Description
What can we, as mobility experts, do to facilitate emergency preparedness in our clients? Some may consider it out of our purview to address these emergency issues, but I believe as manufacturers, suppliers, and evaluators of mobility products, it is our responsibility. This course will offer options, materials, information, and education about how to reasonably assist in the process, while working to keep clients safe. We will discuss our roles for various emergencies, including in the home, in the community, large-scale emergencies, and natural disasters. Resources will be shared both for mobility professionals and to share with clients.
Learning Outcomes:
The participant will be able to describe the reasoning behind the need for mobility specialists to address emergency preparedness with clients.
The participant will be able to describe 1 potential role of the mobility specialist in each type of emergency situation clients may face.
The participant will be able to identify 3 resources to offer clients about emergency preparedness.
Amber Ward has been a treating occupational therapist for 25+ years; 10 years in inpatient rehabilitation, and 15+ years as full time Occupational Therapy Coordinator with persons with ALS and muscular dystrophies. She has treated a wide variety of patients, of all ages and functional levels. She currently is an adjunct professor at the OTA and MOT programs at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in addition to working in the clinic. She received the RESNA Assistive Technology Professional certification in 2004, the Seating and Wheeled Mobility certification in 2014, and became AOTA board certified in physical rehabilitation in 2010. She runs the seating clinic at the Neurosciences Institute Neurology in Charlotte, NC. She is involved with multiple research projects and is the author of 2 peer-reviewed journal articles about power wheelchairs with persons with ALS.