Clinical
Program
7 May 2015
Royal International
Convention Centre, Brisbane
YOUR CHOICE,
YOUR CONTROL
Supporting inclusion and
independence with Australia’s
foremost exhibition of aids,
equipment & allied services
• FREE Entry - Opening hours
9.00am – 4.00pm
• COMPLEMENTARY PARKING offered
exclusively to visitors who pre register
• INTERNATIONAL Speakers
• More than 50 EXHIBITORS with
products and services designed to get
more out of life
•N
EW for 2015 – sessions dedicated to
consumers and families
•F
REE Clinical Program for Occupational
Therapists, Physiotherapists, Rehab
Engineers, Allied Health Clinicians,
Nurses, Case Managers, Carers and
Medical Professionals.
• A great opportunity to collect Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) points
REGISTER NOW
www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au
or call 1300 789 845
Media Partner
ATSA Independent Living Expo
CLINICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
THURSDAY 7 MAY 2015
ROOM 1
ROOM 2
ROOM 3
ROOM 4
9:15am –
10:00am
The Balancing Act –
Factors in Wheelchair
Seating Selection
Stephanie Tanguay
(Invacare, USA)
New Technology in
Manual Wheelchairs
– New Materials,
Configurations & Options.
How can they promote
function & satisfaction for
your active clients?
Amy Bjornson (Sunrise
Medical)
An in-depth case study
of the Australian
Wheelchair and seating
service experience:
study findings.
Rachael Schmidt (Deakin
University)
Pressure Ulcer Etiology:
What Is The New
Evidence Telling Us?
Tricia Garven (ROHO, USA)
10:45am –
11:15am
Be Independent – how to
safely use durable medical
equipment to assist
caregivers & their loved
ones to live independently
Jan Miller and Brandon
Birch (Stander USA)
The Importance of
Precision & Driving
Performance
Julie Ott (Invacare,
Switzerland)
A practical guide to
wheelchair cushion
selection
Jacinta Maurin (Otto Bock)
The new LifeTec online
learning portal: Your
gateway to online
assistive technology
information
Wendy Stevens (Lifetec)
Putting it all together
– translating your mat
evaluation into successful
wheelchair prescription
Amy Bjornson
(Sunrise Medical)
Manual Wheelchairs and
Attachments (a users
perspective)
Peter Mills (Wicked
Wheelchairs)
What to do when
technology fails
Lloyd Walker (Tech4Life)
C
11:45am –
12:30pm
Power Seat Functions:
Examining The Myths
Magdelena Love
(Permobil USA)
C
1:30pm –
2:00pm
How everyone can be part
of the cycling revolution –
clinical considerations for
trike prescription
Kati Graham (Lifetec)
Next Generation
specialty controls
Ron Smelter (Aidacare)
P
Who chooses your
assistive technology,
and how?
Emily Steele (University of
Queensland)
C
The Benefits of Immersion
for Pressure Sore
Prevention and Healing
Matt Hodge (Star Cushions
USA)
C
2:30pm –
3:00pm
What is custom seating
and why do I need it?
Traceelee Maginnity (ILS
Rehab)
ReWalk Exoskeleton
Demonstration
Kristee Shepherd
(Making Strides)
Introducing the New Evo3
Joseph Grosso
(Neatech, Italy)
C
3:15pm –
4:00pm
Shoulder pain is an
epidemic: Let’s talk about
what we can do about it!
Dr Mark Richter
(Max Mobility, USA)
Standard commercially
available child restraints
information session
Ali Akbarian (Mobility
Engineering)
C
When off the shelf
solutions don’t work
Traceelee Maginnity (ILS
Rehab)
Pressure Care
Considerations and
Mattress Selection
Annette Curry (Novis
Healthcare)
Growing evidence in
support of orthotic based
seating interventions
Joan Padgitt (Ride Designs)
C
REGISTER NOW - www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au or call 1300 789 845
C Consumer session
P Paediatric session
Program correct at time of printing check www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au for any changes.
