Skip to main content

Registration is open!

Welcome Back

Conference Guarantees

We're Excited

Course Descriptions

Michelle Lange

Positioning the Pelvis

OTR/L, ATP/SMS (Stealth Products) (.2 CEUs)

Course Title: Positioning the Pelvis (.2 CEUs)
Educator: Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS (Stealth Products)
Description: What is the cornerstone of wheelchair positioning? The pelvis. The position of the pelvis determines the position of the trunk and lower extremities and so achieving and maintaining the optimal position is critical. This course will present common pelvic asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a pelvic position as possible improves overall posture, stability and function.

Michelle Lange

Positioning the Trunk

OTR/L, ATP/SMS (Stealth Products) (.2 CEUs)

Course Title: Positioning the Trunk (.2 CEUs)
Educators: Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS (Stealth Products)
Description: What needs to be considered when positioning the trunk in wheelchair seating? If asymmetries are reducible, then the goal becomes to achieve symmetry as close to neutral as possible. If the asymmetries are non-reducible, then the seating system must accommodate the shape of the spine and ribcage to distribute pressure and reduce risk of further loss of range as well as pressure injuries. This course will present common trunk asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a trunk position as possible improves overall posture, stability, and function.

Michelle Lange

Positioning the Head

OTR/L, ATP/SMS (Stealth Products) (.2 CEUs)

Course Title: Positioning the Head (.2 CEUs)
Educator: Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS (Stealth Products)
Description: Some wheelchair seating systems do not include any support for the head and many systems only include a simple posterior head support. Many clients require additional support secondary to impaired head control or asymmetrical head postures. An aligned head position optimizes vision, breathing, and swallow, as well as function.

Curt Prewitt

What Factors Really Affect the Efficiency of a Manual Wheelchair?

MS, PT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: What Factors Really Affect the Efficiency of a Manual Wheelchair? (.1 CEU)
Educator: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Description: There are many firmly held opinions about what factors most dramatically affect manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency. Which factors have the greatest impact and are most important to consider? Is it the weight of the chair? Is it the component selection? Like an automobile, is it the way it is tuned or set up that optimizes efficiency? Prescribing professionals must understand how people use their manual wheelchairs. They must also understand how wheelchairs actually work as a machine. Armed with this knowledge, the professional can make appropriate decisions to optimize efficiency while meeting the user’s needs for support, stability, and function. This presentation will discuss factors commonly considered to be predictors of manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency. We will compare these factors in light of what current research suggests as being predictive and then provide some applicable conclusions to inform clinical practice.

Curt Prewitt

Wheelchair Cushion Science in a Nutshell

MS, PT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Wheelchair Cushion Science in a Nutshell (.1 CEU)
Educator: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Description: Persons involved in recommending wheelchair cushions have relied on many factors in deciding which cushions to recommend, including word of mouth, self-perceived comfort and function, aesthetics, tribal knowledge, etc. While these can all be important factors, the science of design and materials should be a primary factor in driving the decision of cushion selection to allow for comfort and function, while optimally managing pressure. It is important for those involved in recommending a wheelchair cushion to understand principles of design and characteristics of materials used in cushions in order to select an appropriate wheelchair cushion that will allow for comfort and function, while optimally managing pressure.

Sarah Lusto

Stand for More: Increasing Access with Evidence

PT, ATC, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Stand for More: Increasing Access with Evidence (.1 CEU)
Educator: Sarah Lusto, PT, ATC, ATP
Description: Over the last several years the media has been littered with articles discussing the negative effects of prolonged siting and the benefits of moving and standing. Standing desks and terminals now have a strong presence in the workplace, as well as, at home; so why are we still asking our patients to sit. The cost of prolonged siting has many negative effects for both the able-bodied population as well a sour patients/clients. With health care costs continuing to escalate due to comorbidities and medical complexities, why are we not looking to standing frames and standing power mobility to assist. In this course we will review the benefits of standing both medical and functional, the ongoing cost of siting, and how to utilize the current evidence to support further justification and documentation for standing devices.

Sarah Lusto

Wheeled Mobility and Pressure Injuries

PT, ATC, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Wheeled Mobility and Pressure Injuries: Equipment Considera􏰀ons and Strategies for the High-risk Client (.1 CEU)
Educator: Sarah Lusto, PT, ATC, ATP
Description: It is well-established through research findings and recent global data that pressure injuries can have a devastating impact on both the individual and the economics of healthcare delivery systems. People who use wheelchairs as their primary mobility device are often at a higher risk simply because they are sittng for long periods of time with less opportunity to change positions and surfaces. As stakeholders on the team, clinicians, equipment suppliers, and funding agencies must be knowledgeable about client risk factors involved, as well as product design characteristics and strategies used to mitigate these risks. Wheelchair seating and bed surfaces, as well as recommendations for best use of these surfaces, must be considered when products are selected as part of an individual’s pressure management program. This 1-hour course will review the science behind pressure injuries and up-to- date research that supports current best practice recommendations. The course will focus on how the wheelchair dependent client’s level of risk impacts the choices of surfaces- within the wheelchair and outside of the wheelchair. Pressure distribution strategies will be reviewed, as well as the role of differing support surface material and geometry characteristics. Participants will be provided with intervention strategy suggestions to incorporate into their daily practice.

