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Headrest Recommendations

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

May 15, 2013

Question

Do you ever recommend headrests for different settings or activities?

Answer

I usually only recommend one headrest as payor sources will normally only pay for one.  However, there might be times that a different headrest may help increase support, function, or participation. For instance, a client my need support during transportation, but may need a more dynamic headrest for a school/work setting.  You will need to document these differences in order to secure the necessary funding.


michelle lange

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

Switch Assessment: Determining Optimal Switch Type And Placement
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Course: #5928Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'Very elaborate and detail oriented presentation!'   Read Reviews
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.

Secondary Supports: It’s All In The Angles!
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Course: #6111Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'The information was so clearly displayed on the slides that I can refer back to them and know what they are saying'   Read Reviews
Wheelchair seating systems often include secondary supports including pelvic belts, anterior trunk supports, and ankle straps. This course will explore secondary supports and appropriate clinical applications, as well as what to do when secondary supports are required, and team members have restraint concerns. Case studies will be included.

Wheelchair Seating For The Pediatric Population
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Course: #5907Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'very informative about the pediatric wheelchair seating'   Read Reviews
Pediatric seating and mobility equipment are not simply smaller than equipment designed for adults. This course will present the importance of pediatric positioning, clinical considerations, how to determine if a child is positioned adequately, as well as alternative positioning. A detailed case study will pull all the information together in a practical way.

Computer and Tablet Access
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Course: #5140Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Very well organized'   Read Reviews
This course will present a hierarchy of computer and tablet access options for clients unable to use standard access, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch screen. Access assessment requires analysis of motor skills, vision, cognition, and functional applications. Alternative keyboards and mice will be presented, as well as other alternative access options.

Manual Wheelchair Mobility: Self-propulsion
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Course: #5206Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'I'm really enjoying expanding my knowledge on this topic'   Read Reviews
Most manual wheelchairs are designed for self-propulsion and fall into categories. This course will systematically explore each category with clinical indicators, as well as optimal frame configuration to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury.