-free’ sitter.
