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How Do I Decide On Wheelchair Seating For A Client?

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS

December 7, 2015

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Question

How do I decide on wheelchair seating for a client?

Answer

There is a wide array of seating products on the market.  We have only touched on some of them.  It is imperative to first evaluate the client to determine their needs.  That narrows down the possible seating products that we are even going to consider.  If you have tried 20 cushions with the client, chances are you need to go back to the drawing board and clarify the seating parameters.  We should have narrowed down the field quite a bit by the time we are ready to consider any specific materials.  We need to keep in mind the seating system category, the primary and secondary supports and the materials that are being used.


michelle lange

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS

Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA certified ATP and SMS.

 


Related Courses

Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: The Top Ten Mistakes Clinicians Make During Seating and Mobility Evaluations
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Audio

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Course: #4610Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'informative'   Read Reviews
This podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!

Wheelchair Mobility: Power Wheelchair Alternative Driving Methods
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Course: #4363Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'Did demonstrates the wide array of options available for people trying to use power wheelchairs'   Read Reviews
While some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.

Switch Assessment: Determining Optimal Switch Type And Placement
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Course: #5928Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'Very detailed and informative course!'   Read Reviews
An access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.

Implementation of AAC In The Adult Population
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Kim Winter, MA, CCC-SLP
Video

Presenters

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMSKim Winter, MA, CCC-SLP
Course: #6500Level: Advanced3 Hours
  'The positioning aspect and how it impacted someones's life towards communication and view of the world'   Read Reviews
Master skills to implement in your practice immediately with Continued Master Class. Implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with adults can be challenging and requires a team approach. Evaluation and implementation must include positioning to optimize function, access to required assistive technology devices, and mounting. This course will highlight many variables and modifications that can optimize AAC access.

The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) Certification: An Overview
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Video

Presenter

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS
Course: #4201Level: Advanced1 Hour
  'Covered the topic well'   Read Reviews
The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification recognizes competence in assessment and intervention. This course will cover what this certification is, who the SMS is designed for, why it was developed, why the SMS may be beneficial to a clinician and how to acquire this certification.

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