Empowering Mobility Summit: The Art and Science of Power Wheelchair Prescription (Darwin)

Stream 1

Stream

9am: Welcome

9am: Registration and welcome

9.15am: Topic to be confirmed.

We're working on something exciting, with details of this session to be confirmed closer to the event.

9.15am: Topic to be confirmed.

We're working on something exciting, with details of this session to be confirmed closer to the event.

10.30am: Starting the Power Mobility Journey   

Presented by Kate Pain (GTK) and Prithy Sivaraman (Sunrise Medical) 

This introductory session provides an overview of best practice in power mobility assessment and prescription for therapists working in assistive technology. Participants will explore the key stages of the prescription process, from identifying functional goals and assessing individual needs to considering postural support, physical and cognitive abilities, access methods, environmental demands, safety and opportunities for participation. The session will highlight the importance of evidence-informed clinical reasoning, collaboration with the person, their family and the multidisciplinary team, and matching mobility solutions to individual goals, daily activities and contexts of use. We’ll review the features, advantages and drawbacks of power wheelchairs and power assist devices to support selection of the most appropriate device to meet the individual’s needs.  Designed to establish a foundation for more in-depth learning, this session will support therapists to approach power mobility prescription with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the clinical considerations that underpin successful outcomes. 

10.30am: Beyond Standard Access: Clinical Consideration for Alternate Drive Controls

Presented by Joshua Chiswell (Quantum Rehab)

Alternative drive controls provide access to powered mobility for individuals who are unable to operate a standard joystick effectively. Successful implementation requires a thorough understanding of the individual’s functional abilities, access requirements and potential to develop safe and effective driving skills.

This presentation will explore the clinical considerations involved in assessing, selecting and implementing alternative drive control solutions. Topics will include assessment and prerequisites for alternate drive control use, the differences between proportional and switch-based inputs, available alternative control options, and strategies for training, skill development and ongoing progression.

By the end of the presentation, participants will have a clearer clinical framework for matching alternative drive control solutions to an individual’s abilities, goals and functional needs, supporting greater independence and participation through powered mobility.

12.30pm: Putting the 'Function' in Power Seating Functions

Presented by Tilly Brook (Permobil)

12.30pm: Escaping the Footpath: Unlocking New Horizons (Off-Road Power Mobility)

Presented by Prithy Sivaraman (Sunrise Medical) 

This interactive session will explore how to effectively match off-road mobility solutions to a person's goals, lifestyle and environments. Participants will examine the key clinical and practical considerations that influence power wheelchair base selection; including postural support requirements, functional capacity, terrain demands, transport needs and anticipated patterns of use. Different base types and drive configurations will be compared to demonstrate how their unique characteristics affect performance across varied surfaces such as sand, grass, gravel and other uneven terrain. The session will also explore the trade-offs that can arise when optimising for outdoor access, including impacts on indoor manoeuvrability, home accessibility, vehicle transport and everyday community participation. Through hands-on equipment trials, case-based discussions and real-world examples, clinicians will build their understanding of the decision-making process, develop strategies for balancing competing priorities, and strengthen their confidence in recommending solutions that maximise participation, safety and successful outcomes long term outcomes for their clients.

1.45pm: Building from the Base Up: Optimising the Power Wheelchair Selection process

Presented by Joshua Chiswell (Quantum Rehab)

 Selecting an appropriate power wheelchair base is an important part of developing a mobility solution that meets an individual’s functional goals, environmental requirements and driving preferences.

We will explore front, mid and rear-wheel drive configurations and dive further into the characteristics impacting manoeuvrability, comfort and drive performance, the role of centre of gravity and suspension in wheelchair stability and the differences between expandable and non-expandable electronics.
The presentation will also examine base adjustability, and the key features therapists should consider when assessing whether a power wheelchair base can be appropriately configured to meet an individual’s current and future needs.

By the end of the presentation, participants will have a practical understanding of the key factors required to match power wheelchair base characteristics to the person, environment and intended use.

1.45pm: The Ins and Outs and How to Make a Real Difference to a User’s Function and Mobility through Functional Programming

Presented by Tilly Brook (Permobil) 

3.30pm: Fine-Tuning for Function: Making Adjustments to Powered Wheelchairs

Presented by Kate Pain (GTK)

Small adjustments can make a big difference in a powered wheelchair user’s comfort, function, and overall mobility. But knowing when to make those adjustments—and when to call in a technician or Assistive Technology Consultant—is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance. This workshop is designed to help therapists build the skills and confidence needed to enhance user independence through fine-tuning powered wheelchair set-up.

You'll learn to identify when adjustments are safe to perform as a therapist and when more complex changes require specialized expertise. Through hands-on, practical learning, participants will learn which tools to use and gain experience in making common adjustments to wheelchair and seating components to achieve optimal outcomes for participants. 

3.30pm: Fine-Tuning for Function: Making Adjustments to Powered Wheelchairs

Presented by Kate Pain (GTK)

Small adjustments can make a big difference in a powered wheelchair user’s comfort, function, and overall mobility. But knowing when to make those adjustments—and when to call in a technician or Assistive Technology Consultant—is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance. This workshop is designed to help therapists build the skills and confidence needed to enhance user independence through fine-tuning powered wheelchair set-up.

You'll learn to identify when adjustments are safe to perform as a therapist and when more complex changes require specialized expertise. Through hands-on, practical learning, participants will learn which tools to use and gain experience in making common adjustments to wheelchair and seating components to achieve optimal outcomes for participants.