ROOM 1
9:15am – 10:00am
The Balancing Act – Factors in Wheelchair Seating Selection
Stephanie Tanguay (Invacare, USA)
All seat products are constructed of combinations of materials
in various shapes to achieve desired outcomes of support,
stability and pressure distribution. These materials have specific
intrinsic characteristics which are often compared. They are
also affected by extrinsic factors which can alter their properties
and performance. Selecting a seating system for an individual
can present many challenges. Cushions must be evaluated and
prescribed to address each consumer’s orthopaedic presentation,
posture and asymmetries while considering material performance,
contour and design and their impact on consumer function. This
workshop will provide a review of various materials and structural
design characteristics utilized in the construction of commercially
available seat surfaces. It will focus on identifying selection criteria
for wheelchair seat cushions and matching consumer needs with
product features. The impact of external factors and their impact
on surface properties and characteristics will also be examined.
Improved understanding of cushion design principles and materials
can enhance initial decision making and increase successful
outcomes for everyone.
10:45am – 11:15am
Be Independent – how to safely use durable medical
equipment to assist caregivers & their loved ones to live
independently
Jan Miller and Brandon Birch (Stander, USA)
This presentation will focus on how to safely use durable medical
equipment products to enhance quality of life by allowing caregivers
and their loved ones to live independently. As the popularity of Bed
rails and similar bedside mobility aids has grown, so has the risk of
entrapment. Entrapment occurs when a user gets becomes wedged
between a bed rail and any other object, and has resulted in serious
injury or death. Attendees will be educated on how to safely use bed
safety devices to minimize the risk of entrapment.
Most people are familiar with common mobility equipment such as
walkers, canes and grab bars.This session will offer insight into a range
of mobility solutions that broaden the typical scope of durable medical
equipment. Topics include safe, affordable, effective options to help
people in and out of the automobile, how to safely use a bathroom
grab bar without needing to screw it into the wall, and what you can do
to make standing from the couch or chair safe and reliable.
C
11:45am – 12:30pm
Power Seat Functions: Examining The Myths
Magdelena Love (Permobil, USA)
Power seating is often prescribed to manage the risk of pressure
ulcers, a potentially serious complication for individuals who use
wheelchairs. There is much evidence suggesting the use of power
seat functions will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers; however,
clinicians sometimes have negative perceptions about the use of
certain seat functions. Additionally, there is interesting research
about the usage patterns of the various power seat functions that
may impact the prescription of these features. The purpose of
this session is to examine the research that is available and dispel
the myths surrounding power seating. Also, through anatomical
perspectives, the use of case studies and current research,
attendees will better understand the importance of a holistic
assessment for proper prescription of seat functions for functioning
as well as management of pressure in the seated individual.
1:30pm – 2:00pm
How everyone can be part of the cycling revolution –
clinical considerations for trike prescription
Kati Graham (Lifetec)
This presentation aims to discuss components of the clinical
prescription process of tricycles for children, teenagers and adults
alike. This includes discussion of features available and how we can
best support our clients in the saddle and how this can benefit their
lives in regards to health, development and social inclusion. This
presentation will also include case scenarios.
2:30pm – 3:00pm
What is custom seating and why do I need it?
Traceelee Maginnity (ILS Rehab)
Your therapist has recommended a custom seat for the wheelchair,
what does this mean? What are the processes that guide the
fabrication? How do you ensure that the seating will meet your
goals? What are some of the questions needing to be asked when
identifying an appropriate seating system for your wheelchair. This
workshop will take you from assessment through the steps of
designing and fabricating a custom seating system. You will learn
about what kind of information is gathered at assessment and why.
We will break down some of the terminology and clinical reasoning
that the therapists use to identify potential products to trial. Using
a case study we will work through all aspects of the assessment,
fabrication and trial process. We will look at different styles of
custom seating and look at some of the benefits and disadvantages
to a specific custom solution. This workshop is an informative
and interactive experience where you will learn more about the
“behind the scenes” of custom seating fabrication and experience a
demonstration of the moulding process.
3:15pm – 4:00pm
Shoulder pain is an epidemic: What we can do about it!
