EXFRM 2725 Pediatric Wheelchair & Seated Mobility

Rehabilitation professionals working with children who need seating support must understand what affects wheelchair propulsion, seating and positioning. In this course you will learn modern approaches to seating, including client-centered assessments, different wheelchair types, proper setup for easy propulsion, seating components, goal setting and managing common posture issues. You will also gain a better understanding of the factors involved in pediatric client assessment and wheelchair/seating prescription.

This course is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, kinesiologists, recreational therapists, therapy assistants and other rehabilitation professionals.

Course Registration

Registration now available for the following sections (see details under 'How to Register')

  • September 7 - October 16, 2026 
  • October 19 - November 27, 2026
  • January 11 - February 19, 2027

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Course Hours

The course is approximately 12 content hours.  Completion times amongst individual participants vary however 35 educational hours appear on the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine digital certificate issued after successful course completion.  A digital badge issued by UofA CE is also available through MyCreds.

Step 1: Complete and submit the faculty CE Unit application form

 EXFRM 2725 CE Unit Course Application

Step 2: Proceed to create a UofA CERegister account 

Step 3: Register for a course section on CERegister

Cost: $285

Visit UofA Continuing Education for information on course withdrawal, refund, and transfer policy.

 

The (WSM) course consists of the following eight modules and two case studies:

  • Introduction to Pediatric Seating
  • Current Practice and Frames of Reference
  • Goal Setting
  • Physical Assessment of the Client
  • Wheelchair Seating Assessment
  • Equipment
  • Propulsion
  • Training in Wheelchair skills
  • Case Study Example and Case Study Assignment

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the value of proper wheelchair prescription.
  • Describe the theoretical models that guide wheelchair assessment and seating interventions.
  • Create appropriate wheelchair and seating goals.
  • Identify manual wheelchair classes and parts.
  • Identify key components of cushion design and composition.
  • Understand the factors that affect wheelchair propulsion and functional performance.
  • Describe the steps in the wheelchair assessment process

This course will be of interest to a broad range of healthcare professionals involved in wheelchair assessment/seating prescription.

michelle-barnes.jpg

Michelle graduated from the University of Alberta in 2002 with her Physiotherapy Degree. Prior to that, she completed degrees in Education, and Physical Education. She started her career in private practice, working in a clinic in suburban Edmonton for 9 years before taking a position at the Glenrose in 2011. While at the Glenrose, Michelle had the chance to switch from treating the ‘typical’ musculoskeletal injuries seen in private practice, to treating an outpatient neurology population including people who had experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

The Pediatric Wheelchair and Seating Mobility course is delivered using a distance format via CE Canvas (The University of Alberta's online learning platform). The course consists of eight modules and two case studies to be completed within six weeks. The majority of course content is delivered asynchronously meaning there is no requirement to be online at a specific class date and time. Students can complete the learning activities in a place and time of their choosing. Content is accessible 24 hours a day from any location with an internet connection. Each module may consist of online lectures, video presentations, and knowledge checks.