ULTIMATE ACTIVEWEAR
Power Mobility Summit: A Clinician Education Day (Sydney)
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 7th February 2024
8.30am – 4.30pm
$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
Join the Sunrise Medical team for a Masterclass in powered mobility. We’ll help you understand the different base types, power seating options and drive control devices and how they impact on client participation and functional outcomes. Consider this a super charged class on understanding powered mobility.
- 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
You’ll leave this session excited to work with power wheelchairs!
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
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.
Allan Provan – Technical and Product Specialist NSW & ACT
Allan Provan is a product specialist with a dynamic background in technical expertise and product specialisation. Over the past three years, Allan has been a vital member of the Quantum team in NSW, where he serves as a Technical and Product Specialist. In this role, he has been instrumental in delivering training and dealer support throughout NSW and the ACT. Before joining Quantum Australia, Allan honed his skills as a technician for over 5 years, gaining valuable experience in a diverse range of rehabilitation equipment. In particular, he specialised in complex power mobility solutions, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the lives of those in need. Allan’s passion lies in equipping sales representatives and technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve optimal user outcomes. His commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable asset in the field of technical and product support.
2.45pm: Powered Mobility for Infants and young children – it isn’t as scary as you think.
Tracee-Lee Maginnity joined Permobil Australia in July 2019, as a clinical education specialist. Originally from New Zealand, she graduated Auckland University of Technology with a BHSc (Occupational Therapy) in 2003 and has since worked in various roles related to seating and mobility including assessing, prescribing and educating. After gaining experience as an assessor and prescriber at Seating To Go / Wheelchair Solutions in prescribing for both disability and injury, she moved to Australia in 2011 to take on the Senior Occupational Therapist role in a custom moulded seating service. She then worked in clinical consulting and education roles until joining Permobil.
Tracee-Lee is passionate about maximising functional outcomes with end users and the importance of education within the industry. She has mentored many therapists interested in AT. Her experience includes working with complex postures to achieve custom outcomes. Tracee-Lee is also an international wheelchair rugby classifier where she enjoys the task analysis of wheelchair propulsion and functional capacity identification of athletes.
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
In this session, we’ll be delving into the world of alternate controls for power wheelchairs, focusing on enhancing users’ independence and mobility. We’ll introduce the 2 main types of alternate controls, including Proportional Controls and Switch Controls, and explore how these can be tailored to individual needs. Beyond the basics, we’ll delve into some innovative solutions, such as head arrays, chin control, and direction switch inputs. By the end of the session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in assessing and selecting the most suitable control system for their 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.
Allan Provan – Technical and Product Specialist NSW & ACT
Allan Provan is a product specialist with a dynamic background in technical expertise and product specialisation. Over the past three years, Allan has been a vital member of the Quantum team in NSW, where he serves as a Technical and Product Specialist. In this role, he has been instrumental in delivering training and dealer support throughout NSW and the ACT. Before joining Quantum Australia, Allan honed his skills as a technician for over 5 years, gaining valuable experience in a diverse range of rehabilitation equipment. In particular, he specialized in complex power mobility solutions, showcasing his dedication to enhancing the lives of those in need. Allan’s passion lies in equipping sales representatives and technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve optimal user outcomes. His commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable asset in the field of technical and product support.
1pm: Putting the FUNCTION in Power Seat Functions.
Tracee-Lee Maginnity joined Permobil Australia in July 2019, as a clinical education specialist. Originally from New Zealand, she graduated Auckland University of Technology with a BHSc (Occupational Therapy) in 2003 and has since worked in various roles related to seating and mobility including assessing, prescribing and educating. After gaining experience as an assessor and prescriber at Seating To Go / Wheelchair Solutions in prescribing for both disability and injury, she moved to Australia in 2011 to take on the Senior Occupational Therapist role in a custom moulded seating service. She then worked in clinical consulting and education roles until joining Permobil.
Tracee-Lee is passionate about maximising functional outcomes with end users and the importance of education within the industry. She has mentored many therapists interested in AT. Her experience includes working with complex postures to achieve custom outcomes. Tracee-Lee is also an international wheelchair rugby classifier where she enjoys the task analysis of wheelchair propulsion and functional capacity identification of athletes.
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.