Optimising Standing and Walking Solutions in the Paediatric Population (Sydney)

Step into the future of paediatric physiotherapy at our upcoming education event focused on prescribing standing and walking equipment for children with disabilities. Join renowned experts in the field as they share cutting-edge insights, evidence-based practices, and hands-on training to empower physiotherapists with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the lives of young patients. From assessing individual needs to selecting the most suitable equipment, this event will cover a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring participants leave with a deep understanding of the latest advancements in standing and walking interventions for children with disabilities.

This course will cover the development of standing and walking in the Paediatric population. Using the Leckey range of standers and MyWay + walker this workshop will include the latest research, the why and how of implementing successful standing and walking programs.

Learning objectives:

1. Overview of the development of standing and upright mobility
2. Update on the latest research
3. Implementing successful standing and walking programs

Meet the Presenters: Kate Pain (GTK) and Amy Bjornson (Clinical Education Manager, Sunrise Medical)

Kate comes from an occupational therapy background, with two decades of experience in varied settings, specialising in wheelchair seating and positioning. She finds the evolution of power wheelchair alternate drive technology fascinating, and looks forward to exciting innovations becoming more readily available in power wheelchairs.

Kate really enjoys appointments with children who are trying out a wheelchair for the first time. She loves seeing the excitement in their eyes as they move independently for the first time – it’s contagious!

Kate also enjoys working with adults trialling a wheelchair for the first time, who have a lifetime of limiting perceptions about using a wheelchair, who then realise that the right equipment can amplify their abilities and enjoyment of life.

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.