Description
Powered mobility for young children continues to grow in usage and acceptance in clinical environments. This utilization has increased in part due to the copious amounts of evidenced-based research on the topic. In 2018, an updated version of the RESNA Position on the Application of Powered Mobility Devices for Pediatric Users was published. The amount of research that had been published between the first version and second version was significant. The focus on this area shows the appropriateness and the necessity for providing powered mobility to young children. Despite this positive motion, some payor sources, clinicians, and providers still remain hesitant to support this intervention. This course will discuss the current evidence supporting powered mobility in this population and how to overcome barriers. Case studies utilizing both traditional complex rehabilitation equipment and newer ride-on toys will be included.
Learning Outcomes:
The participant will list three developmental areas that are positively influenced by mobility.
The participant will describe current barriers to providing powered mobility for young children and how to overcome them.
The participant will list the ways facilitate power wheelchair usage in their facilities.
Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS is a Physical Therapist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. She is the Program Coordinator for the Motion Analysis Center, a three-dimensional motion analysis lab where she also runs a pediatric and adult seating and positioning clinic. She has authored a number of RESNA position papers on both powered and manual wheelchairs. She writes articles for NRRTS and she is on the Editorial Board for Mobility Management. She lectures nationally and internationally on pediatric and adult wheelchairs as well as the importance of standing. She has been active in DME prescription for over 20 years. She is a past member of the Board of Directors of RESNA. In her free time she can be found on the nearest mediation cushion.