Ensuring that a manual wheelchair (MWC) is set up and configured correctly to match the skills of the user can be the difference between functional mobility and reduced mobility. Understanding that a wheelchair is meant to be scripted to it the user, not fitting the user to a chair in one thing but knowing how to make these changes in the field is another. In this workshop we will review the key configuration aspects of a MWC and what potential changes and why these changes could and should be made. As a group we will then make changes to MWCs including centre of gravity position, foot support and back support. Finally, we will review how these changes impact basic wheelchair skills and how as prescribing therapists we need to have the skills to mobilise in a MWC and empower our users through skill development.

Join us for a hands-on session of skill development. Bring your tool kit and a willingness to learn and be pushed out of your comfort zone.

Objectives:

Identify the level of adjustability of manual wheelchair components
Be able to make basic wheelchair adjustments to the centre of gravity, foot support and back support
List three basic skills which active MWC users should be able to perform and understand the key components required for each skill

Why not make a day of it? We’re also running a morning workshop, "Going the distance: Why Power Wheelchair inner workings make a difference". If you’re attending the afternoon session, consider joining us in the morning as well.

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 afternoon session, feel free to arrive a little earlier from midday and join us for lunch before we get started.

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.