2011 Speakers

Drawing board to delivery: Improving wheelchair seat cushions through science & design
Patrick Meeker, Senior Director Global Sales - The Roho Group (USA)
The wheelchair seat cushion is anything but simple. As technology has improved over the years, most of the advancements can be attributed to an improved understanding of body mechanics, tissue physiology and materials improvements. However, we have a hard time evaluating these improvements critically and objectively. This session will explore recent advances in testing wheelchair cushions, synergistic use of hybrid materials in improving design and patient outcomes as well as what is needed for increasing evidence-based research and practice in wheelchair seating.

Innovation in Kitchen Design
Tim Knowles, Business Development Manager - Care Design
A review of best practise in design and product solutions. The in-depth presentation is aimed at OT’s principally, but would also be of interest to other types of therapists.

Interfacing: Using your power wheelchair controller as a mouse & environmental control unit
Justin Ware, Technology Consultant - The Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Aimed at therapists and consumers, this presentation will cover an overview of interfacing considerations, clarification of terminology (i.e. infra-red, bluetooth etc) and a demonstration of products.

Prescribing a powerchair from the ground up
Owen Dawes, National Sales Manager - Permobil Australia
This presentation will explain how each component of a powerchair is put together to form a complete power mobility solution. It will look at the functional differences between different drive styles, seating platforms, power seat functions and finally the control system. Also showcasing some unique products and options that may make a remarkable difference to your clients independence and life.

Application of Advanced Electronics for Powered Mobility - Is integration the way to go?
Amy Bjornson, Clinical Education Manager - Sunrise Medical Australasia
This presentation will focus on new technologies for power wheelchair driving controls and methods of integrating daily life activities into the functionality of the wheelchair electronics. We will also explore integration of ECU’s, communication devices and everyday appliances with the wheelchair. Pro’s and Con’s of integration will be discussed, determination of client need, assessment strategies for proper selection, and appropriate configuration of devices will be covered. This course will facilitate critical thinking: assisting therapists and suppliers in confident assessment for power wheelchair drive controls including joysticks, alternate controls and environmental control systems.

Addressing Seating Challenges in Children & Young Adults
Clare Wright, Clinical Research Manager - James Leckey Design (Ireland)
This presentation will look at the seating challenges facing adolescents and young adults. Seating systems are aimed at providing an appropriate level of postural support for the individual user. Not only does the Seating System offer comfort, but skin protection and stability as well to enable daily functional “seated” activities to be carried out in a healthy and productive way. The critical aspects for a proper Seating System is that it must assure the user of pelvic stability, hip and sacral support, trunk and head alignment, as well as leg and foot positioning. Therefore, to meet this challenge we have found a concept for an adjustable, modular Seating System, which is especially adapted to the needs of the teenager who is growing into a young adult. This presentation will give the participants an overview about different health problem patterns and conditions which may compound the proper fitting and adjustment of the equipment. Also the main steps in using the product concerning the proper seating, positioning, and adjusting the Seating System. Finally, important information will be given through various case histories for a better understanding of the clinical developments and improvements made (as well as the necessary skills needed) to use the Seating System most effectively.

Latest developments in standing wheelchair technology
Joel Bosshard, Technical Manager Levo (Switzerland)
Presenting the latest in standing wheelchair technology and terrain capable power chairs based on clients requests and needs for the 21st century.

Sex, Lies & Assistive Technology - What’s your position?
Narelle Higson, Occupational Therapist, Assistive Equipment Services - Independent Living Centre WA
The topics of sexuality, disability and aging are rarely combined and discussed in an open manner. Is it in the best interest of those we care and plan services for to neglect this basic and universal need for intimacy? Should the area of sexuality, disability and aging be a specialist area, or are there steps we can all take to recognise the importance of the sexual needs of our clients and support them in their right to fulfil these needs? With the aim of stimulating and promoting healthy discussions, this presentation will describe ILC’s journey in researching, resourcing and creating its sexuality display and will summarise the gathered information from within Australia and overseas relevant to this area including:
• Why isn’t this area discussed?
• Is it really that important after all?
• What resources are available locally and online to support learning in this area?
• What exactly IS that thing, why does it make that noise (and is it available in my size?)
Appropriate for therapists, carers, consumers and suppliers alike, this presentation will include a hands-on introduction to the items in our WA ILC display. You may enter world-weary – be prepared to leave buzzing.

