Little Bodies on the Move - Supported Standing and Gait for Complex Clients

This is a full-day intermediate-level workshop, having an in-depth look at mobility support in standing and walking for children and young people with moderate to complex needs.

We will start with a brief review of the typical development of motor control and posture, highlighting the importance of early intervention and then explore what the up-to-date evidence says about the benefits and uses of supported standing and walking.

The challenges of assessment for mobility support and choosing the most appropriate equipment option for these little (and not so little) bodies will be addressed.

We will then take a look at the options available and discuss making and justifying clinical choices in scripting.

The opportunity to be hands-on with a wide range of equipment options will be provided, aimed at building confidence and understanding of when these solutions may be clinically indicated.

KEY LEARNING AREAS

• Why do we use standers and gait trainers for complex clients?
• Key assessment parameters for making choices in supported standing and walking equipment.
• Choice-making in scripting option decisions for standing and walking equipment.
• What equipment options are available for supported standing and walking?
• Programmes for standing and walking - the 24-hour picture.
• Applying knowledge to case studies.

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

SPEICAL GUEST PRESENTERS:

The workshop will be presented by Jacinta Maurin of Sunrise Medical and Mellinda Fitzgerald of APEX Mobility.

Jacinta Maurin brings over 25 years of experience in the assistive technology industry to the Sunrise Clinical Hub team. As a Physiotherapist, she supports the Postural Care and Paediatric product portfolio for Sunrise Medical. Jacinta specialises in complex postural management and 24-hour postural care, having held various roles in the field. She is passionate about helping children and families achieve their goals and finding solutions to support them.

Mellinda Fitzgerald is an experienced Physiotherapist of 24+ years with a strong paediatric and disability focus throughout her career. Mellinda joined APEX Mobility in May 2023 as a Clinical Educator, focusing on education in the AT and disability sector where, through clinical education, she aims to continue to help people young and old, together with their families, achieve their goals and live their best life.