Session Details

Name
Matching Clinical Needs and Client Lifestyle to Seating
Track
Complex Rehab Technology
Date & Time
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location Name
Ballroom D/E

Learning Objectives

Name
Matching Clinical Needs and Client Lifestyle to Seating
Description

Every client who utilizes a wheeled mobility device is unique, both in physical presentation and in their seating support surface requirements. Clinicians consider the consumers’ physical presentation (posture), dimensional measurements and range of motion, balance and often prioritize skin protection as the principal goal when prescribing a seat cushion. Additional goals may include neutral pelvic support, femoral alignment, and overall seated stability. For consumers with sensation or hyper-sensitivity, comfort is a frequent goal for the seating system, even while some funding sources perceive this as too subjective or vague to be a legitimate outcome. Function is the other priority goal for the wheeled mobility user. The ability to perform transfers and many basic & advanced activities of daily living can be enhanced or impeded by seating products and equipment configuration. Equipment that is not comfortable or that limits or restricts function is frequently modified or abandoned by the end-user. Prioritizing individual needs and goals may make support surface selection seem more time consuming or overwhelming, but listening to and involving consumers in the process can assure better long-term outcomes for everyone. This session will focus on identifying selection criteria for wheelchair seat and back support surfaces by matching consumer function and stability needs with product features utilizing case studies.

Proposed Learning Objective (1)
List three function-based criteria for back support length and width selection.
Proposed Learning Objective (2)
Explain at least three postural effects of insufficient pelvic and trunk support and the long-term impact those postures can have on function and equipment needs.
Proposed Learning Objective (3)
Describe at least three aspects of seat cushion supports which have a critical impact on function and postural alignment.

CEU and CEC

When applicable, the CEU or CEC credits for each accrediting body are displayed below.