NRRTS Webinar Flyer

2016 NRRTS
WEBINARS
This unique educational opportunity is designed with three
criteria in mind: to provide quality continuing education
in seating and wheeled mobility; to meet the annual CEU
requirement* for ATP renewal and NRRTS Registration; and
to provide this programming in a cost-effective manner.
The faculty members are among the most
well-known and talented people in the industry and
profession. They will present information and answer
questions from participants. Prior to each session, the
presenter’s PowerPoint presentation and other course
material will be sent via email to registered participants.
The University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation
Science and Technology Continuing Education (RSTCE),
is certifying the educational contact hours of this program
and by doing so is in no way endorsing any specific
content, company or product. The information presented in
this program may represent only a sample of appropriate
interventions. Each person should claim only those hours of
credit that he or she actually spent in the educational activity.
Audience: CRTSs, RRTSs, other ATPs, and physical and
occupational therapists (intermediate to advanced).
REGISTRATION FEES
NRRTS REGISTRANTS - $0
FRIENDS OF NRRTS - $20
ALL OTHERS - $40
Long distance charges may apply; .1 CEU has been
applied for; and NO REFUNDS will be given.
*NRRTS as well as the RESNA Professional Standards Board recognizes
the International Association for Continuing Education and Training
(IACET) as an international standard of quality. Though the words
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) are not exclusive to IACET, only CEUs
from an IACET authorized provider or accredited college or university,
such as the University of Pittsburgh, are accepted as CEUs for NRRTS
or RESNA recertification renewal.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT
WWW.NRRTS.ORG/WEBINARS
All participants must score a 70 percent on the post-test
assessment to receive CEU credits.
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TU ESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM (ET)
Manual Wheelchair Skills: Assessment and Training
R . LEE K I RBY, MD, F RCP C, AND CHER, SMITH BSC, OT
The Wheelchair Skills
Program (WSP) (www.
wheelchairskillsprogram.
ca) is a set of assessment
and training protocols to help
practitioners optimize the safety
and maneuverability challenges that face wheelchair users and their
caregivers. On this webinar, we will focus on manual wheelchair users.
The session will consist of an overview of the theoretical background,
knowledge and practical skills needed by trainers. In addition
to didactic content, videotaped demonstrations will be used. On
completion of the workshop, attendees will be better able to implement
such training in their own settings.
Dr. R. Lee Kirby is a professor in the Department of Medicine Division of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Dalhousie University in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada. He also has joint appointments in kinesiology and
community health and epidemiology. Lee is based at the Nova Scotia
Rehabilitation Centre Site of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. His
primary research interest is the safety and performance of wheelchairs.
Lee earned his medical degree from Dalhousie University and received
specialty training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the
University of Washington in Seattle, Washington; Dalhousie University
and Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire,
England. He has received research grants from a number of national
and international funding sources. His published work includes 144
papers in peer-reviewed journals and 307 abstracts or proceedings of
presentations at national or international meetings. Lee heads the team
that developed the Wheelchair Skills Program, a low-tech, high-impact
training program relevant for more- and less-resourced settings.
Cher Smith, BSc, OT, MSc is an occupational therapist who is a
member of the Dalhousie University Wheelchair Research Team and
acts as the Seating and Mobility Coordinator at the Queen Elizabeth II
Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is also an
adjunct professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie
University. In 2002, Smith received the Mundy Award from the Canadian
Adaptive Seating and Mobility Association. She has presented to local
and international audiences.
CRT providers and manufacturers focused on ensuring individuals with
disabilities have appropriate access to these products and services. In
this role, he has responsibility for monitoring, analyzing, reporting, and
influencing legislative and regulatory activities. Clayback has 28 years
of experience in the Complex Rehab Technology and Home Medical
Equipment industry as a provider, consultant, and advocate. He is
actively involved in industry issues and a frequent speaker at state and
national conferences.
