Introduction

This course explores the technologies that sit between a standard manual wheelchair and a full power chair. These fall into two categories: power assist systems, which amplify the user's own propulsion effort while preserving manual mobility skills, and power add-on systems, which attach to the manual wheelchair and convert it into a powered mobility device. Through this course, you will build the foundational knowledge to recognise when and why each system may be indicated.

Learning outcomes

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

• apply the clinical rationale for prescribing power assist and power add-on systems to client presentations
• differentiate between power assist and power add-on systems, and the device types within each system
• discuss key feature-matching considerations when selecting power assist and power add-on systems for wheelchair users
• relate power assist and power add-on device features to the wheelchair user's ability to participate in the community and activities of daily living

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 1.5 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.