Power Seat Functions and Drive Wheel Configurations: Endless Possibilities with Powered Mobility (Newcastle)

Do you understand the differences in drive wheel configuration and power seat functions but want to develop your knowledge on how these can be used to increase function?

This half day workshop with Permobil will take an in-depth and technical look into the different power seat functions and the functional benefits they can have with reference to relevant evidence based practice. We will explore how they work and what effects they may have on other components of the chair.

During the hands-on section in the 3.5 hour session, we will get into the power wheelchairs to test out the suspension systems and feel the differences when navigating over uneven terrains or turning in tight spaces. Using these chairs will allow you to compare mid and front wheel drive bases and attempt to complete different functional tasks using a combination of power seat functions.

Learning objectives:

• Identify two functional benefits and considerations of each power seat function

• Understand the impact drive wheel configuration has on environmental access

• Gain an understanding of the functional impact different actuators can have on power wheelchair performance

Meet the Presenter: 

Tracee-Lee Maginnity (Permobil) 

Tracee-Lee Maginnity joined Permobil Australia in July 2019, as a clinical education specialist. Originally from New Zealand, she graduated Auckland University of Technology with a BHSc (Occupational Therapy) in 2003 and has since worked in various roles related to seating and mobility including assessing, prescribing and educating. After gaining experience as an assessor and prescriber at Seating To Go / Wheelchair Solutions in prescribing for both disability and injury, she moved to Australia in 2011 to take on the Senior Occupational Therapist role in a custom moulded seating service. She then worked in clinical consulting and education roles until joining Permobil.

Tracee-Lee is passionate about maximising functional outcomes with end users and the importance of education within the industry. She has mentored many therapists interested in AT. Her experience includes working with complex postures to achieve custom outcomes. Tracee-Lee is also an international wheelchair rugby classifier where she enjoys the task analysis of wheelchair propulsion and functional capacity identification of athletes.