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

8.30am: Registration and welcome

9am: Starting the Powered Mobility Journey 

Presented by Kate Pain (GTK)

As a clinician new to the world of prescribing powered wheelchairs, it can be challenging to find your footing. In this workshop, we'll explore best practice for powered mobility device prescription, including domains of assessment to be addressed and the theoretical framework supporting powered mobility prescription.  We’ll discuss the development of functional and community engagement goals while keeping safety at the forefront.

We’ll look at outcome measures to support clinical reasoning for funding applications and ensuring optimal outcomes for participants during prescription, provision and ongoing use of the powered wheelchair.  Furthermore, we'll explore guiding users in mastering the control of a power wheelchair, enhancing their independence at home, during transportation, and within the community.

9am: 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) 

The programming possibilities of Power Wheelchairs have and continues to evolve - from handheld programmers through to computers, on board programming and now through your phone. The evolution and innovation of technology used in Power Wheelchairs has one focus: to ensure the Power Wheelchair provides the best outcome for the user. As much of this technology is often out of sight, at times it can be out of mind, which can lead to reduced functional outcomes and limit a user's independence.

In this workshop, you will be provided with the opportunity to get up close and personal with Power Wheelchairs, specifically the programming. We will discuss common (and not so common) difficulties which wheelchair users report when using their Power Wheelchair - and what specific programming changes enable an increase in function and participation. We will provide the links between functional goals and programming outcomes, and how optimal programming can assist users to overcome barriers. 

10.45am: Clinical Reasoning: Power vs Power Assist 

Presented by Scott Staunton (Sunrise Medical) 

Power assist systems have rapidly evolved in recent years.  They are commonly considered as an alternative to a power wheelchair.  This workshop will focus on clinical implications and decision process when deciding between power and power assist technology.  We’ll look the indications for these technologies and objective measures useful to qualify the technology for your client.   We’ll also discuss training strategies to maximise functional gains. 

10.45am: Alternate Controls - An ‘Alternate’ Route to Independence

Presented by Andrew Lopez (Quantum/Pride Mobility)

1pm: Empowering Mobility: A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Power Wheelchair Base

Presented by Andrew Lopez (Quantum/Pride Mobility)

1pm: Escaping the Footpath: Unlocking New Horizons (Off-Road Power Mobility)

Presented by Scott Staunton (Sunrise Medical) 

Prescribing a powerchair often poses many challenges as you consider factors that affect client function and wheelchair performance outside the 4 walls of a clients home. We’ll help you understand the different base types and how they impact on client participation and functional outcomes. 

We’ll consider:

• Selecting a suitable base to cover personal goals/aspirations and environmental needs
• Funding considerations -  features such as motor size, suspension type and tracking assistance; when are they necessary rather than desirable.

2.45pm: Putting the 'Function' in Power Seat Functions 

Presented by Tilly Brook (Permobil)

Join us for a session where we dive into the ins and out of each power seat function and the functional benefits that each may provide for users. We will look at not only the common reasons why each PSF may be prescribed but also the functional uses. We will discuss a number of outcomes measures you may use when working with your end users but also functional tasks and how you may document and justify these. Elevate provides more than just eye contact! We look forward to increasing your function when prescribing power seat “functions”. 

2.45pm: 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.