Going the distance: Why Power Wheelchair inner workings make a difference (Brisbane)

Ensuring that you don’t over or under prescribe equipment can be difficult at times. Appropriate prescription of power wheelchairs can often be complex, especially as many of the key features can be hidden under the shroud or within the electronics. In this session we will uncover what is actually under the shroud of a power wheelchair and how these features impact users in a functional way. We will break down and discuss suspension, motors, electronics, actuators and programming in detail – you will leave this session with a clear understanding of what these features are and the functional impact these features have on wheelchair users and be confident when comparing options.

Objectives:

• Identify the main components of a power wheelchair under the shroud
• Understand how suspension functionally impacts a wheelchair user 
• Understand how motor size impacts the daily function of a wheelchair user 
• Know the difference between smart and basic actuators

Why not make a day of it? We’re also running an afternoon workshop, "Manual wheelchairs: maximising your function through hands on skills and adjustments" If you’re attending the morning session, consider staying on to join us in the afternoon.

Lunch is on us!
If you decide to attend both workshops, we’ll be serving lunch between sessions. It’s a great chance to relax, network with fellow attendees, and recharge for the second half of the day. For those attending only the morning session, we’d love for you to stay and join us for lunch. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, chat about the morning session, and enjoy a delicious meal before heading off. 

Meet the Presenter: Ben Gommers (Permobil)

Ben is a Clinical Services Specialist at Permobil Asia Pacific, based in Melbourne Australia. With his background as a Physiotherapist, he has extensive experience with Assistive Technology. Before joining Permobil, Ben worked within cerebral palsy community centres, specialist schools, and most recently, as an Assistive Technology Consultant.

Throughout his career, Ben has dedicated himself to complex seating and postural management. He is deeply committed to enhancing the comfort, function, independence, and quality of life for his clients through client-centred and evidence-based practices. Ben loves thinking creatively and finding innovative ways to apply assistive technology to achieve successful outcomes. When Ben is not at work you will find him either working in the garden, hanging out with friends, on the golf course or watching the AFL.