Description
Children with severe motor, cognitive, and communication deficits are limited in their ability to use self-initiated movement to explore and learn from the world around them. Such children are frequently dismissed as “too Linvolved” or “too low functioning” to use power mobility. This session will provide details related to the interventions used in our power mobility training program for children who have multiple, severe disabilities (ages 9 months to 26 years). Potential benefits of power mobility training in this population will be examined and explored. Various intervention techniques focused on creating an engaging environment customized to target the emergence of basic power mobility skills through environmental exploration and play will be presented and discussed. Case studies and examples from our program will be used to illustrate key concepts. Consideration of outcomes and expectations for the use of power mobility interventions in this unique population will be considered and reviewed.
Learning Outcomes:
The participant will be able to discuss three potential benefits of using power mobility training interventions with children and adolescents who have multiple, severe disabilities.
The participant will be able to describe five steps to creating power mobility training programs to meet the individual needs of children and adolescents who have multiple, severe disabilities.
The participant will be able to discuss three means by which to evaluate outcomes and expectations for the use of power mobility interventions in this unique population.
The participant will be able to discuss the role of an interprofessional team in providing power mobility options and use for children and adolescents who have multiple, severe disabilities.
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. Dr. Kenyon currently serves on the Committee of Content Experts for the Pediatric Specialty Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.