Your Manual into Manual Wheelchair Scripting + Scripting Power Assist Devices: Gain Independence with some Power Assistance (Sydney)

In this full day session join us for a deep dive into two of Permobil’s Blue Pathway courses: Your Manual into Manual Wheelchair Scripting and Scripting Power Assist Devices. The day will include a good mix of formal and practical learning sessions – and you will leave with key learnings you can apply to your practice when you prescribe your next MWC and Power Assist Device. 

Your Manual into Manual Wheelchair Scripting:

Want to learn the difference between a custom configured and a custom-built frame? Does it even matter? Understanding how configuration impacts on ADL participation, functional mobility and posture are essential when prescribing manual wheelchairs for active users. In this workshop, you will explore a range of set ups and configurations and experience firsthand the differences these have on wheelchair propulsion. We will consider the biomechanics of the user alongside the design and configuration of a manual wheelchair, to ensure we appreciate and understand the importance of an individualised fit for end users.

Objectives:

1. Identify the difference between custom configured and custom-built frames 
2. Understand the importance of propulsion technique with reference to shoulder integrity
3. Understand the importance of the rear wheel position and how we align this to the user

Scripting Power Assist Devices: Gain independence with some power assistance:

Who benefits from a power assist device (PAD) and what do we need to consider during an assessment? Are all PADs compatible with all types of manual wheelchairs? This workshop looks at the different PAD options, exploring the benefits and challenges of each with reference to relevant evidence based practice. We will work through what information is needed from an assessment, potential clinical reasoning strategies and how this relates to identifying the most appropriate device for trial.

Objectives:

1. Identify how front, main and rear wheel PAD are installed and detached from a manual wheelchair  
2. List 3 reasons why you may choose one type of PAD over another (with reference to a case study that will be provided) 
3. Identify the benefits of PADs with reference to relevant evidence-based practice 

We can’t wait to see you at this session! 

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.