T U ESDAY, FEB RUA RY 16 , 2 016 | 7 P M - 8P M ( E T )
Power Seat Functions: Current Evidence
and Best Practice
SPONSORED BY PERMOBIL
MAG DALENA LOV E, OTR , ATP
Power seating is often prescribed to reduce 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 or are unaware of the functional
outcomes that power seating can provide. The purpose of this course
is to examine current available power seat functions and discuss
their functional impact on an individual’s health, independence, and
quality of life. Special emphasis will be placed on current research
in power seat function usage and efficacy. Through evidence-based
holistic assessment, attendees will better understand the medical and
functional implications of each seat function.
Love received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from University
of Florida. Initially, she worked in the New York school system and
at a Pediatric Outpatient facility. In 2011, Love, joined The Institute
for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston, Texas. She was
a member of the brain injury and spinal cord injury/specialty rehab
teams. Love was actively involved in seating and mobility clinics
during her career at TIRR. She is now a clinical education specialist
for Permobil and is an active member of the American Occupational
Therapy Association and Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive
Technology Society of North America.
W EDN ESDAY, FEB RUA RY 17, 2 016 | 11A M – 12 NO O N ( E T )
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016 | 7 P M - 8PM ( E T )
Building Consensus
Complex Rehab Technology Update
SPONSORED BY NRRTS
SPONSORED BY NCART
WEESIE WALKER , ATP/SMS, NR RT S FELLOW
DO N C L AYBACK , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NCART
If you’re a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)
provider or clinician you need to stay current with
the legislative and regulatory issues that impact
your business or practice. This session will supply
that information on a federal and state level.
Topics will include the Medicare Separate Benefit
Category, Medicaid matters, and other important initiatives and trends.
Participants will also review the latest tools available to promote access
to CRT with policymakers and payers and how to use them effectively.
Don Clayback is executive director of the National Coalition for Assistive
and Rehab Technology (NCART). NCART is national organization of
The provision of Complex Rehab Technology is
truly a team sport. And like any team, it is critical to
identify the common goal for a successful outcome.
Each team member has a vision and many times
the visions differ greatly. Building consensus is
the answer. This webinar will cover specific ways
to state the goal and bring everyone to the same page through
communication and discovery.
Walker is executive director of NRRTS, sponsor of this webinar. She
has more than 30 years of experience as a Rehab Technology Supplier
working with children and adults. She has presented at ISS, AOTA,
RESNA, Medtrade, CSMC and other conferences.
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| 11A M – 12 NOO N ( E T )
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
W E D N E S DAY, M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 1 6
All Day Positioning: Helping Children with severe
impairments throughout their life span
Optimizing Power Mobility: programming, tracking, suspension and more
SPONSORED BY EASY STAND
SPONSORED BY PERMOBIL
M A RY MI LES , PT, DPT
AMY MORGAN, PT, ATP
This webinar will include an overview of the
systems positively affected by all-day positioning;
with specific emphasis on current evidence and
guidelines to help develop an appropriate all-day
positioning program for children and their families.
Through case examples you will learn how to
improve parental participation and what equipment to consider to
meet your client’s needs.
Why is independent mobility so important for young
children? Are there special considerations when
choosing equipment options for kids compared to
adults? This course will address these questions
and help the audience understand and articulate
a child’s skills and abilities, prior to prescribing
a mobility device. Pediatric seating and mobility issues can be
extremely complex. Through the use of research and case studies,
participants will learn the importance of a thorough and holistic
assessment to determine the most appropriate seating and mobility
device for pediatric clients.
Mary Miles received her BA in 1986, and DPT in 2008, both from
the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. Miles currently serves
families and children from birth to 3 for White Bear Lake Schools. She
has experience as a private practice therapist, with adults with brain
injuries and spinal cord injuries, and serving children up to age 21
in various school systems. Miles has an interest and certification in
neurodevelopmental treatment for children with cerebral palsy. She is a
member of the American Physical Therapy Association.