Dr Mark Richter (Nax Mobility, USA)
C
Pushing a wheelchair is hazardous to your health. Nearly 3 out of
every 4 wheelchair users have shoulder pain. That is a staggering
percentage. The old saying “Use it or lose it” does not apply any
longer. Now we must be careful and take steps to reduce stress on
the shoulder if we want to keep it healthy. I like to use a new saying
“Use it, but don’t abuse it”. I will review the things you should know
to help prevent shoulder problems, including wheelchair setup,
propulsion technique, and ergonomic technology.
ROOM 2
9:15am – 10:00am
New Technology in Manual Wheelchairs – New Materials,
Configurations & Options. How can they promote function
& satisfaction for your active clients?
Amy Bjornson (Sunrise Medical)
Innovations in design and materials in lightweight manual
wheelchairs have redefined the level of performance users can
expect from their wheelchair. This workshop will explore this new
technology: its impact on ride performance, customization, product
weight and ultimately – client functionality and satisfaction. This
workshop will allow clinicians to feel confident in their prescription of
customized manual wheelchairs.
10:45am – 11:15am
The Importance of Precision & Driving Performance
Julie Ott (Invacare, Switzerland)
Lightweight rigid and foldable wheelchairs that fits to user’s needs
as if they were an extension of their body. Wheelchairs provide
precision, comfort and outstanding driving performance, which are
key to live an active daily life.
11:45am – 12:45pm
Putting it all together – translating your mat evaluation into
successful wheelchair prescription
Amy Bjornson (Sunrise Medical)
For many therapists working in the field of rehabilitation a significant
part of their role is prescribing seating equipment for their clients.
Selecting the wheelchair frame is just the beginning. The functional
needs of each individual user vary greatly, so how do we truly
maximise mobility and participation for each client?
In this instructional workshop we will look at what a postural mat
evaluation is, and how this translates into equipment prescription,
frame configuration and seating components.
Case studies will emphasize the importance of using evaluation
techniques to assist therapists in confident selection, clear
documentation and positive outcomes.In this instructional workshop
we will look at what a postural mat evaluation is, and how this
translates into equipment prescription, frame configuration and
seating components.
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Next Generation specialty controls
Ron Smelter (Aidacare)
This presentation will look at the advancements in the specialty
controls area like Head Array/Sip Puff/Two switch drives and types
of Joystick driving that now have their own programming capabilities
via a PC based programming station. We look at how they work in
conjunction with the power chair’s own electronics system and how
you can use a combination of both along with the many possible
options to navigate the system and Bluetooth connectivity to get
solutions for your client’s chair options. We will also cover the
different types of specialty switches that are available and mounting
options that can also help to get a positive outcome.
2:30pm – 3:00pm
ReWalk Exoskeleton Demonstration
Kristee Shepherd (Making Strides)
Making Strides is an exercise based spinal cord injury recovery
centre. We are the exclusive distributor of the ReWalk exoskeleton
for Australia. ReWalk™ is an exoskeleton mobility solution which
provides individuals with user-initiated mobility through the
integration of a light wearable brace support suit, a computerbased control system and motion sensors. By a shift in the wearer’s
balance, the sensors recognise a change in position and trigger the
desired knee or hip movement to take a step forward and make
‘walking’ relatively easy. The ReWalk™ enables individuals with
lower-limb disabilities such as Spinal Cord Injury to stand, ascend
and descend stairs and walk indoors and outdoors.
3:15pm – 4:00pm
When off the shelf solutions don’t work
Traceelee Maginnity (ILS Rehab)
Tried off the shelf seating options and not getting the required
outcomes? What other options are available? When do you choose
custom seating over off the shelf or aftermarket options?
This workshop looks at the technical and clinical aspects of custom
moulded seating.
This workshop will be co-facilitated by our international guest, PRM
owner / engineer / seating fabricator; Todd Dinner and our senior
Seating Therapist and Clinical Educator Tracee-lee Maginnity. Todd
has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, and works closely with
therapists in USA and Canada. Tracee-lee is a well-known and popular
presenter on clinical aspects of seating and mobility within NSW.
