Prices: NRRTS Registrants: No Cost Friends of NRRTS (FONS): $22.50 All Others: $45.00 Webinars in this brochure are available after the presentation date in the On-Demand Library as recordings
2021 NRRTS Education Opening Session with Keynote Barry Dean, CEO and Co-founder, LUCI Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 7 pm ET From Clueless to Katherine, and Beyond Best Business Practice, Beginner Level Barry Dean was not intending to start a company when he and his brother started trying to find a solution for his daughter, Katherine, and her power chair. That desire launched a journey that spanned three years, millions of travel miles, 17 patents and one game-changing new technology for power wheelchair users: LUCI. Barry will share, personally, how being Katherine’s father has been an incredible education, what he’s learned (since day one) and how that can provide a new frame for interacting with patients and their families. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to recognize that raising a child with a disability is a process and an education. The participant will be able to describe how the presenter discovered similarities in his experience as a songwriter and in the role of an ATP. The participant will be able to describe the process of recognizing user need and addressing that need through product innovation. Barry Dean is an award-winning songwriter turned wheelchair technology founder. As CEO of LUCI, Barry sets the strategic vision and leads the company towards its goal of providing security, stability and connectivity for power wheelchairs. He founded the company with his brother, Jered, in 2017 with hopes of building a smarter solution for his daughter Katherine and all power wheelchair riders. He is a founding writer at Creative Nation Music, Recording Academy (GRAMMY) Nashville Chapter Governor, and has previously served two terms as a board member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Prior to becoming a songwriter, he led market strategy and product development for a leading education technology company. Barry lives in Nashville, Tenn.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11 am ET What About the Trunk? A Review of Strategies to Provide Postural Control for the Trunk while Maintaining Function Speakers: Lindsay Alford, BSc. OT & Cheryl Hon, B. A, M. OT ATP Prep Content, Medical Terminology, Intermediate Level The identification, assessment and management of spinal deformities when prescribing a seating system can be extremely complex. Scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, and rotation of the spine are not only difficult to assess and measure but their impact on a client's function can be tremendous. Too much postural intervention can severely restrict function or cause pain and/or skin breakdown, while too little can also cause pain, worsening deformity and even compromise circulatory, nervous system and organ system functioning. Also, due to issues such as clinical time constraints, the trunk often takes a back seat during the assessment phase as so much time is allocated to assessing the pelvis and hips. The purpose of this webinar is to illustrate how to assess the spine during the mat assessment for the purpose of equipment prescription, and to provide strategies for intervention. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to identify the issues that arise when providing postural control at the level of the spine/trunk on functional performance. The participant will be able to review trunk and spinal deformities and describe strategies on how to appropriately assess the spine during the mat assessment. The participant will be able to name 3-5 equipment related strategies that can be used to control the trunk without compromising function. Lindsay Alford, and Cheryl Hon, are both Occupational Therapists working in British Columbia, Canada. While Cheryl began her practice in community-based pediatrics and Lindsay began her practice in spinal cord injury, their practice now consists of primarily specialized wheelchair seating and mobility prescription for adults with a range of disabilities in the community and clinic setting. Both have presented numerous times on the topic of wheelchair seating and positioning and pressure injury prevention and management. .
Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 5 pm ET Active Sitting: Positioning Adaptive Seating for Sitting Postural Control Speaker: Lori Potts, PT Sponsored by Rifton ATP Prep Content, Seating and Positioning, Beginner Level This webinar provides an overview of research on the topic of adaptive seating and postural control, including research with SATCo (Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control). The potential impact of positioning on posture, head control, and upper extremity use will be discussed. Further guidance and recommendations for seated positioning as an intervention in pediatric practice will be reviewed, including concepts for reducing supports over time to increase independence in sitting. A demonstration of adaptive seating products, explaining the specific features designed for therapeutic and functional use, will be provided. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to identify published research evidence related to adaptive seated positioning and postural control in pediatric practice. The participant will be able to differentiate between passive and active sitting and discuss the provision of supports to promote the development of postural motor control in sitting. The participant will be able to discuss the use of adaptive seating to implement concepts for postural support for increased function and participation. Lori Potts, PT, obtained her PT degree at Upstate Medical University College of Health Professions in Syracuse, NY in 1995. She currently works at Esopus Medical, PC with pediatric and adult clients. Since 1998, Lori is a certified MOVE International Trainer and participates in MOVE trainings and implements MOVE with patients in PT practice. Since 2005, Lori has worked with Rifton, consulting for product design and providing resources for consumer and client education. She is a regular contributor to the Rifton Adaptive Mobility and Positioning blog and conducts equipment-related workshops throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. Lori is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapists.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7 pm ET Medicare Regulation and Policies; insidious ways access to CRT is denied Speaker: Rita Stanley Funding and Public Policy, Beginner Level
This course will highlight Medicare regulation and policies related to complex rehab that impact the ability for people with mobility limitations to receive CRT items and services that would improve their health outcomes, daily function, and quality of life. Specifically, the course will cover recent rules and policies related to CRT mobility, wheelchair seating, and wheelchair options and accessories. The course will discuss and assess strategies to bring about needed change. This course will also inform participants regarding ways they can be involved in ushering in meaningful change. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe 3 rules or policies that prevent access to CRT. The participant will be able to describe scenarios where Medicare policies have a negative impact on non-Medicare beneficiaries. Participants will be able to describe Medicare rules or policies that must not or are not required to be applied to Medicaid. Ms. Stanley is now a health policy consultant and former Vice President of Government Relations for Sunrise Medical. She serves on the board and executive committee of RESNA and the Chair of RESNA’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC). Ms. Stanley also serves as the RESNA Liaison on the NCART board. She is passionate about improving access to assistive technology and innovation to improve the lives of people with disabilities. This requires in-depth knowledge of coding, coverage, and payment policies. In her roles, Stanley has been involved in efforts to improve access to technology; she has chaired workgroups focused on modifying pricing methodologies, the HCPCS coding process and coverage of CRT items and was on the taskforce to obtain Medicare coverage of speech generating devices. Ms. Stanley is a NRRTS Fellow recognized by the assistive technology community for her regulatory expertise and efforts to ensure appropriate access to technology for people with disabilities.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 7 pm ET ADA Basics and Enforcement Speaker: Kelly Narowski, MA, ADAC Funding and Public Policy, Beginner Level