T U E S D AY, M A R C H 2 2 , 2 0 1 6
|
7PM - 8PM (ET)
Practicing Complex Rehab in a PM&R Clinic
M A RY ELLEN BUNI NG, PHD, OTR/L , ATP/SMS
Using seating and mobility specialist skills within
the structure of a university’s School of medical
school private practice for its academic physicians
is a unique practice setting. The advantages
include: access to the electronic medical record for
patient referrals; up-to-date information about the
patient’s health conditions, co-morbidities, test results and insurance;
reduced barriers for education/ consultation with medical assistants,
residents and referring physicians; and ease in faxing, tasking and
communicating with ATP suppliers, manufacturer’s representatives
and patients and their families. This clinical practice also affords the
opportunity for follow-up as patients return regularly for ongoing care.
Mary Ellen Buning, PhD, OTR/L, ATP/SMS is an occupational
therapist with 30 years as a specialist in assistive technology. She
has an active leadership role within RESNA. She is credentialed as
an Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) and Seating and Mobility
Specialist (SMS) and serves on the RESNA Board of Directors.
Dr. Buning earned her PhD in rehabilitation science at the University
of Pittsburgh under the mentorship of Douglas Hobson, PhD, PE.
She has a strong interest in information technology, and during her
doctoral work developed WheelchairNet, a virtual community on the
topic of seating and wheeled mobility. She investigated the use of
WheelchairNet as a support for decision-making when consumers are
acquiring new wheelchairs.
Amy Morgan, PT, ATP. Morgan has been involved in wheelchair seating
since beginning her career as a physical therapist. Morgan worked for
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where she was involved in outpatient
and inpatient settings. This experience allowed her to work with a
variety of patient populations. Additionally, she was the lead therapist
in the hospital’s Wheelchair Clinic, which included evaluation for
equipment as well as power mobility training for young children. She
has presented lectures nationally and internationally. Currently she
is the National Clinical Education Manager for Permobil, Inc. and is
an active member of RESNA and APTA (Pediatrics and Neurology
Section Member).
T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 2 4 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
A Practical Guide to Evaluation and
Documentation for Power Adjustable Seat Height
SPONSORED BY QUANTUM
JULIE P IRIANO, PT, ATP/SMS
This course will examine the coverage criteria,
clinical benefits and research in support of a power
height adjustable seat; provide the clinician with
practical tools to consider and incorporate when
evaluating and documenting the need for this power
seat option; and assist the supplier in reading and
interpreting the information in the medical record to determine when
to provide a power seat elevation system.
Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS, is director of Rehab Industry Affairs
for Pride Mobility Products. She began her career at Mairianjoy
Rehabilitation Hospital and also worked for The Adapt Products Inc.
and Apria Healthcare’s Rehab Division.
She is a member of RESNA, serves on the board of directors, served
on RESNA’s Professional Standards Board from 2007 to 2014. She is
a Friend of NRRTS, a member of the AAHomecare Complex Rehab and
Mobility Council, and serves on the NCART Medicaid Committee, the
User’s First Alliance Advisory Board and the Mobility Management
Editorial Board. She also serves on the board of directors for the
Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association and the Midwest
Association for Medical Equipment Services and is an active member
of the DME MAC Advisory Councils.
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T U E S D AY, A P R I L 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
Seating, Mobility, & Vision … More Than Meets
The Eye
SPONSORED BY SUNRISE MEDICAL
A N G IE K I GER, M. ED. , CT R S, ATP/SMS
Approximately 40 percent to 50 percent of the brain
is involved in vision and 20 percent to 40 percent of
individuals who have sustained a brain injury have
some degree of visual impairments. In the world of
complex rehab we often serve clients who have some
degree of brain damage as the result of a brain injury
or abnormal development.
This one hour presentation will review factors related to vision that
may impact a client’s ability to successfully utilize a seating and
mobility device with a focus on cortical visual impairment (CVI). The
webinar will conclude with strategies to assist with making the most
appropriate recommendations for clients with CVI.
Kiger joined the Sunrise Medical team in the spring of 2012 as
a clinical education specialist. She has a Bachelor of Science in
Recreation Therapy from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia.
Kiger also earned a Master of Education in Assistive Technology from
George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. In addition, she earned
a certificate in Assistive Technology from California State University
at Northridge. Kiger is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP),
Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) and a Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
W E D N E S D AY, A P R I L 2 0 , 2 0 1 6 | 1 1 A M - 1 2 N O O N ( E T )
Dynamic Seating
SU Z A N NE PAYNE EASO N, OT/L
Why is movement in wheelchair seating systems
important? We will review basic and new concepts
to support the provision of dynamic components
in complex seating systems to enhance client
development. We will also review what is
commercially available and what can be done on a
more customized basis.
