Oct 20th Covering: Seating and Mobility Foundations, Driveability to Promote Independence and Alternative Drive Controls

Course Descriptions:

1. Seating and Mobility Foundations (3hr)

Course Level: Beginner/Review

This course will take time to explore the foundation of a mat evaluation, looking into how

measuring a client properly can translate into the appropriate equipment recommendations.

Without an in-depth mat assessment to start the equipment recommendation process, you

are leaving the outcome to chance. Every client is unique, as are their seating and positioning

needs. The key way to identify these unique needs comes in the form of the mat evaluation.

This class provides an overview of what a mat evaluation should be comprised of, what

positioning and orthopedic factors should be assessed, along with examples of proper linear

and angular measurement techniques and assessment.

This class starts with a brief review of the algorithmic approach to selection of wheeled mobility

equipment and then progresses into the assessment process and documentation of our clinical

evaluation and mat evaluation, and how that may guide our selection of seating and

positioning components.

2. Driveability: Features and Options to Promote Function and Independence (2hr)

Course Level: All Levels

Target Audience: Licensed/Certified Medical Professional (i.e. PT, OT), Rehab Professional

(ATP, SMS, CRTS), Reimbursement & Billing Specialists Course Materials/Equipment

When considering driveability in the terms of power wheelchair management, it is not only an

extremely important factor for an end user’s safety in controlling the power wheelchair, but a

huge consideration in the satisfaction and comfort of using the device. When evaluating an

end user for a power mobility device, much consideration is given to the mobility base, seating

components, and drive controls, but there are other features to consider as well. This course

will look at these important additional features including programming options, drive wheel

configuration, suspension, and tracking technology.

3. Clinical Applications for Alternative Drive Controls: (1hr)

Assessing an end user for power mobility can be an intimidating task. Decisions that are made

will have an impact on the individual’s quality life, functional mobility, physical well-being, and

social interactions. When the end user is not able to utilize a standard joystick, then the task

can become even more intimidating. There are many considerations and factors including

driving/input method, mounting of driver controls, postural control, power positioning,

programming, and environmental access/control. This workshop will review many of the

considerations that must be examined when recommending alternative controls. Case specific

examples will be utilized to elucidate the often-delicate interplay between alternative control

access and complex seating system needs.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Cabarle, OTR, ATP

Mary Cabarle is an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

from New Jersey. She is currently the Manager of Clinical Education and Marketing Liaison

for Quantum Rehab with focus on the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions. Mary attended the

University of Scranton from 2010-2015 for both her undergraduate studies and master’s degree

in OT. Mary spent the last seven years working at a Model System rehabilitation hospital in

New Jersey, treating diagnoses ranging from traumatic spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury,

and neurodegenerative diseases with experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her

experience in an outpatient setting was solely focused on the wheelchair clinic to meet clients’

complex seating and mobility-related needs. Mary enjoys collaborating with other members of the

wheelchair provision team to curate unique and innovative solutions to mobility related needs.

Pride Mobility Products Corp./Quantum Rehab has been approved as an Accredited Provider #1307743 (Valid through

2/28/26) by the International Association for Continuing Education & Training (IACET) 21670 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 170,

Sterling, VA 20166: (703) 763-0705.