This course explores the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from a civil rights framework and is designed to help increase your knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and core concepts in the ADA. The 5 titles of the ADA will be explained and real-life situations of discrimination shared. Further, disability advocacy and ADA enforcement measures will be discussed. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to identify and discuss the 5 titles of the ADA. The participant will be able to define the general nondiscrimination requirements of the ADA and learn real-life examples. The participant will be able to describe both ADA advocacy and its enforcement measures. Kelly Narowski has vast experience as a disability rights advocate and professional speaker in both the military and civilian worlds. She has worked as a government contractor, having delivered hundreds of presentations for the Department of Defense. Some of her current and former positions include: Board member for both the Whole Person and the Midland Empire Centers for Independent Living, Liaison for the 82nd Airborne Division’s Wounded Warriors Committee, Army Family Readiness Group Advisor, Lead speaker for the Think First Foundation, and Advocate for the Fayetteville Council for Persons with Disabilities. Ms. Narowski is certified as an ADA Coordinator and an Army Master Resilience Trainer. She holds a master’s degree in disability studies from CUNY’s School of Professional Studies. Ms. Narowski is an accessible travel expert and avid traveler. As a wheelchair user, she has visited 45 states and 47 countries. Ms. Narowski currently lives at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 5 pm ET Post-Election Analysis: Impact on CRT Access Speaker: Amy Cunniffe, B.A., Political Science Sponsored by Numotion ATP Prep Content, Funding and Public Policy, Beginner Level
The political winds are changing in our nation’s capital. Course participants will learn more about the changes likely to occur in health care policy due to the 2020 election results. These policy changes could mean a significant shift in the direction of health care policy. The specific needs of the disability community will also be impacted. The course will outline what changes are likely to occur in federal policy including Medicare and Medicaid policy, insurance coverage, health reform and anticipated coverage changes for those who rely on Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT). In addition, the course will outline key areas of controversy and anticipated hurdles that must be overcome to achieve better policy changes to improve CRT access. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe the key health care issues debated in the 2020 election campaign and how these issues impact the final election outcome and share of power in federal policy making. The participant will be able to describe the policy views and perspectives of newly elected health care leaders. The participant will be able to describe how health care leaders work together to find common ground and where are they likely to fall short of finding compromise. Amy Cunniffe, Leader of Government Relations for Numotion, is an experienced Washington health care leader with many years of experience with the U.S. government and leading government relations organizations. Prior to joining Numotion, Cunniffe served as Principal at Washington Council EY, GE Healthcare’s Leader for the Government Relations team, and the top lobbyist at the medical device trade association, AdvaMed among other roles. In addition to her work with Numotion, Cunniffe operates a bipartisan consulting firm in Washington, DC called SplitOak Strategies LLC. Cunniffe served in the White House as a Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for Policy, among other responsibilities in the House leadership.
Tuesday, February 17, 2021 at 3 pm ET Making Lemons into Lemonade: Telehealth’s Place in Complex Wheelchair Prescription Erin Michael, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS and Meredith Linden, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS ATP Prep Content, Best Business Practice, Intermediate Level The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted access to healthcare, including complex wheelchair prescription. Swift action had to be taken to ensure that current wheelchair and seating equipment was meeting the end users’ needs or to complete evaluations for new equipment, pushing providers to integrate telehealth and remote services into wheelchair provision. This course will highlight how remote services can be utilized throughout the wheelchair delivery process, identify potential pros and cons of the remote services model, as compared to in-person, and clarify best practices to practice remotely. Our course will address the question of whether telehealth and remote services can be used to successfully meet client needs when in-person assessment is not possible. Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to define telehealth (or remote service) and describe the primary differences between this and in-person service. Participants will identify three challenges associated with remote wheelchair service provision and how to mitigate them. Participants will identify three benefits associated with remote wheelchair service provision. Erin Michael, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS is Manager of Patient Advocacy and Special Programs at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s International Center for Spinal Cord Injury (ICSCI) in Baltimore. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Ithaca College in 2006. She specializes in treating clients with a variety of paralyzing neurological conditions and has specialized in seating and mobility for over 12 years. Michael is the coordinator of the ICSCI Seating and Mobility Clinic. She received her assistive technology professional certification in 2011 and her seating and mobility specialist certification in 2013. Michael is currently an Executive Board member of the Clinician Task Force. She previously served as vice-chair of the Seating and Wheeled Mobility SIG of RESNA and as a member of the RESNA Professional Standards Board. Additional areas of interest include advocacy and adaptive sports and recreation. She is Chair of Team Kennedy Krieger, an adaptive sports and program serving the greater Baltimore area. Meredith Linden, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS is a clinical specialist at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore. She received her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2006 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2008 from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She specializes in treating both adults and children with a variety of paralyzing neurological conditions and has specialized in seating and mobility since 2009. Linden has been a certified assistive technology professional since 2011, and a certified seating and mobility specialist since 2015. Areas of interest including clinical education, seating and mobility, virtual reality, serial casting, pediatrics, and aquatic therapy.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 11 am ET What Do I Do Now? CRT Decision Making Process and Problem Solving Speaker: Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS, NRRTS Executive Director, NRRTS Fellow Sponsored by NRRTS Ethics, Beginner Level CRT Suppliers are responsible for guiding decisions on equipment choices for consumers and clinicians. When the best technology choice is not funded or underfunded, what happens next? This is a common issue in today’s coverage environment. Providing clear information to the consumer and clinician allows for the best solution. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe the priorities of the client’s needs, goals and activities in the context of a wheelchair seating and mobility evaluation. The participant will be able to describe the importance of offering of the full range of products options objectively. The participant will be able to describe 3 ways to obtain additional funding for equipment that otherwise is not reimbursed. Weesie Walker, ATP/SMS has over 25 years of experience as a CRT Supplier. She is currently the Executive Director of NRRTS. As a supplier, she worked with children and adults in seating clinics and in the community. She has served on RESNA’s Professional Standards Board, Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (GAMES) and the NRRTS Board of Directors.
Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 5 pm ET Good Vibrations: Can Manual Wheelchair Design Principles Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Vibration? Speaker: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP Sponsored by Ki Mobility Best Business Practice, Seating & Mobility, Beginner Level
Significant exposure to vibration (whole body vibration - WBV) has been linked to a variety of adverse health conditions in able bodied workers exposed to WBV during occupation. For individuals in wheelchairs, WBV can not only have an adverse effect on comfort, ride quality and energy expenditure, but the WBV these individuals experience in their chairs can contribute to pain, degenerative conditions, interference with ADLs, increased spasticity and others. Wheelchair manufacturers have attempted to mitigate the detrimental effects of WBV through a variety of approaches in the past. However, much of the technology has been insufficient to meaningfully dampen the WBV a person in a manual wheelchair sustains. This presentation will discuss the issues associated with WBV for the manual wheelchair user, discuss the pros and cons of some of the remedies that have previously been used, and discuss the unique application of design principles and materials that allow for dampening WBV. Learning Outcomes: List 3 detrimental effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on the manual wheelchair user 15 minutes List 3 locations or components on a manual wheelchair where manufacturers have attempted to reduce the transmission of WBV to the user Describe 2 benefits of successfully reducing whole body vibration (WBV) transmission to the manual wheelchair user. He practiced as a physical therapist in a number of settings for a few years, most prominently in long term care, where he gained experience with seating and wheeled mobility. He transitioned from a practicing therapist to a manufacturer’s representative, eventually moving into sales management and focusing on complex rehab technology. Throughout his tenure on the manufacturer’s side in the complex rehab arena, he has dealt largely with pediatric positioning and mobility products. He has previously also served as a product trainer/product specialist, teaching product features and clinical application, as well as coordinating continuing education presentations, both credited and noncredited. He has presented educational courses across the US and internationally.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 7 pm ET The “T� in Team: How to Engage Therapists Who Are New to the Seating Team Speaker: Allison Baird, MS, OT, ATP Best Business Practice, Beginner Level
The Seating Team is essential for wheelchair service provision. Team dynamics can be challenging as personalities work together towards a common goal. A layer of complexity is added when a therapist, who is new to seating, joins the team. How do we maintain team collaboration with a member who is developing new skills? This presentation will explore the challenges of working as a team with members who have various levels of knowledge, skills, and experiences. It will also identify areas of expertise that therapists bring to the seating team. Lastly, the presentation will outline strategies for successful team collaboration. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe 3 areas of expertise that occupational and physical therapists bring to the seating process. The participant will be able to identify 3 strategies to engage all team members in the wheelchair process. The participant will be able to identify 3 qualities of a successful team. Allison Baird is a Liberty Clinical Specialist for KiMobility. She has worked as an Occupational Therapist since 1999 and received her ATP certification in 2015. Allison has worked in a variety of healthcare settings in NJ & NY including: Level 1 & 2 Trauma Centers, rehabilitation hospitals, and outpatient clinics. She was the Advanced Clinician and Clinical Coordinator for the Seating Program at NY Presbyterian- Columbia. In addition, she was a home modification consultant for the MS Society of NYC. Allison is a Guest Lecturer for the Occupational Therapy Graduate program at Touro College and for the Art Therapy Graduate Program for the School of Visual Arts.
Wednesday, March 17th at 11 am ET Are we speaking the same language? Introduction to Standardized Terms and Measures Speaker: Kelly Waugh, PT, MAPT, ATP ATP Prep Content, Medical Terminology, Best Business Practice, Beginner Level Consistent use of specific terms for measurements of the body, the seating system and the wheelchair is vital to accurate translation of body measurements into a seating and wheeled mobility prescription, as well as accurate set up of the equipment in preparation for delivery. A shared common vocabulary based on standardized terminology and measurement leads to improved efficiency in service delivery and more effective outcomes for the wheelchair user. This webinar presents a review of the underlying principles and terminology conventions that are critical to understanding and adopting standardized measures in our field. A basic set of critical linear and angular measures of the body and seating system will be introduced and defined, with an emphasis on the differentiation of terms for related measures of the body, the seating, and the wheelchair frame. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to use proper terms for labeling body segments and postural support device components. Participants will be able to describe the difference between absolute and relative angles of body segments and seating support surfaces. Participants will be able to name and define the three primary relative angles of a seating system and the corresponding relative body segment angles. Kelly Waugh is a licensed Physical Therapist with 38 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist and educator, specializing in Wheelchair Seating & Mobility and 24 Hour Posture Care & Management for individuals with significant mobility impairment. She is currently the Clinic Coordinator at the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) Assistive Technology Clinic at the University of Colorado Denver, in Denver, Colorado. Ms. Waugh continues to provide wheelchair seating and mobility assessments, fittings and consultations for children and adults with a variety of disabilities, as well as nighttime positioning assessments for children with severe motor impairment. Ms. Waugh has served on ISO and RESNA Wheelchair Seating Standards Committees for over 20 years, with a focus on the development of standardized measures of wheelchair seated posture and seating system parameters.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11 am ET Independence Meets Autonomy: Environmental Control Options for Complex Rehab Equipment Users Speakers: Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS and JB Radabaugh, CTRS®, ATP/SMS Sponsored by Quantum Rehab ATP/SMS Prep Content, Best Business Practice, Intermediate Level As the world’s dependency upon electronics and environmental control devices has increased over recent years, it is important to meet the needs of end users of CRT to enable independence and autonomy within their environments. We must furnish end users the opportunity to participate in, as well as control, their home environments by providing the ability to utilize their electronic smart devices to not only communicate with friends, family and caregivers but also control their home environments to maximize safety, health, and independence. This readily available technology can figuratively and literally open doors for a greater level of independence every day. In this course we will be presenting a myriad of options available for end-users to enable and increase independence and autonomy when it comes to controlling their own lives and home access through the use of power wheelchair electronics in combination with smart technology which is available today. Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to compare 3 types of environmental control options. Participants will be able to describe how wheelchair electronics can most benefit the individual through control of readily available technology. Participants will be able to distinguish 3 potential positive outcomes from independent environmental control access. Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS, Director, Clinical Education, Quantum Rehab - Jay has 23 years of experience working in the field of assistive technology with a concentration on complex rehab. Jay has earned his ATP and SMS certifications through RESNA. Throughout his career he has worked in both Rehabilitation and assistive technology environments with both adults and children. Jay’s current role with Quantum Rehab is to provide direction and leadership to the Quantum field sales team in clinical education and development of the field reps. He also develops and presents a variety of educational courses and ensures the Quantum Rehab field sales staff are educated on products and their benefits. Joseph (JB) Radabaugh, CTRS®, ATP/SMS, Clinical Education Manager, Eastern Region, Quantum Rehab - JB is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) through RESNA. He is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist through NCTRC. He has over 14 years of experience working in the complex rehabilitation equipment field where he has provided custom solutions to increase mobility independence for children and adults with disabilities and complex medical needs. JB’s current role with Quantum Rehab is to develop education programs on the clinical uses of company products and produce education presentations for therapists and equipment providers. He also provides education to field sales staff on the application and clinical benefits of Quantum Rehab products.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 11 am It’s Personal! Programmable Power Wheelchair Driving Controls Speaker: Lisa Rotelli, Director, Adaptive Switch Labs Sponsored by ASL ATP/SMS Prep Content, Seating & Positioning, Advanced Level