Whilst many of the moulded seating systems available on the market
follow some similar principles, the use of materials to fabricate
and the way it is digitised differ, consequently impacting on the
achievable outcomes.
Participants will be guided through the custom seating process
from identification of the clinical indicators, demonstrations of
good moulding techniques, the PRM Topographical digitisation
and fabrication process to fitting the seating to the mobility base of
choice. A range of case studies will be presented to demonstrate
some unique options that have resulted in successful outcomes for
end users and as a basis for evidence based practice. Therapists
will leave this workshop with a clearer idea of when they should
consider custom seating and the processes of completing a good
clinically directed moulded seating system.
ROOM 3
9:15am – 10:00am
An in-depth case study of the Australian Wheelchair and seating
service experience: study findings
Rachael Schmidt (Deakin University)
Matching a person who requires a timely, cost effective, appropriate
wheelchair and seating technology requires proficient, competent
wheelchair and seating services. There is scant Australian data on
what service works best.
The study exposed forming trustworthy partnerships and a personcentred service approach assisted manage case complexity and
restrictive funding policies that impact on wheelchair-seating
procurement. There are seven major findings. This presentation
exposes seven major study findings and their implication to
best practice service provision and to wheelchair and seating
procurement. Some of these findings include: the Determinants
of Case Complexity that alert service providers of the anticipated
complexity and of the essential service resources required. In
addition, a non-linear dynamic Six Seating Service Steps is
described with estimates of service time to construct an Australian
Seating Service Benchmark.
For the first time, these findings provides evidence based data
to structure robust, sustainable seating service sector to meet
anticipated NDIS fuelled consumer demand.
10:45am – 11:15am
A practical guide to wheelchair cushion selection
Jacinta Maurin (Ottobock)
Good wheelchair seating should consider each individual‘s unique
combination of requirements in order to optimise their comfort,
health and functional independence. Ottobock have developed The
Clinical Seating Molecule, a visual representation of the most critical
design features that should be identified and prioritised in order to
select the optimal seating solution.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to:
Identify the underlining cause of pressure related injuries.
Identify and describe the extrinsic and intrinsic factors relating to
pressure care.
Identify and understand the different technologies and materials
used for pressure care cushions.
11:45am – 12:30pm
Manual Wheelchairs and Attachments
(a users perspective)
Peter Mills (Wicked Wheelchairs)
C
P
This presentation delivered by experienced wheelchair users will
demonstrate the effects of various wheelchair configurations in an
open and light hearted presentation. Through live demonstrations
we will look at the choices that need to be considered when
assessing chair configuration and the associated advantages and
disadvantages. Some of the examples will be backed by presenting
some true weights and measures. We hope to help prescribers
consider a user’s point of view when examining the choices of
various wheelchair configuration options. We will follow-on with
various attachments that also may be considered.
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Who chooses your assistive technology, and how?
Emily Steele (University of Queensland)
C
The NDIS heralds a move toward individualised supports for people
with disability, where they become consumers making plans and
choices. What does this mean for assistive technology users and
providers? This talk will examine the nature of choice in assistive
technology provision, and discuss challenges for consumers,
practitioners and policy-makers.
AT choices are complex and the nature and extent of choice is
influenced by information, policies and regulations, and interactions
between consumers and providers. We need to design our AT
provision systems carefully so that they are flexible enough to
facilitate individual solutions, but also consistent enough to ensure
equity of access.
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Introducing the New Evo3
Joseph Grosso (Neatech, Italy)
The Evolution of the 3th generation EVO powerchair is equipped
with a compact chassis for high outdoor performance and for great
indoor maneuverability.
It is highly configurable and has a modular seating system that
allows you to adjust easily the seating according to the user’s needs.
The optional four power modules create a higher value of comfort.
The EVO 3 powerchair is highly recommended for patients with
strong or degenerative pathologies with postural needs that requires
highly flexible solutions.
