Wheelchair Seating and Positioning - NorCal

Course Description Optimal wheelchair seating and position can significantly impact quality of life and impact the overall risk of medical complications. Improper seating systems can cause pain, pressure injuries, contractures, breathing and swallowing difficulties, and impact participation in activities of daily living (ADLs). Without the optimal wheelchair and necessary supports for positioning, a person's independence can be significantly hindered due to lack of mobility which ultimately leads to an unnecessarily high burden of care on caregivers and professionals working with this population.

This Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Course provides an in depth look at the skills needed to successfully perform wheelchair evaluations, postural evaluations, and durable medical equipment recommendations. Participants will be able to recommend both off-the-shelf and custom durable medical equipment. Additionally, they will be able to evaluate, assess, and document patients’ needs, make equipment modifications, and build professional relationships with wheelchair manufacturers and vendors. Patient case examples will bring the process to life and allow clinicians to make the necessary leap between knowledge and clinical application. This didactic presentation will include but is not limited to: slides, pictures, and videos, live demonstrations, and patient examples. Knowledge acquisition and skill mastery will be assessed via return demonstration, in-session quizzes, thoughtful discussion, and group review of patient cases to enhance clinical application.

Instructors: 

Dr. Isabel Ferreira

Kim Miller, OT