Advancements in power wheelchair technology have taken a giant leap forward in the last few years, but when we are in this fast-paced electronic world, not all customizations can be made through the wheelchair electronics alone. This course will discuss some options available to further your user experience and access through power wheelchair driving methods. We will talk about the added benefit of several of the drive controls and their programmability. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe the need of programmable drive controls The participant will be able to identify types of drive controls that can be programmed. The participant will be able to describe reasons why programming the drive control and the wheelchair would benefit a user. Lisa Rotelli, Education Specialist, has had a lifetime of experience starting as a Clinical Coordinator for a Rehab Hospital in Northern California. She also served as a Rehab Manager for a large rehab equipment supplier and a Rehab Specialist for one of the major manufactures of rehab wheelchairs. She is certified by the University of Tennessee at Memphis as a seating specialist, and the University of Misericordia in Pennsylvania in pediatric seating. She specializes in alternative access, drive control systems, and has designed several drive control systems for severely involved clients. She presents at national conference to all levels of Clinical Therapists, Suppliers, and Educators.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 11 am ET Features that Foster Functional Independence: Seating Decisions that Impact ADL task performance Speaker: Alex Chesney, OTR, ATP Sponsored by Quantum Rehab ATP/SMS Prep Content, Seating & Positioning, Beginner Level
This course will present seating and wheeled mobility features that have a direct impact on functional independence specifically related to dressing, as well as bowel and bladder management. Many options and selections are made when it comes to manual and power wheelchair frames, bases, and seating components, but is consideration being taken on how features help or hinder functional tasks? With length of stays being shorter and limited time frames in outpatient seating clinics, functional considerations for these tasks may not always be assessed in clinic. This course will specifically demonstrate through case studies and experience ways in which a seating and mobility system can assist with increased independence in these daily tasks from a wheelchair level. Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to discuss differences in manual wheelchair frame design as it relates to improved independence in positioning for ADL task performance. Participants will be able to apply power seating functions with the goal of increasing independence in dressing and positioning related to ADL performance from a power wheelchair. Participants will be able to recognize accessory items or positioning components of wheelchair and seating systems that allow for improved functional task performance as it relates to performing activities of daily living from the wheelchair level. Alex Chesney is the Clinical Sales Manager of the Midwest South region for Quantum Rehab. Alex graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in Psychology in 2011. She then earned her Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 2013. Alex practiced as an occupational therapist in a top neurological inpatient rehabilitation center in Houston, Texas treating those with traumatic spinal cord injuries and various neurodegenerative diseases. As a clinician, Alex was a prescriber of advanced seating and mobility technologies and a primary education resource for best practice within neurological rehabilitation. Alex serves as a committee chair. for The Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals and is the occupational therapy coordinator for Rehabilitation Services Volunteer Project providing free neurological therapy services to those in the Texas area
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 7 pm ET Community Mobility: Shifting Perspectives on Mobility, Technology, and Interdependence Speaker: Heather Feldner, PT, PhD, PCS ATP Prep Content, Best Business Practice, Intermediate Level
Given the key role of mobility in life, it is no surprise that community mobility is recognized as a human right. Facilitating community mobility is not simply an intervention, or a business transaction, and it is certainly not a “fix� for something lacking at an individual level. Rather, it is an opportunity to design the right tools and technologies, the right environments, and advocate for the right policies to support and empower a diverse community, where people move, think, and communicate in different ways. This course compares and contrasts community and clinical mobility, examines how evidence from fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and design can support community mobility initiatives, and analyzes the concept of interdependence as a driver of mobility and a means of co-creating our communities- through education, employment, social and civic engagement, and recreation. Action items for promoting community mobility at personal and professional levels will be discussed. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to compare two similarities and two differences between clinical and community mobility programs. The participant will be able to analyze three contributions from foundational fields (neuroscience, psychology, rehabilitation, design, and engineering) that support community mobility initiatives. The participant will be able to discuss the principle of interdependence and how it can inform the design and study of community mobility programs. Dr. Heather Feldner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, core faculty in the Disability Studies Program, and an Associate Director of the Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE) at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA. Her research centers on the design and implementation of mobility technology and its effects upon activity and participation within a variety of personal and environmental contexts, including how perceptions of disability and identity emerge and evolve through technology use. Her current work incorporates multidisciplinary, mixed methods approaches that draw from her background as a pediatric physical therapist, doctoral work in disability studies, and postdoctoral research in user-centered rehabilitation and design in mechanical engineering. Heather has presented her work nationally and internationally and has received research funding from institutions such as the NIH, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, University of Washington, and Microsoft.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 11 am ET Travel for Everybody: How Can Businesses Help? Speaker: Claire Wellbeloved-Stone, MPH from Dartmouth; CoFounder, Vice President, and COO of Blue Trunk Sponsored by Blue Trunk Foundation Business Practice, Beginner Level
In this webinar we will explore how tourism-related businesses (e.g. restaurants, hotels, museums) can be more accessible. We will focus on 1. The why: what drives businesses to be accessible, how can we encourage them to move beyond the ADA?, 2. Obstacles to accessibility: what obstacles (perceived and real) do businesses face when trying to improve accessibility, and 3. Accessibility solutions: what can businesses do to improve accessibility, including both low-cost/free solutions as well as more substantial and expensive modifications. Throughout this we will incorporate Blue Trunk’s experience working with tourism-related businesses. We will use both case studies from our experience as well as published research findings to enhance our presentation. We will leave time at the end for questions/discussion. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe why businesses (e.g. restaurants, hotels, museums) should consider accessibility as a core value. The participant will be able to identify obstacles to making a business more accessible. The participant will be able to describe the range of modifications businesses can make to be more accessible, from low-cost/free options through more substantial and costly options. Claire Wellbeloved-Stone is the Co-Founder, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Trunk Foundation. In October 2017, she left for a nine-month adventure backpacking around the world. She received her BA in Anthropology from Connecticut College, where she spent her junior year studying in Spain and Cuba. As a selected scholar for the Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts, she interned with the World Wildlife Fund in the Galapagos Islands. Claire went on to pursue her MPH from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, where she completed a community health internship with the Runa Foundation in Peru. After graduation, she worked as a researcher in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Virginia.
Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5 pm ET Digital Validation of Design of Interventions Speakers: Dr. Alexander Siefert, PhD, SIMUSERV GmbH and Bart Van der Heyden, PT, SuperSeating Sponsored by Bodypoint Funding and Public Policy, Beginner Level The variations of wheelchairs, wheelchair seating options as well as seating adjustments provide more options for clients, but it has also made the selection process more difficult. As the prescription process becomes more complicated and funding agencies increasingly demand evidence to support the need for equipment, outcome measurement is becoming increasingly necessary. The choice of frequently used seating interventions such as degree of back support recline, cushion angle and foot support height are often based on clinical experience in combination with user feedback about experienced comfort when trialing the wheelchair seating solution. This presentation will examine seating intervention considerations using the numerical Finite Element Analysis (FEA) approach and the Virtual Patient Model (VPM). The following elements will be evaluated - Pressure Imaging, friction at the cushion, internal tissue strains, as well as postural stability. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to list at least two benefits of using FEA for wheelchair intervention evaluation. The participant will be able to list at least three measurable variables when varying the back-support angles, seat cushion angles and back support heights. The participant will be able to list at least 2 consequences when changing the angles of secondary positioning devices supporting the pelvis from 45 degrees to 70 degrees to 90 degrees. Bart is a physical therapist specialized in the field of seating, wound care and mobility for the past 25 years. After studying physical therapy in Gent, Belgium, he gained experience in Germany providing seating and therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy. After working in a rehab setting in the USA, he offered clinical consultations to wheelchair users, clinicians, and manufacturers worldwide. He has also started a physical therapy practice with his wife in Belgium. Bart has developed multiple training courses and workshops on skin management, seating assessment, seating techniques & interventions for different user populations. He has presented for seating specialists all over the world and he developed a seating approach (Bart’s 5 seating steps) for clinical problem solving and maximizing outcomes. Bart is known as a skilled and experienced clinician and presenter with a global, hands-on, and multidisciplinary view on clinical practice and seating.
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7 pm ET Speaker: Mary Forhan, OT Reg (AB), PhD Addressing Weight Bias and Stigma in Bariatric Care Medical Terminology, Beginner Level
This interactive course will focus on learning more about weight bias in health care settings and its impact on the client/practitioner relationship and the health and well-being of clients with bariatric care needs. Participants will be provided with the most up to date evidence about weight bias constructs and ways in which it is evidenced in practitioner’s thoughts, actions, and ultimately the quality of care and service. Participants will be led through activities and challenges with a goal to identify actionable items to reduce weight bias in their practices and settings. This session will be of interest and use to anyone who works with clients who have been diagnosed with obesity or who live in large bodies. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe weight bias origins, perpetuation, and impact on health and well-being The participant will be able to identify ways in which to reduce weight bias in current practice settings. The participant will be able to identify tools and resources to create safe and accessible spaces and places for clients with bariatric care needs. Dr. Mary Forhan is an occupational therapist, associate professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Canada. Dr. Forhan leads the Bariatric Care and Rehabilitation Research group in a program of research dedicated to reducing the disability experiences of persons living with obesity or those living in large bodies. This includes a focus on reducing weight bias and stigma in health care settings and by health care professionals. Dr. Forhan’s contributions to innovative clinical practice and research have been recognized by awards received from the Obesity Society, Obesity Canada, McMaster University, and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 11 am ET Evaluation Criteria and Justification for a Mobile Shower Commode Chair Speaker: Jessica Presperin Pedersen, OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow Sponsored by RAZ ATP Prep Content, Seating and Positioning, Beginner Level
The wheelchair is not the only mobility device needed in the home. A mobile shower commode chair provides mobile assist to get from the bedroom to the bathroom and provides postural stability as well as specific componentry to enhance safe function for the performance of toileting and showering. A clinical evaluation and critical reasoning are highly suggested to make the best match for the person to have an optimally functional mobile commode shower chair This seminar will demonstrate evaluation considerations for determining the type of commode or shower frame, postural supports, and functional components. This webinar will demonstrate the evaluation process as well as describe components that may be medically necessary for safe functional toileting and showering. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to identify three aspects of an evaluation for a determining the type of toileting/bathing equipment to match physical and functional needs. The participant will be able to list at least 2 functional activities performed in an MSCC. The participant will be able to describe how the bathroom environment can determine specifics related to equipment recommendation. The participant will be able to identify the medical justification for a mobile shower commode chair and componentry for postural or functional needs. Jessica Presperin Pedersen has over 40 years of clinical practice as an OT with an expertise in wheelchairs and seating. She worked is many sectors of the wheelchair and seating industry including clinician, supplier, manufacturer design/rep, researcher, and educator. She is now contributing to the research world to demonstrate evidence for knowledge translation in the clinic, advocacy, and product development and is the clinical director for Devices 4 the Disabled, a DME recycling non-profit organization. Jessica is a RESNA and AOTA Fellow, serves on the Clinical Task Force, the Seating and Wheeled Mobility Committee for AOTA, and has shared her experiences through publications and presentations internationally. Jessica consults with Raz Design Inc. assisting with continuing education and overseeing research and dissemination efforts.