Lindsey Sharpe

Making Power Wheelchairs Smarter

PT, DPT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Making Power Wheelchairs Smarter: Exploring the Continuum of SMART Technology (.1 CEU)
Educator: Lindsey Sharpe, PT, DPT, ATP
Description: Many power wheelchair drivers face a variety of issues related to their independence, safety, efficiency, and accessibility as a result of impaired motor control, visual deficits, impaired reaction time, inattention, and various other deficits that are common among wheeled mobility users. In this course, we will discuss the continuum of currently available SMART technologies that can be incorporated into the power wheelchair to address these issues and improve driver safety, confidence, and independence. SMART technology is integrated or retrofitted self-monitoring technology for a power wheelchair that provides enhanced, independent mobility to a wheelchair user, is able to collect and report user health and wellness data, and provides connectivity to integrate with the connected world. Throughout this course, we will explore the need for this type of technology, the currently available technology options on the market, and the people who might benefit from these available technologies.

Curt Prewitt

Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs

MS, PT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs – Current Guidelines, Standards, and Adaptive Equipment Options (.1 CEU)
Educator: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Description: This course reviews updates on current guidelines of transpor􏰀ng children with special needs per the 2019 American Academy of Pediatric Policy Statement. Various child restraint options including infant car beds, vests, car seats, and booster seats will be presented as options for infants and children with special needs including those with risk of airway obstruction, tracheostomy, muscle tone abnormalities, gastrointestinal issues, casts, and challenging behavior. Case studies will be presented to reinforce clinical application of various restraints. Additionally, the importance and necessary components of hospital-based multi-disciplinary child passenger safety programs will also be discussed as a means to increase child safety and prevent delays in hospital discharges. For children with disabilities who are unable to transfer from their wheelchair when traveling in motor vehicles, and the wheelchair serves as the vehicle seating system, a thorough review of ANSI/RESNA and ISO safety standards and transit compliance will be presented. This includes selection of appropriate transit options for wheelchairs (WC19) and seating systems (WC20), as well as securing the wheelchair in the vehicle (WC18) using Wheelchair Tie-down and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS).

Course Descriptions

Cameron Sant

The Case for Wheels

ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: The Case for Wheels: An Overview for Selecting the Clinically Appropriate Power Wheelchair Base (.1 CEU)
Educator: Cameron Sant, ATP
Description: The recommendation of power wheelchair mobility can be very challenging within the Complex Rehab market these days. There are many different choices for the consumer to choose from. Drive wheel configuration choice can have a major impact on how the wheelchair is utilized and how the power wheelchair functions for the individual. This class will provide the participant with an overview of the information they will need to assist in the selection of the correct power base for the individual’s specific needs.

Cameron Sant

Balancing Function and Independence

ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Balancing Function and Independence: Clinical Considerations for Power Adjustable Seat Height and Anterior Tilt (.1 CEU)
Educator: Cameron Sant, ATP
Description: Power wheelchairs are designed to augment function when functional mobility is compromised or lost. However, this is not the only benefits that the power mobility systems can provide. There are critical components of this system that also facilitate or improve the end user’s ability to complete functional activities/ADLs, support their physical and mental health, provide independent repositioning for pressure relief, increase tolerance of the seated position, and increase the overall satisfaction of the equipment. These critical components are known as power positioning devices. While there are several different types of power positioning products on the market, this presentation will focus on the clinical benefits of power adjustable seat height and anterior tilt.

Julie Piriano

Don't take NO for an Answer

PT, ATP/SMS (.2 CEUs)

Course Title: Don’t take NO for an Answer – Documentation and Appeal Strategies for Getting your Client the Equipment they Need (.2 CEU)
Educator: Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS
Description: Individuals with chronic medical conditions and long-term disabilities who have a permanent need for a wheelchair and seating interventions require a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of their physical, functional and environmental needs to allow clinicians and ATP suppliers to make appropriate Assistive Technology recommendations for a successful outcome, without delay.

This course will examine the questions outlined in the National Coverage Determination for Mobility Assistive Equipment; provide the clinician with practical tools to incorporate into the evaluation and documentation requirements to mitigate denials and win an appeal should a denial occur.

