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.

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.

This course will present alternate manual wheelchair drive mechanisms, including non-powered and powered options to increase manual wheelchair efficiency and decrease pain and injury risk. These drive mechanisms increase the force of each handrim stroke for increased travel as well as force to overcome slopes and uneven terrain.

This course will present an appropriate configuration of ultralight manual wheelchairs to optimize self-propulsion efficiency. Increased efficiency decreases the risk of repetitive stress injuries and pain, as well as improves function.

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 only sit with the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-dependent’ sitter.

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 only sit with external supports, referred to as a prop sitter.

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.

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.

This course summarizes research to date on smart wheelchairs, describing smart wheelchair components and functions and how smart wheelchairs can help increase driving safety and independence of powered wheelchair users. The course also describes limitations to current research, gaps in wheelchair assessment and training, and design and ethical considerations for smart wheelchairs. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

A key component of wheelchair seating evaluation is the mat assessment. This course will present the mat assessment, including supine and sitting, and will include case studies and videos.