Wednesday, June 10, 2021 at 5 pm ET How to do more with your power wheelchair – interfacing with the outside world Antoinette Verdone. ATP Best Business Practice, Seating and Positioning, ATP/SMS Prep Content, Advanced
Many people who use power wheelchairs, particularly those using alternative driving methods, also use other assistive technology devices. Providing separate access methods for each assistive technology device, such as a power wheelchair and a speech generating device, is not always possible. Interfacing connects technologies so that the power wheelchair driving method can also be used to control other devices from assistive technology to commercially available technologies, such as smart phones. This webinar will review Interfacing Components (ECU modules, Input/Output Modules) and review when these are clinically indicated and how to use this technology to help your clients access things in their environment. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to list different terminology used by manufacturers for this kind of equipment. The participant will be able to describe the basics of interfacing and setting up this equipment. The participant will be able to list two items that can be accessed via ECU/IOM devices. Antoinette Verdone has been practicing in assistive technology for over 19 years. She has a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering, and she has held the RESNA ATP Certification since 2004. Ms. Verdone has worked in state government and non-profit settings before starting her own business, ImproveAbility, in 2011. ImproveAbility is a consulting and sales firm that works in many different areas of assistive technology with people of all disabilities. Antoinette’s wide range of experience and knowledge positions her to find solutions for people with complex AT needs.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 11 am ET An Overview of ISO and RESNA Standards for Wheelchair Seating Speaker: Kara Kopplin, B.Sc.Eng Sponsored by Permobil ATP/SMS Prep Content, Medical Terminology, Intermediate Level
For decades, test standards have been developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to measure and characterize wheelchair seating. These tests measure critical characteristics of wheelchair cushions, revealing properties that might be suitable for meeting client's needs for tissue protection and positioning and to enhance the ability to perform MRADLs. In this presentation, attendees will learn how standards are created, from the national level up to the ISO global level. An overview of current wheelchair seating standards will be presented in the context of the CPG, demonstrating why the test data can provide insight into cushion selection for the client. Various cushion technologies will be compared using blinded test data from numerous ISO standards to reveal important similarities and differences. Both the benefits and limitations of the test data will be discussed, emphasizing the role of the ISO standards as another set of tools in the clinical reasoning process. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe who develops ISO standards and how the process works. The participant will be able to match four or more recommendations from the CPG for pressure injury prevention to ISO test standards. The participant will be able to analyze blinded test results to consider how the data may be applied to cushion selection. Kara Kopplin brings a unique and complementary materials engineering perspective to seating solutions. In her role as Director of Regulatory Science for Permobil, Inc., Ms. Kopplin actively contributes to the efforts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to develop object test methods for wheelchair systems and components. She is honored to chair the ANSI/RESNA Standards Committee on Wheelchair and Related Seating (WRS) in the US and encourages everyone to contribute to the development of these critical evaluation tools.
Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 5 pm ET Battery Technologies Speaker: Larry Carter, Regional Sales Manager and HME Sponsored by MK Battery Business Practice, Beginner Level
This course will teach the participant how to identify battery chemistry utilized in mobility, determine which chemistry is appropriate for a specific device/application, determine charger type for the application as well as, testing, safety and tools. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to determine which chemistry is utilized in specific applications. I.E. – Where to utilize GEL and where to utilize AGM. The participant will be able to correctly identify which type of charger is to be utilized for for each chemistry I.E. – GEL vs. AGM The participant will be able to effectively utilize battery testing tools, identify safety hazards and prevent serious injury while working with batteries. Larry Carter wears several hats with MK Battery. He is a Regional Sales team member covering 7 Southern US states; the Category Manager for MK Battery’s Elevator/Lift division and the company’s National Training Manager, handling on-board and continued education training for MK’s Regional Sales Team. Larry has worked within the battery industry for over 35 years and in March celebrated 25 years with MK Battery. Larry has an extensive knowledge of various battery technologies and applications including but not limited to sealed VRLA batteries as used in deep cycle/mobility and other critical power applications.
Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 11 am ET When to Start to use Seating, Standers, and Gait Trainers Speaker: Ginny Paleg, PT, DScPT Sponsored by Prime Engineering ATP Prep Content, Seating and Positioning, Beginner Level
We can now identify infants at highest risk for needing mobility devices and postural management at 2-6 months. Knowing this allows us to work closely with families to understand how equipment can be used as affordances for participation. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe how the GMA and HINE can be used to identify infants at risk for lifelong sensory motor impairment and how this data could be included in the LMN. The participant will be able to describe how the GMFCS Levels can be used to predict equipment needs and how to include this information in the LMN. The participant will be able to describe focus on function and participation rather than a more traditional therapy model. Ginny Paleg is a pediatric physiotherapist from Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. For the past 16 years, she has worked with children aged 0-3 years in homes and childcare. Ginny earned her master’s degree in physical therapy at Emory University and her DScPT at the University of Maryland Baltimore. Ginny specializes in posture and mobility assessment and interventions for children at GMFCS Levels IV and V. She is certified in Prechtl General Movement Assessment and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Exam (HINE) and trained in Routines Based Interventions and the coaching model. She has published over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles on standing, gait trainers, and power mobility. Her most recent publications are the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy Hypotonia Care Pathway and a case study on standing with contractures.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 7 pm ET Person First Terminology: Who, Where, When and How Speaker: Jill Sparacio, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, ABDA ATP Prep Content, Business Practice, Beginner Level
The use of person-first terminology should be a simple concept where consistent rules are applied to all situations. However, it is more complicated with many exceptions and “don’ts”. In the current state of political correctness, person first terminology is applied to so many aspects of life, not just those with disabilities. At times, use of person first terminology can be found offensive by the individual being referred to, creating a personal preference for the individual being “labeled”. The use of labels can lead to stereotyping that predispose others to certain beliefs and characteristics about that individual. This webinar will provide increased awareness of the importance of person-first terminology and provide some guidelines, both to do and to not do, to insure the correctness of interactions. Although all areas of person-first terminology will be covered, the focus will be on those individuals with disabilities. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe the difference between affirmative and negative phrases for describing individuals. The participant will be able to identify 3 commonly recognized exceptions in using person first terminology. The participant will be able to list 4 techniques to help when describing an individual with a disability. Jill is an OT in private practice with over 38 years’ experience. She provides OT services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and medical fragility specializing in seating and wheeled mobility. Jill has presented extensively on the clinical applications of seating and wheeled mobility throughout North America and internationally. She is a member of the Clinician Task Force and has been actively involved in funding and delivery issues on the state and national levels. Jill is a coauthor of the Seating/Wheeled Mobility Assessment that is used by many funding sources, both domestically and internationally.
Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 5 pm ET Palliative Care and CRT Speaker: Jean Minkel, PT, ATP ATP Prep Content, Seating & Mobility, Beginner Level
The words ‘Palliative Care’ are often linked to, confused with, and erroneously used interchangeably with Hospice Care. While both Palliative Care and Hospice Care embrace the concepts of patientcentered care based on the patient’s symptoms and goals of care, they differ in the timing of implementation and the need to forego curative treatment. This webinar will review the outcome of the Consensus Statement developed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, CMSC, on the Comprehensive Palliative Care in MS. By reviewing the statement, participants will learn where CRT can fill unmet needs being experienced by healthcare providers and patients who think, due to the progression of a disease, ‘there is nothing more we can do”. As we know, there are TONS of interventions “we” can offer. Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to name and discuss the differences between Palliative Care and Hospice Care Participants will be able to list the four domains of inquiry when following the principles of Palliative Care. Participants will be able to identify effective communication strategies including the importance of 'Ask before Teaching". Jean is a physical therapist and master clinician well recognized for her expertise in Assistive Technology. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Care Management at ICS a CMO- Care Management Organization in NYC. In addition, she leads On A Roll, a PT/OT practice providing specialized Complex Rehab Technology services to persons living with a physical disability in NYC. Jean has been recognized for her contributions to the field by being named a RESNA Fellow and awarded the Sam McFarland Mentor Award. She is a contributing author and co-editor with Michelle Lange of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide, a textbook available for all who want to learn more about seating and mobility.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11 am ET Adaptive Tricycles: The Other Wheeled Mobility Device and Therapy Tool Addressing Domains of the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) Speaker: Dan Judson Registered Physical Therapist, B.Sc.P.T 1988, Western University, London ON Sponsored by Freedom Concepts Seating & Positioning, Business Practice, Beginner Level
Cycling is well established in our culture as a tool for fitness, health, recreation, transportation, and achieving independence. We celebrate learning to ride a cycle as a rite of passage and then may continue to reap the benefits for decades. Individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges that make it difficult to ride safely can benefit from cycling if they are properly positioned and supported on a well configured cycle. The benefits of cycling can include enhancements to gross motor skills, joint range of motion, muscle strength, bone growth, cardiovascular fitness, visual/spatial orientation, and quality of life for the child and family. This course will examine the clinical benefits and research regarding adaptive tricycles through the lens of Evidence Based Practice and justify them as a therapy tool to address domains outlined by the ICF: body functions and structures, activity, and participation in the context of environmental and personal factors. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to list at least 4 benefits related to the ICF afforded to children with a disability from having access to riding an adaptive tricycle. The participant will be able to discuss evidence-based research related to the use of adaptive tricycles, and those areas that require further investigation. The participant will be better able to construct a letter of justification/medical necessity to support funding requests for adaptive tricycles. Dan Judson is a Physical Therapist with over twenty years of clinical experience with pediatric clients. He was the Clinical Coordinator at Thames Valley Children’s Centre, was a founding member of the Pediatric Physiotherapy Council of BC and participated in the development of pediatric programs in developing countries. His passions are rooted in educating and empowering clients, families, and clinicians to advocate for the information and resources needed to achieve success.
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7 pm ET Infection Prevention and Control Speaker: Anna Sokol, RN, MN, BScN, BScKin Sponsored by Motion Concepts ATP Prep Content, Medical Terminology, Intermediate Level The world has recently been shaken by the COVID‐19 pandemic. All industries have been affected and have had to change the way people work and provide services. This presentation will focus on the chain of infection transmission and the ways to break that chain in relation to seating and mobility. Participants will be provided with information related to routine, contact, droplet, and airborne precautions. Additional precautions required during the pandemic will be compared with routine practices during non‐pandemic times. Special attention will be paid to proper handwashing techniques and methods. Examples and case studies will include components of assessment and decision making related to the use of an appropriate level of protection and PPE. Pathogens will be classified according to the required methods of infection control. Discussion about engineering controls related to the reservoirs of infection will touch on the latest available technologies related to seating and mobility. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to describe all the 6 links of the chain of infection transmission and the ways to break it. The participant will be able to identify at least 3 routines and at least 2 additional practices recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participant will be able to list at least 3 modes of transmission requiring use of the PPE (personal protective equipment) and additional precautions. Anna Sokol, RN, MN, BScN, BScKin is the Invacare® Matrx® Clinical Education Specialist for Canada. Anna is a Registered Nurse with Emergency, SCI Rehabilitation, Diabetes, and Pediatric Orthopedic experiences. As a front-line nurse, Anna worked during multiple respiratory outbreaks and provided triage and acute care at the hospital. In the community setting, she was accountable for the infection prevention and control and occupational safety of the rehabilitation clinicians, nurses and unregulated care providers. Based in Canada, Anna has a wealth of experience related to communicable diseases and use of personal protective equipment. During the current Covid-19 pandemic, she serves as a resource for seating and mobility partners and answers many questions related to customer and employee safety.
