Certificate Program
Seating and Wheeled Mobility
These courses will provide you with the foundational skills to evaluate a range of clients who would benefit from wheeled seating and mobility.
Browse PlansAlready a subscriber? Sign in to start
About this Certificate Program
Many people with disabilities require a wheelchair seating system to provide postural support, pressure distribution, and alignment and to optimize functional abilities. The first half of this series begins with seating assessment and moves through specific seating challenges as well as interventions. Many people using a wheelchair seating system will only achieve independent mobility through a power wheelchair. The second half of this series addresses power mobility, beginning with determining readiness, including research that supports early provision of power mobility with young children. Other courses address power wheelchair configuration considerations, power seating, alternative driving methods, mobility training, and advanced features. This technology is very sophisticated to provide independent mobility to a wide range of clients as well as provide control of external assistive technologies through the power wheelchair.
Target audience
Therapists (OTs, COTAs, PTs, PTAs) working with clients who require wheeled seating and mobility interventions.
Goals & objectives
-
The participant will be able to identify when seating intervention is required.
-
The participant will be able to list common seating challenges and appropriate interventions.
-
The participant will be able to list three developmental benefits of pediatric power mobility.
-
The participant will be able to list three proportional and three nonproportional power wheelchair driving methods.
-
The participant will be able to identify three power seating options and clinical indicators for each.
What’s included in the Certificate Program
Accredited Online Courses*
17 hours of online video lectures and patient demonstrations.
Interactive Learning Assessments
Case-based quizzes to evaluate and improve clinical reasoning.
Case Study Interviews
Recorded Q&A sessions between instructors and practice managers.
Certificate Program overview
Section 1
Wheelchair Seating 7 ItemsWheelchair Seating Assessment: The Mat Assessment Course
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Mat Assessment
This chapter will provide an introduction to the mat assessment, including a definition of the mat assessment, goals and components. Components include describing the client’s posture in supine and sitting on the edge of the mat table, as well as muscle tone, reflexes and postural control. This is important for the participant to understand before moving into the supine and sitting assessment.
Chapter 2: The Mat Assessment: Supine
This chapter will address the supine portion of a mat assessment, where the client is placed supine on a mat table. Specific components of the supine examination will be discussed and demonstrated. Checking available range of motion and postural tendencies with gravity eliminated allows the evaluator to determine an optimal seated posture.
Chapter 3: The Mat Assessment: Sitting
This chapter will address the sitting portion of the mat assessment, where the client is seated on the edge of the mat table, with adequate postural support from the clinician. Specific components of the seated examination will be discussed and demonstrated. Checking available range of motion and postural tendencies with gravitational forces in upright further determines an optimal seated posture.
Chapter 4: The Mat Assessment: Conclusion
This chapter will translate mat assessment findings into seating recommendations. A brief mat assessment of a client will be demonstrated.
Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Pelvis Course
Chapter 1: Positioning the Pelvis: Posterior Pelvic Tilt
This chapter will present posterior pelvic tilt, possible causes of this asymmetry and suggested strategies to correct to neutral tilt. Goals of correcting this symmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Correcting a posterior pelvic tilt improves trunk extension and an upright head.
Chapter 2: Positioning the Pelvis: Anterior Pelvic Tilt
This chapter will address an anterior pelvic tilt, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Correcting an anterior tilt promotes trunk and head control, stability and function and distributes pressure optimally.
Chapter 3: Positioning the Pelvis: Rotation
This chapter will address pelvic rotation, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Correcting a pelvic rotation prevents rotation of the trunk.
Chapter 4: Positioning the Pelvis: Obliquity
This chapter will address pelvic obliquity, causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Pelvic obliquity can lead to lateral scoliosis and excessive pressure over one ischial tuberosity. The pelvis needs to be leveled, as much as possible.
Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Trunk Course
Chapter 1: Positioning the Trunk: Kyphosis
This chapter will present kyphosis, possible causes of this asymmetry and suggested strategies to correct to neutral, if flexible. Goals of correcting this asymmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Correcting a kyphotic trunk facilitates a more upright head.
Chapter 2: Positioning the Trunk: Lordosis
This chapter will address lordosis, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Correcting a lordosis promotes head control, stability and function and distributes pressure optimally.
Chapter 3: Positioning the Trunk: Rotation and Lateral Scoliosis
This chapter will address trunk rotation and lateral flexion, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. A neutral trunk promotes head control, stability and function.
Chapter 4: Positioning the Trunk: Fixed Combinations
This chapter will address trunk asymmetries which are fixed and seen in combination with one another, causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. These cases require accommodation and often molded seating as well.
Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Lower Extremities Course
Chapter 1: Positioning Lower Extremities: Hips
This chapter will present positioning challenges seen at the hips, possible causes and suggested strategies to correct to neutral, if flexible. Goals of correcting this asymmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Addressing positioning needs at the hips increases stability and function.