Know, Go, Grow - Transitioning children from dependent mobility bases to manual wheelchairs; considerations, options & solutions
Angela Rankin, Occupational Therapist - Seating Dynamics
The benefits of using ultra-lightweight wheelchairs for manual propulsion in adults has been shown to increase independence, community access, decrease fatigue and decrease incidence of upper extremity dysfunction. However, the research is less well-defined in children but no less important. The benefits of providing children the opportunity to access and explore their environment independently can be greatly enhanced by transitioning them earlier from dependent mobility bases to ultra-light manual wheelchairs. This program will explore the key development milestones, wheelchair setup, evaluation and contraindications with the goal of enhancing children’s lives through independent wheeled mobility. A case study will demonstrate the key considerations for the client and their family.

Therapeutic equipment for the elderly & stroke rehab
Susanne Bachhaus, Area Sales Manager Asia & Middle East - Medica Medizintechnik GmbH (Germany)
This presentation will examine the effectiveness of using therapy supporting exercises in geriatric rehabilitation.

Enabling the development of children with disabilities
Jane Crowle, Physiotherapist - Dejay Medical
Children who are diagnosed with a physical disability may not have the ability to move and explore their surroundings, particularly indoors where they can spend up to 80% of their time. This presentation looks at how a child interacts with their environment, and how this interaction can be affected for a child with a disability. We will review some strategies to assist this interaction to develop and outline some of the benefits which can be gained from interaction. We will also explore various mobility options available, and decipher how to choose the most appropriate for your client.

Stimulite - Taking the heat off
Tania Bowkett, Occupational Therapist - C1 South (New Zealand)
The inability to manage heat and moisture can affect wheelchair users in many different ways. The success in managing these carried aspects of heat and moisture in everyday life can prove to be challenging. This presentation will be in a case study format looking at solutions that involved the use of Supracor Stimulite Honeycomb products.

Innovation in Wheelchair Electronics to Help Encourage Equipment Adoption
Bruce Campbell - Dynamic Controls (New Zealand)
Equipment abandonment is a lose-lose - the provider has paid for the device, and the recipient’s real needs remain unmet. By looking beyond the need for independence, wheelchair electronics company Dynamic Controls is looking to provide innovative solutions that encourage equipment adoption. Hear how it and others in the industry are innovating today, as well as future areas of innovation.

Horticultural therapy for dementia
Virgina Field, President - Horticulture Therapy Society of NSW
Horticultural Therapy has applications in a wide range of scenarios and can meet the needs of a diverse range of clients, including older people, people recovering from major injuries or illnesses or drug or alcohol abuse, or rehabilitation through the criminal justice system. The presentation will use as an example, the teaching program for people working with dementia clients developed by the Horticulture Therapy Society of NSW, in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Australia (NSW), Carers-NSW and the Occupational Therapy Association of NSW. Course content and participant feedback from the 2010 training subsequent outcomes in the workplace will be described.

Advancements in Alternate Drive Controls
Ron Smelter, Quantum Rehab Manager - Pride Mobility Products
Looking at programming features and options available through advancement in technology on alternative drive controls. This new technology and its advancements is making it easier and giving you and your client far more options in programming to meet their needs.

Clients Deserve Filet Mignon - Best Practice vs Compromise in Equipment Provision
Amy Bjornson, Clinical Education Manager Australasia - Sunrise Medical Australia
This case study based workshop will explore our practices in equipment provision when what the team (consumer, vendor, therapist, and MD) considers the ‘optimal’ wheelchair for a given consumer isn’t possible. When that optimal equipment solution is not possible, compromise occurs. We will explore, via case studies the reasons that compromise is necessary and “Is that OK and under what circumstances is that OK?”

Critical Thinking in Pressure Ulcer Assessment & Management - Linking Solutions to Problems
Patrick Meeker, Senior Director Global Sales - The Roho Group (USA)
Despite tremendous ongoing research and clinical education on pressure ulcer assessment and treatments, prevalence and incidence statistics still continue to rise. As a member of the rehabilitative care team, whether it be pediatric or geriatric (or anywhere in between), the best care regimen still simply consists of having the correct assessment and applying the right solutions. Unfortunately, many patients don’t get it done correctly the first time. Pressure ulcer assessment, differential diagnosis, objective clinical findings and historical information all play a considerably important role in achieving successful outcomes. These solutions many times consist of therapeutic interventions combined with careful, commonsense observations and suggestions. This presentation will review many of these factors with published guidelines, experiential findings and multiple case studies from all care realms.

