ULTIMATE ACTIVEWEAR
Power Mobility Summit: A Clinician Education Day (Brisbane)
Power Mobility Summit: A Clinician Education Day
Join us for a dynamic summit tailored to meet the needs of both newer and experienced prescribers of powered mobility. We’re bringing together leading presenters from across the industry to share current developments and the wealth of their experience. This summit is a must-attend for clinicians prescribing power wheelchairs, with topics including the assessment process, power seat functions, power for paediatric users, access and control methods, navigating competing goals and needs, off-road power wheelchairs, as well as positioning the user for success.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from our lineup of industry experts who will share their insights and experiences, tips for powered mobility assessment and prescription, and strategies to identify individualised solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with renowned specialists, gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art power wheelchairs, and network with like-minded professionals.
With two specialised streams, there’s something for everyone looking to deepen their expertise in powered wheelchair prescription. Whether you’re an experienced therapist or new to the field, this summit will empower you to provide the best possible solutions for your clients.
When:
Where:
Cost:
Wednesday 31st January 2024
8.30am – 4.30pm
GTK Brisbane, 2/12 Torres Crescent, North Lakes QLD 4509
$80
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
Stream 1 : For newer prescribers
8.30am – 9am : Registration and welcome
9am: Starting the Powered Mobility Journey
As a clinician new to the world of prescribing powered wheelchairs, it can be challenging to find your footing. You’ll come away with newfound confidence in prescribing powered wheelchairs. In this workshop, we’ll help you navigate the various domains of assessment to be addressed when considering powered mobility for a participant, including areas such as cognition, upper limb function and functional mobility. Our discussions will revolve around the development of functional and community engagement goals while keeping safety at the forefront.
Furthermore, we’ll explore guiding users in mastering the control of a power wheelchair, enhancing their independence at home, during transportation, and within the community. We’ll look at outcome measures to ensure best outcomes for participants during prescription, provision and ongoing use of the powered wheelchair.
Kate comes from an occupational therapy background, with two decades of experience in varied settings, specialising in wheelchair seating and positioning. She has followed the evolution of wheelchair seating theory and practice, and enjoys bringing the latest research to therapists practicing in the field.
Kate is also an enthusiastic proponent of posture care over the 24 hour time period, through the lifespan, sharing the appreciation that positioning outside of the wheelchair is just as important as postural alignment in mobility devices.
Kate is passionate about sharing her skills and experiences with therapists, to build their confidence in postural assessment and prescription of wheelchairs and seating. Kate enjoys presenting at larger clinical education events and inservices for therapy groups, as well as supporting therapists with complex postural assessments and equipment prescription
10.45am: Power to the People: So Many Options and Considerations
- Selecting a suitable base to cover personal and environmental needs
- Funding considerations – what features are necessary rather than desirable
- Considerations, compromises and being confident in your advice
Trained as a Physical Therapist in the United States, Amy has over 20 years’ experience working with the adult and paediatric neurologic populations, with specialties in the treatment of spinal cord injury, and evaluation and provision of assistive technology for clients with physical challenges. She was the director of the Seating and Mobility Clinic in Boston, MA USA and provided consultation services to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Based in Sydney, Amy currently develops and implements national and international training programs on using Assistive Technology to enhance inclusion, health, and well-being in those with physical disabilities. She also serves a product improvement and development role for Sunrise Medical, Australia.
Amy is a dynamic speaker who has lectured extensively on seating and mobility. She has also traveled to several developing countries, learning and sharing information with their medical communities.
Amy received her ATP certification in 1995, SMS certification in 2015 and Australian Physiotherapy certification in 2018. She is an active member of Wheelchairs for Humanity and Health Volunteers Overseas.
Amy focuses on providing sound solutions that create positive results, even in challenging environments. She consistently implements innovative ideas focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities
1pm: Clinical Considerations for Anterior Tilt: Quantum Rehab’s TB4
Anterior tilt is a valuable tool in optimising seating and positioning for individuals with mobility challenges. Clinicians will explore the impact of anterior tilt to facilitate function reach, assist with postural control, pressure distribution, and functional independence. Key points of discussion will encompass the selection of the optimal degree of anterior tilt, patient-specific needs, and potential contraindications. Practical insights into fine-tuning anterior tilt for improved comfort, pressure relief, and daily activities will be shared. By the end of this session, clinicians will be equipped to better tailor their approach to scripting anterior tilt to enhance the quality of life for their wheelchair-dependent clients.
Andrew Lopez – Product Specialist & Clinical Educator (BOccThy)
Andrew Lopez is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in Complex Seating and Wheelchair Prescription. He earned his Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Western Sydney University. Over the last five years, Andrew has established himself as a leading Assistive Technology specialist, with a strong emphasis on optimizing seating and mobility outcomes. His unwavering dedication to his profession is exemplified through his passion for enhancing the independence of wheelchair users and his commitment to client and family-centric objectives. Andrew’s recent career advancement has led him to join Quantum Australia as a Product Specialist and Clinical Educator for NSW, where he can share his passion in educating others in the realm of wheelchairs and seating.