3:15pm – 4:00pm
Pressure Care Considerations and Mattress Selection
Annette Curry (Novis Healthcare)
The aging population of Australia will place ever increasing
pressures on our healthcare system over the next few decades. It is
therefore important that we actively prevent unnecessary wastage of
resources, by introducing effective strategies to preserve health and
well-being in the population group most at risk.
Pressure injury prevention has been highlighted as an important area
of focus by the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards
(NSQHS Standard 8).
The aim of this clinical presentation is to give an overview of the
statistics, physiology, risk factors and management strategies for
preventing pressure related injuries, without placing unnecessary
burden on the care giver or health system. The presentation is
supported by practical information regarding static and dynamic
mattress functionality, features and selection criteria for the desired
clinical outcomes.
ROOM 4
9:15am – 10:00am
Pressure Ulcer Etiology: What Is The New Evidence Telling Us?
Tricia Garven (ROHO, USA)
This clinical presentation will review the current evidence of
pressure ulcer pathophysiology; including ischemia, reperfusion
tissue injury and tissue deformation. Detailed discussions will
revolve around the differences in the development of a superficial
pressure ulcer versus a suspected deep tissue injury. The latest
evidence on tissue deformation, including time frames for tissue
necrosis, will specifically be reviewed along with the tissue
deformation cause and effect, as studied by the most recent
scientific analysis tool Finite Element Modeling for the skin and soft
tissues of the pelvis. We will discuss how the researchers are now
able to study and better understand how various clinical scenarios,
such as previous tissue injury/scars or changes in weight or boney
structure, affect tissue loading and tolerances. Finally, the intrinsic
and extrinsic risk factors commonly associated with pressure
ulcers will be discussed along with strategies to minimize the risks
for pressure ulcers and internal tissue damage.
10:45am – 11:15am
The new LifeTec online learning portal: Your gateway to online
assistive technology information
Wendy Stevens (Lifetec)
LifeTec is a leading provider of education and training in the
field of assistive technology. We have been delivering face to
face workshops statewide for many years. In order to make our
education services available to as many people as possible, we have
recently developed an online learning management system to help
deliver this information.
Our new learning management system enables us to combine
theoretical content and face to face leaning in a way that allows
consumers to engage with materials in a way and at a time that suits
them. The learning management system also allows users to track
their learning so that they can easily access their CPD record with
LifeTec or access past course information
C
11:45am – 12:30pm
What to do when technology fails
Peter Slattery, Kristen Morris and Lloyd Walker (Tech4Life)
Rehabilitation Engineers are arguably the most experienced in
understanding ‘what went wrong’ when assistive technology
fails. This presentation will draw on a number of forensic
investigations undertaken by NCRE members to give participants an
understanding of:
• How things fail – often in a minor way at first but at times
catastrophically
• What to do when a failure happens including reporting approaches,
• Catching a failure early or even preventing it -the importance of
maintenance and timely repair
• Tell-tale signs that failure is imminent, and
• Everything has its limit - technology service life.
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Benefits of Immersion for Pressure Sore Prevention and Healing
Matt Hodge (Star Cushions, USA)
New research, including a study from a former member of the
European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel has continued to build
a strong case that deeper immersion in a seating surface is the
key to pressure ulcer prevention and healing. This presentation
will present the results of that research, which compares various
seating surfaces, including air cell based cushions, gel cushions,
and foam cushions, along with other studies showing the benefits of
deeper immersion to pressure prevention. The presentation will also
introduce new patented options in seating surfaces which allow for
deeper immersion for many types of patients, and which have only
recently become available in Australia.
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Standard commercially available child restraints
information session
Ali Akbarian (Mobility Engineering)
C
In many cases disabled and special needs children (and even some
adults) can use standard commercially available child restraints
which are far cheaper than disabled restraints. In many cases OT’s
are also required to explore the option of standard commercially
available restraints and provide a case as to why they are not
suitable in their case. We find there is a lack of understanding and
information around the available types of child restraints and their
uses along with the correct road rules. This information session
will arm you with correct information about all of the commercially
available child restraints and their correct use and the correct
interpretation of the laws and regulations.
