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.

Course Modules
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.
Course Learning Objectives
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
Who is it for?
This course will be of interest to a broad range of healthcare professionals involved in wheelchair assessment/seating prescription.
How to Apply

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.

Course Instructor
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.
Cost

The course tuition fee is $300.00

Submit Payment for the Course

*100% of the course tuition fee is refundable if a withdrawal request is submitted before the first day of the course.

Format
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.
Technical Requirements
It is the student's individual responsibility to ensure 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 https://eclass.srv.ualberta.ca/portal/
  • It is strongly recommended you download the latest versions of Adobe Reader, Quicktime, Flash and Java.
Please note that lectures are provided in an HTML5 format and so should be playable on most browsers and mobile devices without the need to install Flash.
Contact Information
sdrefs@ualberta.ca