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11 am ET Analysis and Development of the FMA/UDS Mobility Registry Speaker: Greg Packer, MS, MBA Sponsored by US Rehab ATP/SMS Prep Content, Best Business Practice, Intermediate Level
This course provides current information on general outcomes through the FMA. It gives the principles and applications for utilizing the tool in the current working environment with complex rehab technology users. It also will show current data and performance of how users are tracked and monitored for specific types of outcomes like wounds, falls, and hospital remittance. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to identify 10 different ways data from the FMA/UDS mobility registry can be utilized. The participant will be able to identify three iterations of the FMA/UDS tool. The participant will be able to describe three benefits of utilizing the registry and one discrete analysis from the data set. Greg A. Packer is President of U.S. Rehab, VGM Group Inc.’s alliance for high-tech rehab providers. His background, which includes sales management for Pride Mobility Products Corp. and Biocore Medical Technologies, Inc., provides him with an understanding of both the sales and product areas of rehabilitation technology. Additionally, he currently serves as Vice President of NCART, he also served three terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, so is familiar with the regulatory and governmental issues facing the rehab/HME industries. A graduate of Iowa State University, Ames, he received his Master of Business Administration degree from Baker University, Baldwin City, Kan.
Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11 am ET More than Medical Terms & Numbers: Tips to Getting to Know Your Clients Speaker: Angie Kiger, M.Ed., CTRS, ATP/SMS Sponsored by Sunrise Medical ATP/SMS Prep Content, Best Business Practice, Intermediate Level Has the thought “if only he would’ve told me that, I would’ve recommended a different type of wheelchair” ever come to your mind when you realize things aren’t going well with a client’s new piece of equipment? What about the thought “she is over the top with the demands” when you aren’t seeing eye to eye with a caregiver about her loved one’s CRT needs? If you can relate to either of those questions, you have probably experienced other communication breakdowns when attempting to provide the most appropriate CRT for a client and/or the best over-all client experience for him or her. Establishing a solid rapport with a client is vital to not only ensuring improved outcomes, but also to your client’s overall level of satisfaction. This educational session will provide participants with strategies to building effective professional relationships with their clients for successful outcomes in the provision of CRT. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to list and describe six key areas of communication to focus on to enhance your client-centered communication skills. The participant will be able to identify at least three strategies to incorporate into the evaluation process to foster open communication and build rapport with clients. The participant will be able to describe three examples of how information gathered outside of the traditional interview method, measurements, and diagnoses can impact the selection process for the most appropriate complex rehabilitation technology for a client. Angie Kiger, M.Ed., CTRS, ATP/SMS is the Clinical Strategy and Education Manager for Sunrise Medical United States (US). She earned a Master of Education degree in Assistive Technology from George Mason University. Angie is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS), and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Angie has over 18 years of experience working in the field of assistive technology. Prior to joining the Sunrise Medical team in 2012, she worked with infants, children, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to working as a clinician, Angie has served as an adjunct instructor at George Mason University and presented at numerous industry conferences in the US and abroad. She has written articles for trade publications and serves as a member of Mobility Management magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board. Angie is also a member of The Clinician’s Task Force.
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 7 pm ET The Impact of Wheelchair Seating and Mobility on Cardiopulmonary Function Speaker: Theresa Marie Crytzer, PT, DPT, ATP ATP/SMS Prep Content, Medical Terminology, Seating & Positioning, Intermediate Level
Cardiopulmonary function, particularly in people with neurological disabilities, is often compromised. The extent of compromise depends on physiological factors including neurological level and denervation of the muscles of respiration, and the presence of scoliosis and kyphosis. Wheelchair positioning and mobility can impact cardiopulmonary function and chest wall expansion. Measurement of cardiopulmonary function is important to consider in therapist evaluation and to include in documentation for wheelchair seating. Adaptive exercise and daily physical activity can improve cardiopulmonary function. This course will provide a review of cardiopulmonary impairments and secondary conditions associated with neurological diagnoses, examine how outcome measures can support clinical judgment and inform letters of medical necessity, provide an overview of the impact of positioning and seating on cardiopulmonary function, and discuss options for improving cardiopulmonary fitness in wheelchair users. Learning Outcomes: The participant will be able to discuss impairments associated with people with neurological conditions and secondary conditions that can impact morbidity and mortality. The participant will be able to review five cardiopulmonary outcome measures and ways that they can support clinical decision-making in wheelchair prescription. The participant will be able to examine the impact of wheelchair positioning and seating cardiopulmonary function. The participant will be able to examine the impact of physical activity on cardiopulmonary function and options for improving cardiopulmonary fitness in wheelchair users. Dr. Theresa Crytzer is Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology and the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System ‘s Human Engineering Research Laboratories. She completed a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University in 2000 and completed a National Institutes of Health T32 Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh in 2011. She has conducted research with individuals with spina bifida to understand their pulmonary function and developed a wheelchair rating of perceived exertion scale. Her research interests include the development of health lifestyle behavior interventions for people with disabilities. She has been conducting physical therapy evaluations to obtain assistive technology for individuals with complex disabilities for 20 years including as part of her current position at the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, and prior to that, at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children.
In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. We appreciate our learners willingness to adapt to the ever-changing sphere of Complex Rehab Technology, even before COVID hit our world. We have over 100 on-demand webinars and CEU articles in our library that cover a variety of topics on seating & positioning, medical terminology, ethics, funding, best business practice. The education program awarded over 1356 CEUS from August 2019 to August 2020 – that equals 13,560 hours of education! The numbers are proof that we are meeting one of our education objectives at NRRTS - to bring you quality education at an affordable price. Registrants receive education as a benefit – no cost, FONS – half price, and others only $45 per course! We’ve made access to education affordable and NOW, even easier for our learners! NRRTS is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). NRRTS complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, NRRTS is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. IACET CEUs are accepted by NRRTS for the RRTS® and CRTS® credentials and by RESNA for the ATP and SMS certification renewal. The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) accepts the IACET CEUs as PDUs for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). State OT and PT Associations also accept IACET CEUs for license renewal.