Wheelchair + Seated Mobility
Course Description
Rehab professionals working with adult clients with seating needs must 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 setup 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 + Format
Now accepting registrations for the next course running September 16 - October 25, 2024.
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 to the AHS/UofA version of this course.
The (WSM) course consists of the following eight modules and two case studies:
- 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.
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 and demonstrate a MAT assessment.
This course will be of interest to a broad range of healthcare professionals involved in wheelchair assessment/seating prescription.
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 of the course fee is available to students who withdraw before the first day of the course. Withdrawal requests during the first 3 weeks of the course will be refunded 50% of the registration fee. After 3 weeks (mid-point of the course) no refund will be provided.
Genevieve Jamin has been working as an occupational therapist (OT) for 12 years. She has worked with veterans for most of her career, both in long-term care and as a contract OT in the community. Currently, she works for the largest health care employer in Alberta as co-ordinator of a large seating clinic and is a course instructor on wheelchairs and seating at the University of Alberta. She has over 10 years of experience in seating and mobility with an emphasis on seniors.
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.
The Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Assessment and Prescription course is delivered using a distance format via e‐class external (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.
The student is responsible for ensuring all technical requirements for online participation are met and functioning before the course starts. To participate in the online content, the student must have the following minimum requirements:
- 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.
- You should download the latest versions of Adobe Reader, Quicktime, Flash and Java.
- Lectures are provided in an HTML5 format and so should be playable on most browsers and mobile devices without the need to install Flash.