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 38 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 19 years, where she currently focuses on education and consultation. 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 (1st & 2nd eds). Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and a RESNA-certified ATP and SMS. She is also a member of the Clinician Task Force.
Related Courses
1https://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, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comSwitch 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.5928OnlinePT120M
'Very elaborate and detail oriented presentation!'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.
2https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/implementation-aac-in-adult-population-6500Implementation of AAC In The Adult PopulationMaster skills to implement in your practice immediately with Continued Master Class. Implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with adults can be challenging and requires a team approach. Evaluation and implementation must include positioning to optimize function, access to required assistive technology devices, and mounting. This course will highlight many variables and modifications that can optimize AAC access.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comImplementation of AAC In The Adult PopulationMaster skills to implement in your practice immediately with Continued Master Class. Implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with adults can be challenging and requires a team approach. Evaluation and implementation must include positioning to optimize function, access to required assistive technology devices, and mounting. This course will highlight many variables and modifications that can optimize AAC access.6500OnlinePT180M
'good material not often covered in OT courses'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.3 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, 10351; CE Broker/3.0 CE Broker #20-1245604; IACET/0.3; NBCOT PDUs/3.75 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.3 Advanced
Master skills to implement in your practice immediately with Continued Master Class. Implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with adults can be challenging and requires a team approach. Evaluation and implementation must include positioning to optimize function, access to required assistive technology devices, and mounting. This course will highlight many variables and modifications that can optimize AAC access.
3https://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, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comThe 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.4201OnlinePT60M
'I thought this course was more specific to WC positioning itself for how to modify chairsb But still informative if I want to specialize in WC positioning after 1000 hours and the program the seminar discusses'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Advanced, Professional Issues, 12843; 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.
4https://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, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comWheelchair 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.4202OnlinePT60M
'It was practical and I could relate it to many of my patients'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, 12809; 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.
5https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/ot-ceus/course/wheelchair-mobility-optimizing-driving-in-4462Wheelchair Mobility: Optimizing Driving in Power WheelchairsPower wheelchair evaluation determines appropriateness for power wheelchair use and then determines the optimal power wheelchair base, power seating, driving method and other needed components. Optimizing power wheelchair driving is critical to improve outcomes and includes choosing the best drive wheel configuration, utilizing tracking technologies, and programming.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlyOccupationalTherapy.comwww.occupationaltherapy.comWheelchair Mobility: Optimizing Driving in Power WheelchairsPower wheelchair evaluation determines appropriateness for power wheelchair use and then determines the optimal power wheelchair base, power seating, driving method and other needed components. Optimizing power wheelchair driving is critical to improve outcomes and includes choosing the best drive wheel configuration, utilizing tracking technologies, and programming.4462OnlinePT60M
'easy to follow and pertinent information'Read Reviews
AOTA/0.1 Advanced, OT Service Delivery, 13101; 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 #20-748106; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Advanced, Rehabilitation; RESNA/0.1 Advanced
Power wheelchair evaluation determines appropriateness for power wheelchair use and then determines the optimal power wheelchair base, power seating, driving method and other needed components. Optimizing power wheelchair driving is critical to improve outcomes and includes choosing the best drive wheel configuration, utilizing tracking technologies, and programming.