The Impact of Disposable Continence Products
Glenis Drayton, Managing Director - Conni
An insight into the cost and environmental impact with the use of disposable continence aids.

Positioning for Function - Clinical decisions behind making a seating system work for your client
Simone Ferer, Seating Manager & Clinical Consultant - Invacare South Australia
Do therapists and end users of manual and power chairs have a higher expectation to achieve perfect positioning in their mobility device? The seating system may provide optimal postural support, but how does it affect function? Evaluation of the seating system in conjunction with the end users’ environment and functional ability must be considered. The presentation will review clinical factors influencing choice of seating systems and provide an understanding of design principles and support surface materials when evaluating seating options for clients.

Alternative Positioning - The Missing Link
Roger Summerville - Peacocks Medical (UK)
Therapists often talk about taking a holistic approach – but are these just words of convenience? Holistic – Definition - characterised by the view that a whole system of beliefs must be analysed rather than simply its individual components. This presentation will look at the movie of life rather than the snapshot of seating that so often dominates the positioning field. The concept is to allow the therapist to empower families and caregivers with a method of postural management that crosses the boundaries of support and function. With contractures – controlling patterns can be important, at other times we can work towards the restoration of “normal” patterns – What are some of the options and how do we get there? This presentation will look across the major questions of WHY? WHEN? WHAT and WHO?
• WHY do we need alternative systems?
• WHEN should we be using alternative systems?
• WHAT are we looking to accomplish?
• WHO would benefit from alternative positioning?
• And the last of the complex questions is – how do we get patient compliance?

You’ve Selected the Manual Wheelchair Frame but Don’t Stop There - Setup & component selection
Amy Bjornson, Clinical Education Manager Australasia - Sunrise Medical Australia
Picking the manual wheelchair frame is just the beginning. The functional and environmental needs of each individual user vary greatly. To truly maximise mobility, we must make appropriate adjustments and choose appropriate options and accessories. This instructional course will outline how to select the most appropriate base, configuration and options. Special emphasis will be placed on maximising functional mobility. Case studies will emphasise the importance of using evaluation techniques to assist therapists in confident selection, clear documentation and positive outcomes.

The Benefits of Early Independent Mobility
Jacinta Maurin - Otto Bock
Kids who have independent upright access to their environment can learn more efficiently and develop at a faster rate than kids who don’t. This presentation will review the evidence supporting early independent mobility and use case histories to support the use of specialised equipment. This will be followed by a review of available equipment.

How Uriwell Personal Unisex Toilets can Help the Immobile
Helen Shalavin, Promoter - Freedom Aids
This talk will show the profound impact that the Uriwell personal urinal can have on the immobile, particularly the elderly and/or disabled. New to Australia, this medical device assists those who cannot access a normal toilet. Its flexibility allows the user to bend it to fit their position and individual condition; suiting those who suffer from urinary frequency, urgency or nocturia. The talk will show how Uriwell helped one stroke victim who could not use any other product with one hand, except this. Uriwell gave him back his personal independence and dignity, it can do the same for others.

You’re Standing Up, How Does That Feel?
Patricia Joyce
There are 6,500 young people in aged care homes in Australia. All aged care residents have the right to robust appropriate therapies to improve and maintain mobility, and to improve their quality of life. Improvements in the resident’s mobility dexterity and self-confidence provides hope and encouragement for the families, care staff and professionals. Many staff and managers are proactive and getting younger people up and active whether in rural or metropolitan settings.

Pushing the Envelope with PME Auto Conversions
Bill Georgas, CEO - Problem Management Engineering
Pushing the envelope. Doing things no one thought was possible. It happens every day. We see it happen. In our industry, people with physical challenges exceed expectations by driving their own vehicle independently. Triple amputee, quadriplegic, muscular dystrophy… Driving?… Done. And it’s not just wheelchair accessible vans or commodores with hand controls. New vehicle adaption technology, engineering experience and expertise, and in-depth consultations are allowing us to push the envelope further. People with physical challenges are versatile and adaptive, and are living their preferred lifestyles. It’s all about thinking ‘What is possible?’ This presentation will introduce you to some of these new technologies and showcase some amazing people pushing the envelope.

Pressure Care Considerations: Protection Dignity & Natural Movement
Annette Curry, National Sales Manager, Novis Healthcare
This clinical session has two components, firstly slides that cover the statistics, physiology, risk factors and management principles of movement and pressure related injuries. The slide presentation is supported by a demonstration of various movement principles and manual handling aids.