Description
Until fairly recently, there has not been a large population of individuals aging with disabilities. The first large population impacted by aging were people who were polio survivors in the 1980’s. The problems encountered by these people caught many off guard, not realizing the toll that functioning without full muscle capacity could have. At about the same time, medical advances facilitated longer life spans for people surviving spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. People with many congenital and birth-related disabilities now also survive up to normal life spans.
In the last 25 years or so, a great deal of research into the effects of aging with disabilities has occurred. That information is slow getting to the clinical environment.
This course will provide a review of relevant research for the clinician and the supplier. Approaches for evaluating individuals who have been living with a disability will be suggested.
Learning Outcomes:
The participant will be able to identify 2 research studies that can be applied to clinical practice with clients aging with a disability.
The participant will be able to identify 2 factors relevant to aging with a disability to consider when interviewing the client.
The participant will be able to identify 2 considerations prior to making seating and mobility recommendations relevant to aging with a disability.
Susan Johnson Taylor, OTR/L Susan Johnson Taylor is an occupational therapist who has been practicing in the field of seating and wheeled mobility for 39 years primarily in the Chicago area at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Wheelchair and Seating Center (now the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab). While at RIC, she also created and participated in a variety of research studies at the Northwestern University Sensory Motor Performance Program. Susan has published and presented nationally and internationally and has consulted on product development for a variety of manufacturers. Susan is both a member and fellow with RESNA, She is currently a member of the RESNA/ANSI Wheelchair Standards Committee and the Clinician’s Task Force. Susan joined the Numotion in 2015 and is involved in Education and outcomes.