Kathleen Sodder – Product Specialist & Clinical Educator (BOccThy)
Kathleen is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with a true passion for making a difference. Kathleen has gained experience through her years of working as a clinician in various settings, such as Aged Care, Rehabilitation, Home Modifications and Wheelchair Prescription in the community. For several years, she worked as a Wheelchair and Seating Specialist for a supplier, scripting Complex and Custom Wheelchairs across Australia. This led to roles in leadership and experience in facilitating Clinical Education amongst large therapy groups and events. What truly sets Kathleen apart is her personal connection to Cerebral Palsy. Through her beloved brother’s journey with this condition, Kathleen has gained a deep insight into the challenges that families face with AT Prescription and the profound impact that education and information can have on their lives. Kathleen is motivated to empower therapists in their skills of clinical reasoning and is dedicated to finding positive outcomes for end users and their families.
Rolf Vogelbusch – Technical and Product Specialist QLD, NT and WA
Rolf is a highly experienced Product Specialist with over 20 years of dedicated service, spanning the vast expanse of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. Rolf’s role extends far beyond conventional sales; he’s the go-to expert for troubleshooting technical challenges, complex power wheelchair configurations, and scripting alternate drive control systems. Rolf’s mission is to help clients in all corners of the country achieve maximum independence and achieve their goals for daily living. With decades in the industry, Rolf has spent time promoting and building rapport with Therapist Communities and developing Dealer Networks across the country. His role also involves support with Q-Logic and Product Training.
2.45pm: Powered Mobility for Infants and young children – it isn’t as scary as you think.
In this session we will look at the importance of independent movement and the reciprocal learning that occurs when a child is able to interact with people, the environment and activities. Mobility at an early stage in life aids in the development of functional activities including play, and critical changes occur during development when a child can move in a self-directed way. Best practice and tools to assist your assessment process which can be used by the entire team to set up powered mobility for success and will be explored in this session to assist in implementation and prescription.
Roseanna Tegel joined Permobil in May 2023 as a Clinical Services Specialist. She graduated from Western Sydney University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy and received the Prize in Undergraduate Occupational Therapy for Overall Achievement and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance scholarship.
Roseanna began working at residential aged care facilities where her understanding of the need for suitable, person-centred equipment commenced. From there, she transitioned to work in community disability and quickly developed an interest for complex seating and mobility outcomes to benefit both the end user and wider network. She then stepped into a Team Leader role due to her passion for learning and best practice; supporting the Occupational Therapists with their own clinical needs and outcomes, and progressed to also provide external supervision to Occupational Therapists.
Roseanna is motivated to support clinicians with their confidence and clinical reasoning allowing them to provide the best outcome for each individual user. Outside of work, Roseanna enjoys time with her dog, playing the ‘cello, horse riding and aerial sports.
Stream 2 : For experienced prescribers
8.30am – 9am : Registration and welcome
9am: Achieving Compromise: Navigating client, environment and prescriber goals
The challenge and goal for therapists when evaluating for an appropriate Power Wheelchair is knowing what technology will enable maximum independence for our more complex clients.
The session will take a holistic approach to the assessment and prescription of power wheelchairs , we’ll provide assessment strategies to navigate the competing issues and motivations – allowing successful outcomes for all parties involved – client, family , funder and prescriber. A general knowledge and experience level is assumed for this course
Trained as a Physical Therapist in the United States, Amy has over 20 years’ experience working with the adult and paediatric neurologic populations, with specialties in the treatment of spinal cord injury, and evaluation and provision of assistive technology for clients with physical challenges. She was the director of the Seating and Mobility Clinic in Boston, MA USA and provided consultation services to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Based in Sydney, Amy currently develops and implements national and international training programs on using Assistive Technology to enhance inclusion, health, and well-being in those with physical disabilities. She also serves a product improvement and development role for Sunrise Medical, Australia.
Amy is a dynamic speaker who has lectured extensively on seating and mobility. She has also traveled to several developing countries, learning and sharing information with their medical communities.
Amy received her ATP certification in 1995, SMS certification in 2015 and Australian Physiotherapy certification in 2018. She is an active member of Wheelchairs for Humanity and Health Volunteers Overseas.
Amy focuses on providing sound solutions that create positive results, even in challenging environments. She consistently implements innovative ideas focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities.
10.45am: Alternate Controls – An ‘Alternate’ Route to Independence
Andrew Lopez – Product Specialist & Clinical Educator (BOccThy)
Andrew Lopez is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in Complex Seating and Wheelchair Prescription. He earned his Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Western Sydney University. Over the last five years, Andrew has established himself as a leading Assistive Technology specialist, with a strong emphasis on optimizing seating and mobility outcomes. His unwavering dedication to his profession is exemplified through his passion for enhancing the independence of wheelchair users and his commitment to client and family-centric objectives. Andrew’s recent career advancement has led him to join Quantum Australia as a Product Specialist and Clinical Educator for NSW, where he can share his passion in educating others in the realm of wheelchairs and seating.
