The Science Behind Wheelchair Seating for High-Risk Clients

ALL SESSIONS ARE CLOSED CAPTIONED AND WILL BE RECORDED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED ATTENDEES WITHIN 24-48 BUSINESS HOURS AT THE OTLEARN PORTAL.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This course examines wheelchair seating principles focusing on client risk factors, evidence-based practices, and client-centered approaches. Participants will learn to make informed clinical recommendations to improve function and skin/tissue health.

Learning Objectives

• Describe two clinical findings indicating increased risk for pressure injury and ISO performance standards to inform wheelchair cushion recommendations.
• Identify performance characteristics of two seating materials and relate the application of clinical evidence and client goals for improved function.

Speakers

Heather Cianciolo

Heather Cianciolo OTR/L, ATP/SMS is an occupational therapist and the Clinical Education Manager for Permobil covering New England and Upstate New York. She joined Permobil in the winter of 2020. She started her career at Kessler Institute in NJ specializing in SCI and seating/mobility before moving to Rhode Island where she established a WC Clinic at Southern New England Rehab Center serving an adult population for more than 25 years. Heather lectures at universities throughout New England. She is a member of AOTA and RESNA.

Thomas Halka

Thomas Halka, MOT, OTR, ATP is an occupational therapist and Clinical Education Manager for Permobil, supporting Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He joined Permobil in 2019. Prior to this, he practiced at the Dallas VA Medical Center in the SCI Unit, providing complex seating/mobility solutions for veterans with SCI/D and MS. Thomas earned his ATP from RESNA in 2018; is a member of AOTA; and has served Texas Woman’s University School of Occupational Therapy as a member of the Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship Advisory Council.

Earn up to 1.00 contact hour.