Empowering Mobility: A Comprehensive Guide to Power Assist
Workshop Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $75.00
Do you feel unsure which power assist device is the best fit for your client's needs?
Are you confident balancing shoulder preservation, function and real world mobility when making recommendations?
Learn how to compare power assist options, apply clinical reasoning and confidently match the right device to the right participant.
Purchase this workshopWhat will you learn?
In this workshop, you will gain practical knowledge and tools to:
- Understand the role of power assist devices in preserving shoulder function and reducing upper limb injury risk
- Explain why manual wheelchair users are at increased risk of shoulder pain and overuse injuries
- Apply practical strategies to optimise manual wheelchair propulsion, setup and shoulder preservation
- Compare the four main categories of power assist devices including rear mounted, push rim activated, joystick operated and front mounted systems
- Identify the advantages, limitations and clinical considerations of each power assist category
- Match different power assist devices to individual participant goals, environments and functional abilities
- Consider transport, portability, wheelchair compatibility and mounting requirements when prescribing power assist devices
- Evaluate factors including manual wheelchair skills, energy conservation, community access and long term independence during device selection
- Differentiate between situations where a power assist device may be more appropriate than a powered wheelchair, and vice versa
- Develop confidence discussing power assist options with participants, suppliers and multidisciplinary team members
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for Occupational Therapists who assess manual wheelchair users and prescribe mobility equipment.
It will be particularly valuable for:
- Occupational Therapists prescribing mobility equipment seeking greater confidence selecting and justifying power assist devices
- Community and rehabilitation Occupational Therapists supporting participants to maximise independence while protecting long term shoulder health
- Occupational Therapists working within the NDIS who complete Assistive Technology assessments and recommendations for manual wheelchair users
Why attend?
In this workshop, you will:
- Build confidence comparing the strengths and limitations of different power assist systems
- Strengthen your clinical reasoning when matching devices to participant goals, environments and functional capacity
- Learn practical considerations that influence successful prescription including transport, setup, wheelchair configuration and user skills
- Improve your ability to discuss power assist options with participants and equipment suppliers
- Gain practical knowledge that supports safer, evidence informed mobility recommendations and long term shoulder preservation
What's included?
- Gain online access to the workshop – live workshops are delivered via Zoom, while self-paced options include access to recorded sessions
- Download workshop slides and any resources provided by the presenter
- Enjoy six months of access to the recording and resources via your Verve OT Learning Library
- Receive a certificate of completion for your CPD records, available via email upon completion of the workshop
Terms of purchase
Please note that each workshop purchase provides access for one person only. If you would like multiple team members to access this workshop, each person must purchase the workshop seperately.
Beginner Level
The content of this workshop is suitable for therapists who are new to the topic area and require foundational knowledge.
The workshop assumes little or no prior experience and focuses on core concepts, terminology, frameworks and practical introductory skills.
Considering more than one workshop?
Add them all to your cart and finalise your purchase in one easy step
About the Presenter
Justin Boulos is an Occupational Therapist with nearly a decade of experience in the world of Assistive Technology. Justin has become a trusted name in the field, particularly renowned for his expertise in Seating and Mobility solutions for wheelchair users. His professional journey spans diverse populations, encompassing; paediatrics, neurological disabilities, spinal/brain injuries, and geriatrics.
Beyond the clinical setting, Justin is on a mission to make knowledge accessible and enjoyable. You can find him sharing valuable insights and expertise on his social media platforms under the name, WheelieWorx. Through this virtual space, Justin aims to break down barriers by offering easily digestible information to all those dedicated to the disability sector. His content is not like attending a lecture; it's more like you’re just hanging with a conveniently talented wheelchair-knowledgeable friend who tries to blend humour with expertise (tries to…). He is on a mission to make education for clinician’s not just educational but also incredibly fun – ‘edutainment’.
He's an adventure-seeking, fence-hopping, nature-loving individual. If you see him around, don't hesitate to ask for a hug and a friendly 'hello.'
Sign up todayWhat Are Others Saying?
"This workshop gave a good comparison of different types of power assist devices and pros and cons of each. A very engaging presenter!"
"It's a great intro to power assist, I am an OT who doesn't practice in this area but I do feel more confident in conversing with OT experts on the different options/ pros and cons of power assist"
Maria F, Occupational Therapist
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Verve OT Learning Workshop Categories
Beginner
Suitable for therapists who are new to the topic area and require foundational knowledge.
The workshop assumes little or no prior experience and focuses on core concepts, terminology, frameworks and practical introductory skills.
Intermediate
Suitable for therapists who already have a basic understanding of the topic and some practical experience applying it in clinical practice.
The workshop builds on foundational knowledge and explores more detailed reasoning, application and problem-solving.
Advanced
Suitable for experienced therapists who are already working in this area regularly.
The workshop assumes strong foundational knowledge and focuses on complex clinical reasoning, nuanced decision-making, advanced application and higher-level practice considerations.
All levels
Suitable for therapists across a range of experience levels.
While some concepts may be more familiar to experienced clinicians, the content is designed to be accessible and valuable regardless of prior knowledge.
