Prices NRRTS Registrants: No Cost Friends of NRRTS (FONS): $22.50 All Others: $45.00
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.