Kathleen Sodder – Product Specialist & Clinical Educator (BOccThy)
Kathleen is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist with a true passion for making a difference. Kathleen has gained experience through her years of working as a clinician in various settings, such as Aged Care, Rehabilitation, Home Modifications and Wheelchair Prescription in the community. For several years, she worked as a Wheelchair and Seating Specialist for a supplier, scripting Complex and Custom Wheelchairs across Australia. This led to roles in leadership and experience in facilitating Clinical Education amongst large therapy groups and events. What truly sets Kathleen apart is her personal connection to Cerebral Palsy. Through her beloved brother’s journey with this condition, Kathleen has gained a deep insight into the challenges that families face with AT Prescription and the profound impact that education and information can have on their lives. Kathleen is motivated to empower therapists in their skills of clinical reasoning and is dedicated to finding positive outcomes for end users and their families.
Rolf Vogelbusch – Technical and Product Specialist QLD, NT and WA
Rolf is a highly experienced Product Specialist with over 20 years of dedicated service, spanning the vast expanse of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. Rolf’s role extends far beyond conventional sales; he’s the go-to expert for troubleshooting technical challenges, complex power wheelchair configurations, and scripting alternate drive control systems. Rolf’s mission is to help clients in all corners of the country achieve maximum independence and achieve their goals for daily living. With decades in the industry, Rolf has spent time promoting and building rapport with Therapist Communities and developing Dealer Networks across the country. His role also involves support with Q-Logic and Product Training.
1pm: Putting the FUNCTION in Power Seat Functions.
Roseanna Tegel joined Permobil in May 2023 as a Clinical Services Specialist. She graduated from Western Sydney University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy and received the Prize in Undergraduate Occupational Therapy for Overall Achievement and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance scholarship.
Roseanna began working at residential aged care facilities where her understanding of the need for suitable, person-centred equipment commenced. From there, she transitioned to work in community disability and quickly developed an interest for complex seating and mobility outcomes to benefit both the end user and wider network. She then stepped into a Team Leader role due to her passion for learning and best practice; supporting the Occupational Therapists with their own clinical needs and outcomes, and progressed to also provide external supervision to Occupational Therapists.
Roseanna is motivated to support clinicians with their confidence and clinical reasoning allowing them to provide the best outcome for each individual user. Outside of work, Roseanna enjoys time with her dog, playing the ‘cello, horse riding and aerial sports.
2.45pm: Unlocking new horizons: Escaping the Footpath
Join us for an exciting workshop session dedicated to off-road wheelchairs, specially designed to unlock new horizons of accessibility. Leave the concrete behind as we delve into the world of wheelchairs built to conquer grassy fields, navigate rugged bush trails, explore sandy shores, and more.
Join us in discovering the freedom of off-road wheelchairs, where no path is too challenging to explore!
Kate comes from an occupational therapy background, with two decades of experience in varied settings, specialising in wheelchair seating and positioning. She has followed the evolution of wheelchair seating theory and practice, and enjoys bringing the latest research to therapists practicing in the field.
Kate is also an enthusiastic proponent of posture care over the 24 hour time period, through the lifespan, sharing the appreciation that positioning outside of the wheelchair is just as important as postural alignment in mobility devices.
Kate is passionate about sharing her skills and experiences with therapists, to build their confidence in postural assessment and prescription of wheelchairs and seating. Kate enjoys presenting at larger clinical education events and inservices for therapy groups, as well as supporting therapists with complex postural assessments and equipment prescription
We appreciate your interest in our workshop and the desire to get the most out of your experience. However, we’ve designed this workshop with two distinct streams to cater to different levels of expertise and learning needs. The streams have been carefully curated to ensure that attendees receive content and insights that are relevant to their specific skill level and experience.
Stream 1 – Newcomers: This stream is tailored for those who are newer to the field. It covers foundational concepts, best practices, and provides a great opportunity for beginners to gain a solid understanding of the subject matter. If you’re relatively new to the field, this stream is the perfect choice for you to build a strong knowledge base.
Stream 2 – Experienced Practitioners: For those who have already accumulated a substantial amount of experience in the field, this stream offers advanced insights, case studies, and discussions that delve deep into complex topics. It’s ideal for practitioners looking to expand their knowledge and network with experts in the field.
To ensure a valuable and focused learning experience for all attendees, we kindly request that you choose one stream that aligns with your current skill level and objectives. Each stream has been structured to provide the most relevant and beneficial content for its respective audience. Mixing and matching between the streams might result in a less optimised experience, as the content is intentionally tailored to address specific needs.
If you find that your needs span across both streams or if you’re unsure which stream is the best fit for you, we recommend assessing your goals and current expertise level to make the most informed decision. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need assistance in determining the most suitable stream for your workshop experience. We want to ensure that your time at the workshop is both enriching and valuable for your professional development.