Assessing for Power Mobility: From Standard Joystick to Specialty Input Devices

Presented in partnership with Sunrise Medical Clinical Educators: 

 Robert Norton, ATP, Director of Sales, Specialty Controls

 Kim Davis, MSPT, ATP, Clinical Rehab Manager

Course Description:

This half day (4 hour) continuing education course will begin with a discussion regarding when an individual should be considered for power mobility. Clinical discussion points will include independence, safety, vision, environment and transportation.  Funding considerations will also be shared.  For transitioning to power mobility, we will discuss the reasons why and when Alternative Drive Controls/Specialty Input Devices should be considered for independent driving versus how possible adjustments to a standard joystick could be sufficient for the client’s needs. We will review and discuss the various options available on the market and when each would be applicable. We will also spend hands-on time understanding how to set up the power chair with alternative drive controls for success. This course is designed for the ATP and clinician to leave with a good understanding of the options available for their clients and how to apply them.

Course Objectives:

1) Describe the difference between proportional and non-proportional (switched) drive controls.

2) Articulate three programming changes that could improve a user’s success in driving a power wheelchair.

3) Describe the difference between a mechanical and electronic switch.

4) Identify at least five (5) Specialty Input Device options.

5) Describe at least two different mounting options for Specialty Input Devices.

Presenter Information: 

Robert Norton, ATP - Robert joined Sunrise Medical on April 1, 2015 as part of the acquisition of Switch-It, Inc.  Previously, he had been with Switch-It Inc. as the global sales manager and he has continued in that role with Sunrise as Director of Sales, Specialty Controls.  His entry into the world of complex rehab began in 1993 as the office manager, handling tech, billing, and all inside activities for National Seating & Mobility’s branch in  Dallas, TX. In September of 2005, Robert earned his Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) credential and jumped into a side of the complex rehab world he had been managing from the other side. Specializing in pediatrics, he spent the next several years providing high end manual/power wheelchairs and specialty controls to consumers with a wide range of diagnoses throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth area. His background as an ATP allows him to identify with other ATPs in the field, as well as provide the best possible solution to therapists as they seek successful outcomes for their clients.

Kim Davis, MSPT, ATP - Kim has been a physical therapist for 28 years, specializing in seating/wheeled mobility, in the areas of both service delivery and clinical research. Kim joined Sunrise Medical in 9/2015 as Clinical Rehab Manager for the Northeast Region. Immediately prior to joining Sunrise, she worked as a senior clinician at ATECH Services in Concord, NH (2008-2015), providing evaluations for both children and adults in the specialty areas of seating/wheeled mobility, pressure mapping, home access, ADL equipment, postural care and child passenger safety.  She has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally on the topics of seating, wheeled mobility and pressure mapping. Her research focus has included wheelchair seating, pressure ulcer detection/assessment, and clinical application of interface pressure mapping. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and a book chapter on wheelchair seating for persons with SCI.