Suzanne Eason, OT/L, has been an occupational therapist for more
than 25 years and the director of Occupational Therapy Support
Services at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children in Norfolk,
Virginia, for 18 years. Eason has found her calling as an advocate
for individuals with complex medical conditions. Her motto: “We
provide the foundations for function” has evolved into a small private
practice. In her spare time, she can be found at her busy home with
her husband and 2-legged and 4-legged children.
T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 2 1 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
What does a Supplier Need to Know about AAC?
M IC H ELLE L. LANGE, OT R/L , ABDA, ATP/SMS
This webinar will provide an overview of
augmentative and alternative communication for
the RTS and may be helpful in preparing for the
ATP certification exam. The webinar will cover
the definition of AAC, who can benefit from this
technology, team players and scope of service, terminology, mounting
and interfacing in an easy to understand manner.
Lange is an occupational therapist with more than 25 years of
experience and former clinical director of The Assistive Technology
Clinics of The Children’s Hospital of Denver. She is a well-respected
lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored six book
chapters and nearly 200 articles. She is the editor of Fundamentals in
Assistive Technology, 4th Ed. and clinical editor of NRRTS DIRECTIONS.
Lange is on the teaching faculty of RESNA, a member of the Clinician
Task Force, and is a Senior Disability Analyst of the ABDA.
T U E S DAY, M AY 1 7, 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
Aging with an Intellectual Disability:
Impact on Mobility
JILL SPARACIO, OTR /L, ATP/SMS, ABDA
In general, aging can be eye opening and alarming.
Aging with an intellectual disability results in
magnified changes that may be slow or rapid.
These changes can be difficult to assess and
differentiate from pre-existing disability. Mobility
can be greatly impacted by the aging process as
can posture and alignment. Care needs, to be taken to ensure that
proper solutions will meet long term goals. This webinar will discuss
the aging process, simple solutions for rapidly changing needs and
tips for accessing funding for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Sparacio is an occupational therapist in private practice in the
Chicago area. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she
currently provides occupational therapy services to children and
adults with intellectual disabilities and medical fragility. Included
in her consultation is a specialty of seating and wheeled mobility.
Sparacio consults with seating manufacturers, often presenting
clinical application of seating and wheeled mobility products in
addition to working on product development and design. She is a
member of the Clinician Task Force and has been actively involved in
funding and delivery issues on the state and national levels. Sparacio
presents at seating and wheeled mobility conferences throughout
North America as well as internationally. She has over 30 years of
experience as an occupational therapist.
W E D N E S DAY, M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 | 1 1 A M - 1 2 N O O N ( E T )
Applications of Universal Design in Research and
Development
JAMES A. LENKER, P HD, OTR /L, FAOTA
Universal design (UD) principles are often presented
as a conceptual framework with limited application
to the world of research, development, and design.
This session will present the concepts of UD in
the context of real-world case examples involving
environmental assessment, product design,
standards evaluation, and research.
Lenker is an asociate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation
Science at the University at Buffalo, where he teaches in the occupational
therapy program and conducts research in the areas of assistive
technology outcomes measurement, as well as universal design.
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T H U R S D AY, M AY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 5 , 2 0 1 6 | 1 1 A M - 1 2 N O O N ( E T )
The Essentials of Alternative Drive Controls for
Power Mobility
Access to Mobile Devices Through the Power
Wheelchair Drive Control System
BETH MCCARTY OTR/L
BECKY BREAUX, MS, OTR/L, ATP
Technology advances have had an impact on power
mobility as well as the therapists and technology
specialists who are trying to keep up with these
changes. This webinar will update specialists on
the new advancements in alternative drive controls,
as well as provide suggestions on set-up, training
and programming for the best functional outcomes. Additionally,
mixing and matching control systems with various power wheelchair
bases will be presented. This webinar will provide solutions so that
individuals in the field can make recommendations with confidence.