Jessica Pedersen

Considering Mobility Equipment As It Relates to Development

OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Considering Mobility Equipment As It Relates to Development (.1 CEU)
Educator: Jessica Pedersen, OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS
Description: This course is designed for clinicians to enhance their knowledge and clinical application of the subject matter: considering mobility equipment as it relates to development. As part of this course, we will discuss the application of mobility equipment to support the development of self-initiated movement for function and participation. Additionally, the course will review specific challenges related to children with disabilities or delay, current evidence, and the assessment and prescription of products pertaining to on-time mobility or function desired.

Jessica Pedersen

Air Travel with a Wheelchair

OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Air Travel with a Wheelchair (.1 CEU)
Educator: Jessica Pedersen, OTD, MBA, ATP/SMS
Description: Traveling by air provides a means of transportation that crosses states, countries, and oceans. When a person uses a wheelchair as a means of mobility, the wheelchair becomes part of the process of travel. This session will review the suggestions for navigating the airlines and airport during a trip. Storage of the wheelchair will also be addressed. The latest research, advocacy, policies, and laws will also be reviewed.

Dan Fedor

Don’t Let Documentation for Cushions be a Pain in the Ischial

(VGM) (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Don’t Let Documentation for Cushions be a Pain in the Ischial (.1 CEU)
Educator: Dan Fedor (VGM)
Description: Are cushion denials becoming a pain? How about determining how often a cushion can be replaced? Skin protection and positioning cushions are diagnosis (ICD-10) driven within the claims processing system; however, a qualifying ICD-10 is NOT enough for certain diagnoses, and the lack of detailed narrative in the medical record for a cushion may impact the coverage of the cushion and in certain situations the power base too! This session will outline in detail the coverage for skin protection and positioning cushions, how cushions impact the coverage of a solid seat power base, as well as how often a cushion can be replaced.

Dan Fedor

Documentation Life Preserver

(VGM) (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Documentation Life Preserver (.1 CEU)
Educator: Dan Fedor (VGM)
Description: In this interactive workshop participants will gain insight into health insurance plans documentation requirements for mobility products and certain related accessories (tilt, tilt and recline, seat elevation, upgraded electronics). The instructor, a former Director at Medicare, will share the internal thought process of health insurance plans which will enable therapists to provide them what they need in order to approve a claim for qualified patients. This course will teach attendees how to effectively and efficiently document the medical necessity for mobility products in order to reduce the time spent on writing documentation, thus preserving your LIFE as a therapist.

Dan Fedor

The FINE Line Between the ATP Assessment and the Specialty LCMP Evaluation

(VGM) (.1 CEU)

Course Title: The FINE Line Between the ATP Assessment and the Specialty LCMP Evaluation (.1 CEU)
Educator: Dan Fedor (VGM)
Description: Medicare and other insurances that follow Medicare require a specialty wheelchair evaluation to be performed by an LCMP (usually a PT or OT) and an ATP assessment for complex rehab wheelchairs (K0835-K0864, K0005, and E1161). The LCMP may not have a financial relationship with the wheelchair supplier and the wheelchair supplier must employee the ATP. So, where is the line of what each is expected and compliant to document including with telehealth? The Medicare Contractors as well as APTA and AOTA have weighed in and put the line in the sand. In this session, the instructor will discuss the FINE Line and outline the ethical and legal implications if it is crossed.
Erin Maniaci

What Makes Up A Seating System? Clinical Considerations For Matching Client To Product

PT, DPT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: What Makes Up A Seating System? Clinical Considerations For Matching Client To Product (.1 CEU)
Educator: Erin Maniaci, PT, DPT, ATP
Description: Back supports and cushions rely on understanding anatomy for effective positioning. We will also review current market products, examining components, sizing, materials, and features and how to determine if they align with client needs. Participants will enhance their proficiency in optimizing positioning and develop the confidence to pursue the ideal match between product and client.

Erin Maniaci

Anatomy of a Wheelchair: Clinical Implications

PT, DPT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Anatomy of a Wheelchair: Clinical Implications (.1 CEU)
Educator: Erin Maniaci, PT, DPT, ATP
Description: In this course, examine wheelchair frame design and materials that affect client outcomes. When selecting an appropriate manual wheelchair, it is easy to get lost in the features and benefits of the latest product. Once overwhelmed, many surrender to their usual routine. Focus on the form and function of the wheelchair to ensure client needs are being met.

Erin Maniaci

Maximizing Propulsion Efficiency in Manual Wheelchairs

PT, DPT, ATP (.1 CEU)

Course Title: Maximizing Propulsion Efficiency in Manual Wheelchairs: Practical Strategies (.1 CEU)
Educator: Erin Maniaci, PT, DPT, ATP
Description: Assess the roles of clinician, end user, configuration, tools and education in maximizing propulsion efficiency. Explore the effects of propulsion on upper extremity health, functional independence, and safety. Utilize objective measures to qualify and quantify efficiency to begin incorporating propulsion into treatment plans.