This presentation will benefit people caring for all children, not just
disabled children.
3:15pm – 4:00pm
Growing evidence in support of orthotic based seating
interventions
Joan Padgitt (Ride Designs)
Wheelchair seating based on orthotic science has been successfully
used to protect skin, improve stability, and manage heat and
moisture. These successes have been reported through anecdotal
experience and case studies.
This session will summarize several recent studies comprising a
body of evidence on how orthotic based seating addresses sitting
stability, microclimate, skin integrity and deep tissue deformation.
The data collected includes the Modified Functional Reach Test,
Interface Pressure Mapping (IPM) and MRI studies on orthotic based
seating compared to an immersive air floatation wheelchair cushion.
Preliminary human tester microclimate data using specially adapted
temperature sensors will also be presented.
ALZHEIMER’S QUEENSLAND WORKSHOP
DESIGN FOR LIFE
Wednesday 6th May 2015 | Duration: 2 hours from 9.00am | Price: $75 + GST per person
Dementia design is not just for people with dementia it universally caters for all people living with an impairment- cognitive, visual, or physical.
Dementia design has revolutionized health care by giving a framework to improve the living experience for everyone.
Attendees will gain an understanding on how the disease of dementia impacts a person’s life. We will lay out the key dementia design principles
and how these can be adopted on varying scales to create comfortable, enriching spaces both in one’s home and in an aged care facility.
Operational clarity is a key factor in the success of implementing design change. The session will address operational elements that are key to
maximize the impact and success of built environments. Register at www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au.
CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:
•Access Health
•HMR Healthcare
•Mobility Plus Wheelchairs Pty Ltd
•Sunrise Medical
•Tab Timer Pty Ltd
•Alzheimer’s Queensland
•Home Medical Products
Australia
•Otto Bock Australia Pty Ltd
•Austech Medical
•ILS Rehab
•Permobil
•Auto Extras
•INS Lifeguard
•Push Mobility
•Automobility Pty Ltd
•Karma Wheelchairs
•Seating Dynamics Pty Ltd
•Total Ability
•Blue Badge Insurance
•Life Tec
•Signature Seating & Mobility
•VitalCall
•ClubMates Travel
•Linak Australia
•SlipOn Swimsuits
•Dejay Medical
•Lodgesons Ltd
•Special Care Travel
•Drive Medical
•Magic Mobility
•Special Needs Solutions
•Eden Healthcare Solutions
•Medifab Ltd
•Spinal Injuries Australia Ltd
•Wheelies Van Rentals
•Freedom Healthcare
•Merits Australia
•Splittbacks and Adaptive Kidz
•Wicked Wheelchairs
•Aidacare Pty Ltd
•Paragon Medical
•The Bidet Shop
•The Country Care Group
•Walk on Wheels Australia Pty Ltd
•Walk on Wheels NSW
Exhibitor list correct at time of printing check www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au for latest list.
HOW TO GET THERE
Just 1.6kms from the CBD, the Royal ICC is located at the Brisbane
Showgrounds which is bordered by Bowen Bridge Road, O’Connell
Terrace, St Paul’s Terrace and Gregory Terrace at Bowen Hills. Royal
ICC is just 15 minutes from Brisbane’s Domestic and International
Airports, and is in easy reach of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
By
pa
ss
Anderson St
Trains and Buses - Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley
railway stations are less than a ten minute walk from the
Convention Centre. Buses access the surrounding streets
Royal International
regularly. For further information phone TransLink on 13 12
Convention Centre
30, or visit TransLink.
Gregory Terrace
Taxis
Royal - The
International
White Cabs
Convention
Centre
ty
Ci
er
Inn
main taxi companies in Brisbane are Black and
(ph. 13 32 22), or Yellow Cab (ph. 13 19 24).
Driving - The entrance to the Convention Centre is
via Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane. Car parking
is available.
COMPLEMENTARY PARKING OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY TO VISITORS WHO PRE REGISTER
REGISTER NOW - www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au or call 1300 789 845