Smartphones and tablets have transformed
our world and brought new technologies to our
fingertips that offer tremendous potential to improve
the safety, independence and communication
options for people with disabilities. But for people
with significant physical disabilities, use of these
technologies can be a challenge due to the nature of these touchbased devices. Fortunately, products are available to allow integrated
control through the power wheelchair drive control system. This
session will describe the methods of access available to both Apple
and Android products, and compare the features and capabilities of
different mouse emulators and interface devices on the market.
McCarty is an occupational therapist and clinical coordinator of the
Perlman Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, a regional and multidisciplinary
assistive technology center specializing in evaluations for augmentative
communication, computer access, environmental controls, and seating
and mobility. McCarty specializes in mobility, seating and integration of
technology systems and works with pediatric and adults and a variety
of diagnosis. She is an adjunct professor for the Occupational Therapy
Program at Xavier University. McCarty also consults with regional
groups on technology for seniors. She has recently opened a pet supply
store in preparation for her retirement.
T U E S D AY, J U N E 1 4 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
Using RESNA Positioning Papers
LAU R E N ROS EN, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS
RESNA currently has seven position papers that
directly relate to seating and positioning and
wheelchair provision. This course will discuss the
current papers that are published and how they can
be used clinically. These documents can assist
with ensuring funding, educating patients and
families about the importance of features and types of wheelchairs,
and educating other medical professionals about why and how to use
features on wheelchairs to assure best outcomes. Case examples will
show how their usage benefits clients.
Lauren Rosen, PT, MPT, MSMS, ATP/SMS is a physical therapist and
seating and mobility specialist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
in Tampa, Florida. She is the program coordinator for the Motion
Analysis Center, a three-dimensional motion analysis lab, where she
also runs a pediatric and adult seating and positioning clinic. She has
been active in DME prescription for the past 19 years. She is a recent
past member of RESNA’s Board of Directors. She has lectured and
written articles on wheelchairs, seating and positioning, and standing.
Becky Breaux, MS, OTR/L, ATP, is a research instructor and assistive
technology specialist with Assistive Technology Partners in the
Department of Bioengineering at the University of Colorado Denver,
Anschutz Medical Campus. She has 20 years of clinical experience
working as an occupational therapist and educator. Breaux has a
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University
of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and a Bachelor of Science in
Occupational Therapy from the University of Missouri. She is also
a RESNA Assistive Technology Professional. She currently provides
wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations for people of all ages with
complex rehabilitation technology needs. Within the past six years,
she has worked with many different clients to integrate the power
wheelchair drive control system with computers, AAC devices, and
more recently, mobile phones and tablets. She has taught a variety of
courses related to this area at the local, state and national level.
T H U R S DAY, J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
Wheelchair Seating and Mobility for People Aging
With Spinal Cord Injury
BARBARA CRANE, P HD, PT, ATP/SMS
This session will describe common problems and
seating solutions for persons aging with a spinal
cord injury (SCI). People are living longer following
a spinal cord injury than in any previous generation.
As individuals with SCI age, they experience many
age-related impairments along with overuse
syndromes associated with their disability. Reacting
to these changes with appropriate wheelchair seating and mobility
interventions is critical in preventing severe secondary complications,
such as pressure ulcers, and in optimizing function and active
participation in all major life roles for people with spinal cord injuries.
Crane is an associate professor of physical therapy at the University
of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut. She received a Bachelor
of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut,
an Master of Arts in Gerontology from Saint Joseph College, West
Hartford, Connecticut, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation
Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is
also a certified assistive technology professional (ATP) and seating
and mobility specialist (SMS) by the Rehabilitation Engineering
and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). She
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has more than 20 years of clinical experience in adult neurological
rehabilitation with a specialty in assessment and recommendation
of custom wheelchairs and seating systems. Crane has lectured
extensively at local, national and international conferences and is a
faculty for the RESNA Fundamentals of Assistive Technology course.
therapist in various roles including clinician, manufacturer rep, educator
and in accreditation. She has presented at various national and
international conferences.
