Introduction

Wheelchair provision is more than selecting a chair from a catalogue. It requires clinicians to understand a broad landscape of equipment, from basic mobility aids available off the shelf through to highly individualised complex rehabilitation technology configured for a single user. This course provides a high-level overview of the primary categories of wheelchair and seating systems, establishing the foundational vocabulary and clinical reasoning that subsequent courses build upon.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• determine whether General Mobility Equipment (GME) or Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) is appropriate for a given client presentation
• identify appropriate seating system components (cushions, back supports, positioning components) for a given client presentation
• differentiate between the primary categories of manual wheelchairs, power assist and add-on systems, and power wheelchairs

Target audience

This course is aimed at physical therapists/physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and assistive technology professionals (including clinicians, assistants, and students). We also welcome recreation therapists, athletic trainers, nurses, physicians, and any other healthcare professionals interested in mastering this subject.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.4 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Financial Relationships Disclosure: Angie Kiger is currently employed by Permobil, a global manufacturer of seating and wheeled mobility equipment. The content of this course relates to all assistive technology of which wheelchairs and seating equipment are considered. However, the content of this course does not promote or represent any specific brand or product.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.