Wheelchair and Seated Mobility
Course Description
It is critical that rehab professionals working with adult clients with seating needs have a thorough understanding of the factors that impact manual wheelchair propulsion, seating, and positioning. This online course covers theoretical models guiding seating practice, client-centered assessment, common wheelchair types, wheelchair set up for effective propulsion, common seating components, goal setting, and management of commonly encountered postural deformities.
Participants will gain a better understanding of the factors involved in adult client assessment and wheelchair/seating prescription. Content is delivered through online video lectures, demonstration videos, and required knowledge checks. In addition, participants have the opportunity to observe a complete seating assessment (demo) and complete a case study (assignment).
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Course Enrollment and Format
This course offers rolling enrollment. This means that after submitting an application and paying the course fees participants are provided 6 weeks from the date added to complete the course.
The course is delivered using a distance format via e‐class external (The University of Alberta's online learning platform) and consists of eight modules 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.
Upon successful completion, participants will be issued a faculty digital certificate noting the number of educational hours.
Before you Apply
If you are an Alberta Health Services (AHS) employee (OT or PT working in a seating service) please contact Shawn Drefs at sdrefs@ualberta.ca BEFORE you apply to this course as you may be eligible for an AHS bursary.
- Introduction
- Theoretical Framework
- Wheelchair Seating Assessment - The Setup
- Physical Assessment of the Client
- Introduction to Equipment
- Propulsion
- Goal Setting
- Moving from Assessment to Action
- Case Study 1 (demo) Includes Intro, Interview, Range of Motion, and Wheelchair Assessment video content.
- Case Study 2 (assignment) Includes Interview, Range of Motion, Seated and Lying Assessment, and Wheelchair Assessment video content.
- 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 and demonstrate a MAT assessment
To apply to take the Wheelchair& Seated Mobility course please complete the online application below and proceed to make your course payment.
Step 1: Course Application
Step 2: Submit Payment for the Course
*A 100% refund will be provided to students who request a course withdrawal before the first day of the course. Withdrawals after the first day of the course are subject to a $50 administrative fee.
The course tuition fee is $300.00
*100% of the course tuition fee is refundable if a withdrawal request is submitted before the first day of the course.
- Access to a computer or mobile device with a high‐speed internet connection
- An internet browser (e.g. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome).
- To check browser compatibility with The University of Alberta's e-class system Brower Checker https://eclass.srv.ualberta.ca/portal/
- It is strongly recommended you download the latest versions of Adobe Reader, Quicktime, Flash and Java.