Chapter 2: Positioning the Lower Extremities: Knees
This chapter will address positioning challenges at the knees, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Addressing positioning needs at the knees facilitates overall posture, promotes stability and may ease transfers and maneuverability of the wheelchair.
Chapter 3: Positioning the Lower Extremities: Ankle and Foot
This chapter will address ankle and foot range limitations, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Positioning the foot accommodates loss of range and protects the foot, as well as providing stability.
Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Upper Extremities Course
Chapter 1: Positioning the Upper Extremities: Providing Additional Support
This chapter will present scenarios where additional postural support is required for the upper extremities, such as with muscle weakness and paralysis. Suggested strategies will be presented. Goals of addressing this need will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Providing adequate postural support can protect shoulder integrity and prevent the arms from dropping to the sides where injury may occur.
Chapter 2: Positioning the Upper Extremities: Destructive Postures
This chapter will address several common destructive postures of the upper extremities, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. These postures can lead to range of motion losses, loss of shoulder integrity and other orthopedic distortions. Strategies to achieve a more neutral alignment can minimize these risks.
Chapter 3: Positioning the Upper Extremities: Uncontrolled Movements
This chapter will address uncontrolled movements of the upper extremities, including self-destructive movements. Positioning the upper extremities protects the client and others, and also provides stability.
Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Head Course
Chapter 1: Positioning the Head: Causes and General Intervention
This chapter will present causes of decreased or lack of head control and present general strategies to optimize head control. An upright head is critical to vision, breathing and swallowing.
Chapter 2: Positioning the Head: Decreased Head Control
This chapter will address clients who have decreased head control and interventions to facilitate a more upright head, including posterior head supports.
Chapter 3: Positioning the Head: No Head Control
This chapter will address clients with little or no head control who require support posteriorly, but also anteriorly.
Wheelchair Positioning Chart Text And Links
Section 2
Wheelchair Power Mobility 11 ItemsWheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Determining Readiness Course
Chapter 1: Is Independent Mobility That Important?
This chapter will present the goals of determining if a child is ready for a power mobility device. Current and relevant research demonstrating the developmental benefits of early mobility will be reviewed. Finally, barriers to power mobility provision will be discussed.
Chapter 2: Motor Criteria
This chapter will present strategies for determining a child’s motor readiness to use a joystick, including motor requirements for this task. Strategies for determining motor readiness to use switches for driving a power mobility device will also be addressed.
Chapter 3: Cognitive Criteria
Power mobility use requires specific mobility concepts, including cause and effect, stop and go, directional concepts, problem-solving, and judgment. This chapter will present definitions and examples of each of these cognitive criteria.
Chapter 4: Pre-Assessment
This chapter will review strategies to simulate power mobility using a manual mobility base to determine and develop readiness for a power mobility device. A case study will be used to illustrate this technique.
Power Chair Configuration Considerations Course
Chapter 1: This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Wheelchair
This chapter will present definitions and clinical indicators for consumer-level and CRT-level power wheelchairs. CRT-level power wheelchairs support a wide range of seating systems and driving methods and allow for control of other features through the driving method.
Chapter 2: Drive-Wheel Configuration
This chapter will present front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations. The relationship between drive-wheel position, driving efficiency, and driving method will be discussed.
Chapter 3: Tracking Technologies
The chapter will present tracking technologies, which improve power wheelchair driving efficiency. Clinical benefits of this technology, and a summary of a tracking study, will be presented.
Chapter 4: Suspension
This chapter will review power wheelchair suspension as a part of the wheelchair frame. Clinical benefits will be discussed.
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Power Seating Course
Chapter 1: Power Tilt
This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for the power tilt seat function on a power wheelchair. Power tilt provides many clinical benefits, including shifting the client’s weight. Anterior, posterior, and lateral tilt will be addressed.
Chapter 2: Power Recline
This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for the power recline seat function on a power wheelchair. Power recline provides many clinical benefits, including client weight redistribution. This chapter will also address power elevating leg rests, which are frequently used in combination with power recline.
Chapter 3: Power Stand
This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for the power stand seat function on a power wheelchair. Power stand provides many clinical benefits, including extending functional reach.
Chapter 4: Power Seat Elevating Devices
This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for power seat elevating devices on a power wheelchair. Power seat elevate provides many clinical benefits, including facilitating transfers.
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Proportional Driving Methods Course
Chapter 1: Standard Joysticks
This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and information about mounting standard joysticks on a power wheelchair. It will also address specific placement, including angles, to best match a client’s needs.
Chapter 2: Compact and Heavy-Duty Joysticks
This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and information about mounting heavy-duty joysticks on a power wheelchair. Heavy-duty joysticks are sometimes used for clients who exert a great deal of force on the joystick, which would otherwise lead to damage.