T U ESDAY, AU G U ST 2 3, 2 016 | 7 P M - 8P M (ET )
T U E S DAY, J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
Wheelchair Seating and Mobility for Clients
with ALS
Respiratory Issues and Considerations for Clients
with Cerebral Palsy Using Wheeled Mobility
SPONSORED BY CONVAID
A M B ER L. WA RD, MS , OTR/L , BCPR, ATP/SMS
KAREN “ MISSY” B ALL PT, MT, ATP
The client with ALS may be relatively simple to seat
in the initial wheelchair but extremely complex over
time. This webinar will discuss mobility choices for
long-term flexibility, as well as pressure relief, comfort,
positioning, alternative controls and functional use.
We will talk about manual and power wheelchairs and
determining the best match for each client and his or her family. Loaner
closets and potential funding sources will also be addressed.
A functioning respiratory system is essential for
survival, however it is often overlooked when
prescribing equipment. Respiratory function can be
impacted by muscle recruitment choices, gravity,
neuromuscular impairments, skeletal issues,
repetitive “abnormal” posturing, prematurity and
other secondary diagnoses. Understanding motor development in
clients with cerebral palsy, skeletal complication that can occur and the
individual’s potential for change will enable the equipment specialist to
choose the most effective seating and mobility options for the individual
to enhance function and/or supply appropriate support and comfort.
Motor development and the impact on effective respiration in cerebral
palsy will be discussed. Seating and mobility options to improve motor
function and hence respiration, where possible, will be presented.
Skeletal complications, both structural and flexible, and their impact on
respiration will be discussed along with effective seating and mobility
options. Following this presentation, participants will have a clear
understanding of the respiratory system, the complications that can
impede respiration in clients with cerebral palsy, and effective seating
and mobility choices to address these issues.
Ward has been a treating occupational therapist for 21 years; 10 years
in inpatient rehabilitation and 11 years as full-time occupational
therapy coordinator for persons with ALS and muscular dystrophies.
She has treated patients of all ages and functional levels. She also is
an adjunct professor at the OTA program 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, North Carolina.
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016 | 7AM - 8PM (ET)
Documentation for Complex Rehab
KAY KOCH , OT R/L, AT P
This webinar will focus on the basics for Medicare
required documentation and coverage criteria
for complex manual and power wheelchairs.
Medicare requirements usually trickle down to other
insurance and funding sources, so this information
is applicable to many funding scenarios. We all
acknowledge the “Devil is in the details,” and good documentation
is essential for approvals and protection in a post payment
audit situation. The first part of the webinar will cover general
documentation and policy for all mobility devices, concentrating on
the requirements for complex manual wheelchairs. The last part of
the webinar will focus on common documentation errors and other
reasons for denials.
This webinar will provide the participant with website resources and
documentation checklists that can be used when preparing documents to
submit to Medicare or other funding sources. These checklists can also
be used for chart reviews and training.
Kay Koch , OTR/L, ATP, has more than 30 years seating and wheeled
mobility experience. She is a graduate of the occupational therapy
program at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Her focus has
been on pediatric seating and positioning, wheeled mobility, and assistive
technology solutions. Koch has spent her years as an occupational
Ball is the former acting director and assistant director of the Physical
Therapy Department at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She was
the co-director of the seating program at Children’s for a 10-year
period as well as a consultant for the United Cerebral Palsy Center’s
seating clinic. She served as educational specialist for Freedom
Designs for 21 years and presently is the educational consultant for
Convaid. She has lectured both nationally and internationally with
regard to seating and mobility for more than 20 years. Presently, she
has a private practice specializing in pediatric neurology clientele
for treatment and equipment needs. She is an ATP and certified
in pediatric NDT with a solid focus on improving function through
treatment and equipment. She attended Louisiana State University
Health Science Center and earned degrees in medical technology
(1977) and physical therapy (1984).
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM ( E T )
Hypotonia-Implications for Equipment
Recommendations
GINNY PALEG, PT
This course will begin with a systematic review of
the literature and potential developmental outcomes
associated with hypotonia. A new tool to identify
infants and children with clinically significant
hypotonia will be presented and discussed.
