Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Determining Readiness

Course overview

How do we know a child is ready for a power wheelchair? When is this appropriate, is the child too young, and will there be negative implications to starting power? These are all valid concerns, and yet many children do not receive a power mobility device as soon as clinically indicated. Research has shown that early mobility is critical to development. Clinicians need to be familiar with current research and be able to determine readiness and train a child to use a power mobility device or power wheelchair. This course is particularly applicable to pediatric therapists. Current research does demonstrate significant and broad developmental benefits of early mobility. Despite this research, many potential barriers to power mobility provision continue. Determining both motor and cognitive readiness for power mobility is critical before moving forward with a formal assessment. Pre-assessment strategies using a manual mobility base, such as an adaptive stroller or manual wheelchair, can be used to determine and develop readiness to successfully use a power mobility device.