Description
Recent research identifies three groups of power mobility learners: exploratory learners, operational learners, and functional learners. Identifying a child’s learner group provides insights into the power mobility device options, power mobility assessment tools, power mobility training methods, and environments of use that may help a child to achieve optimal power mobility outcomes. Using the driver characteristics exemplified in each learner group also helps in recognizing when the child is ready to progress to more challenging skills and when changes in power mobility training methods are needed. Using examples from our power mobility program for children and young adults (ages 6 months to 26 years), this session provides an overview of the different power mobility devices, assessment tools, and training methods used to target power mobility learners within each of these three learner groups. Consideration of outcomes and expectations for each of learner group will be explored and discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
The participant will be able to list 3 power mobility assessment tools that can be used with learners in each of the following groups: exploratory learners, operational learners, and functional learners.
The participant will be able to discuss 4 features of power mobility training methods targeting leaners in each of the following groups: exploratory learners, operational learners, and functional learners.
The participant will be able to discuss 2 appropriate outcomes of power mobility training and use for learners in each of the following groups: exploratory learners, operational learners, and functional learners.
Dr. Kenyon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Kenyon heads the Grand Valley Power Mobility Project, an inter-professional research and service project that provides power mobility training for children and young adults who are not typically considered to be candidates for power mobility use. Dr. Kenyon presents nationally and internationally on topics related to pediatric physical therapist practice and has published multiple journal articles and book chapters pertaining to topics in pediatrics. She currently serves on the Committee of Content Experts for the Pediatric Specialty Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.