Enabling independence through Power Wheelchairs & Alternate Drive Controls

The function of clients with reduced motor function can be improved through appropriate power wheelchair prescription and programming. This course will improve your confidence in the assessment process and allow you to create a strategy for effective and efficient prescription of more complex power wheelchairs. We'll include programming ideas to maximise safety and function as well as introduce alternate drive controls and what they can offer your clients. We'll have an opportunity to trial and understand arrays, chin controls and micro joysticks.

KEY LEARNING AREAS:

• Create strategies for the assessment and prescription of more complex power wheelchairs
• Increase awareness of the types of alternative drive controls available
• Define the needed client characteristics that would be required for the common alternate drive controls.

Certificates and CPD points will be provided. Morning tea and Lunch will be provided.

SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER:

The workshop will be presented by Amy Bjornson (BS, MPT, ATP, SMS, Physiotherapist), the Director of Clinical Education - Asia Pacific, at Sunrise Medical Australia and Charlie Fisher.

Amy Bjornson trained as a Physical Therapist in the United States, Amy has over 20 years’ experience working with the adult and paediatric neurologic populations, with specialties in the treatment of spinal cord injury, and evaluation and provision of assistive technology for clients with physical challenges. She was the director of the Seating and Mobility Clinic in Boston, MA USA and provided consultation services to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Based in Sydney, Amy currently develops and implements national and international training programs on using Assistive Technology to enhance inclusion, health and well-being in those with physical disabilities. She also serves in a marketing and product management role for Sunrise Medical Australia.

Charlie Fisher has a wealth of experience working with clients who require complex seating and mobility assistive technology. He worked for over 6 years with a supplier in New Zealand working in the pediatric space, setting up complex standers and postural equipment as well as with Adults providing both manual and power wheelchairs. He has a huge passion for helping clients live their best lives and realises that good seating and mobility technology can make a huge difference to a client’s life.