Chapter 3: Mini Proportional Joysticks
This chapter will present a definition and clinical indicators for mini proportional joysticks on a power wheelchair. Mini proportional joysticks require significantly less travel and force to activate, making these appropriate for many people with muscle weakness.
Chapter 4: Mini Proportional Joystick Mounting
Mini proportional joysticks are often used at the chin or hand. Various mounting options for either location will be presented, along with clinical indicators for each.
Joystick Decision Tree Text And Links
Mini Proportional Joystick Comparison Chart Text And Links
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Nonproportional Driving Methods Course
Chapter 1: Nonproportional Driving Methods
This chapter will present a definition and introduction to nonproportional, or digital, power wheelchair driving methods. Proximity and fiber-optic switches, clinical indicators, and mounting options will be presented.
Chapter 2: Head Control
This chapter will present driving methods that require good head control, including GyroSet, Magitek, and RIM. Head arrays that require fair to good head control will also be presented in the context of clinical indicators.
Chapter 3: Sip ‘n Puff and Switch Control
This chapter will present sip ‘n puff control and four switch arrays to provide independent mobility for clients who fit the clinical indicators for each. Any type of switch and switch site can be combined to meet an individual’s needs.
Chapter 4: When Nothing Else Works
When nothing else works, it is possible to drive a power wheelchair with only one, two, or three switches. Specific options and clinical indicators will be presented. Eye gaze as a driving method will be included.
Non-Joystick Driving Methods Decision-MakingTree Text And Links
Head Array Comparison Chart Text And Links
Wheelchair Power Mobility: Mobility Training Course
Chapter 1: Mobility Training Evidence
This chapter will present evidence on the quantity and quality of mobility training. Research demonstrates that even children with significant and multiple impairments may be successful with power mobility, given mobility training.
Chapter 2: Training Mobility Concepts: Stop and Go and Directional
This chapter will present mobility training strategies to optimize stop-and-go and directional skills in driving a new power wheelchair. Goals of mobility training will also be discussed.
Chapter 3: Training Mobility Concepts: Problem-Solving and Judgment
This chapter will present mobility training strategies to optimize problem-solving skills and judgment in driving a new power wheelchair. Many children have not had life experiences that aid in development of judgment, and further training may be required.
Chapter 4: Addressing Behavioral Issues
This chapter will present common behavioral issues seen in pediatric power wheelchair drivers. Turning behavioral issues into learning opportunities will be discussed, as will general safety issues.
Wheelchair Power Mobility: Advanced Features Course
Chapter 1: Power Wheelchairs Can Do More Than Drive!
This chapter will present clinical advantages of accessing power wheelchair functions through the driving method, including reverse, speeds, power seating, interfaced assistive technology devices, Bluetooth mouse emulation, and infrared transmission.
Chapter 2: Bluetooth and Power Wheelchairs
This chapter will define Bluetooth and present how power wheelchairs with Bluetooth capabilities can be paired with smartphones, tablets, computers, and some communication devices to provide control through the driving method. Clinical considerations will also be discussed.
Chapter 3: Interfacing
This chapter will present how to interface an external assistive technology device to provide control through the power wheelchair driving method. Clinical considerations will be discussed.
Chapter 4: Smart Technologies
This chapter will present emerging technologies that make power wheelchairs smarter. New technologies include warning systems, obstacle and drop-off avoidance, speed and navigation assistance, and even health data tracking.
Section 3
Supplemental Materials and Readings 1 ItemSeating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide Text And Links
Instructors
Michelle L. Lange
OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
CEU approved
17
total hours*
of accredited coursework.
Medbridge accredits each course individually so you can earn CEUs as you progress.
Start “Seating and Wheeled Mobility”
Get this Certificate Program and so much more! All included in the Medbridge subscription.
Browse PlansFrequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Certificate Programs.
Accreditation Hours
Each course is individually accredited and exact hours will vary by state and discipline. Check each course for specific accreditation for your license.
When do I get my certificate?
You will receive accredited certificates of completion for each course as you complete them. Once you have completed the entire Certificate Program you will receive your certificate for the program.
Do I get CEU credit?
Each course is individually accredited. Please check each course for your state and discipline. You can receive CEU credit after each course is completed.
Do I have to complete the courses in order?
It is not required that you complete the courses in order. Each Certificate Program's content is built to be completed sequentially but it is not forced to be completed this way.
How long do I have access to the Certificate Program?
You will have access to this Certificate Program for as long as you are a subscriber. Your initial subscription will last for one year from the date you purchase.
Take the first step with Medbridge
Browse our plans and pricing, or request a demo and let us help you find the right fit for your organization.
Large Organizations
50+ seats
Request a Demo
For larger groups (50+ seats), request a demo to learn more about solution options and pricing for your organization. For detailed pricing and self-service check-out, visit Plans & Pricing.
Thanks for contacting sales!
We'll get back to you soon.