Evidence-based interventions for hypotonia with a
focus on equipment recommendations will be reviewed.
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Paleg is a pediatric physical therapist from Silver Spring, Maryland.
For the past 13 years, she has worked for her local school system in
their early intervention program. Recently, she has published four
articles in peer-reviewed journals; two on standing (J Pediatr Rehabil
Med, 2011 and PedPT, 2013) and two on power mobility (BJO, 2013
and DMCN, 2014). Her systematic review of dosing guidelines for adult
standing programs was recently accepted for publication as well.
Paleg is certified for General Movement Assessment, a tool which has
a 98 percent success rate at identifying which infants at 2 to 5 months
of age will have cerebral palsy. Paleg specializes in assessment and
interventions for children at the GMFCS Levels 4 and 5.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM ( E T )
Seating and Mobility – Prescription or
Just Retail Product Sales?
ST EFA NI E SUKSTO RF LAURENCE, BSC OT, OT REG(ONT)
Is a wheelchair “sold” or “prescribed and
dispensed?” Clinical and best practice guidelines
exist for seating and mobility. Why then are we
not communicating these guidelines to ensure that
our “prescriptions” are viewed like medications
and other “prescribed” treatments? Join a
session where we look at product sales versus
prescriptions, professional accountability and how we, as an industry,
could better put theory into practice.
Laurence wants to live in a world where every wheelchair is perfectly
fitted, comfortable, functional and used correctly. As an occupational
therapist and education manager for Motion Specialties across
Canada, she’s been on her soapbox for more than 30 years at
colleges, universities, group homes, hospitals and conferences across
North America and even as far as Europe. When she’s not teaching
about durable medical equipment, you can find her with her arms
wrapped around a client helping to create a custom seating system.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 1 1 A M - 1 2 N O O N ( E T )
Standing-Up to Complications of SCI
SPONSORED BY PERMOBIL
GINGER WALLS, PT, MS, NCS, ATP/SMS
The benefits of a wheelchair-based standing
device for persons with Spinal Cord Injury/Disease
(SCI/D) address many of the health concerns
and functional limitations seen secondary to
long-term sitting in a wheelchair. Utilizing
case studies, research and the ICF model,
this presentation discusses clinical rationale for wheelchairbased standing as evidence-based best practice for improving
participation, independence and body structure/function issues for
persons with SCI/D.
Walls is a regional clinical education manager for The Permobil
Group. She has 26 years of experience as a physical therapist in
the area of neuro rehab and wheelchair seating/mobility. Previously,
she directed the Outpatient Therapy Clinics and the Seating/Mobility
Program at Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington,
D.C. Additionally, Walls has provided a variety of continuing education
courses, articles and lectures in the area of seating/mobility for many
years. She has presented at major industry conferences including ISS,
RESNA, and the PVA Summit.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM ( E T )
Access for Maximizing Independence – Infrared
and Bluetooth for Access to the Environment,
Computers and Communication
SPONSORED BY QUANTUM
JAY D OHERTY, OTR , ATP/SMS
The word “access” has many different meanings
in relation to power mobility. It can represent
access to a power wheelchair (driving method),
access to power seat functions and access to
the environment. This course will look at how
wheelchair electronics can provide access to the
environment, computers and communication to help promote the
greatest level of independence for the consumers we work with.
With 19 years of clinical experience, Jay Doherty, OTR, ATP/SMS,
has a strong understanding of seating and positioning requirements,
mobility equipment, and assistive technology. Doherty worked as
a therapist on a seating team for 14 years previous to working for
Quantum Rehab. Now as a regional manager for Quantum Rehab,
he oversees a team of rehab product specialists for Quantum
Rehab’s Northeast Region and presents clinical education programs
throughout the country.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016
| 7PM - 8PM ( E T )
Positioning the Head
BARBARA CRUME, PT, ATP, C/NDT
Determining an optimal support system to allow
a person’s head to be stable and functional is
often one of the most difficult challenges for
both clinicians and suppliers. This webinar will
provide a brief overview of the key considerations
for setting up the wheelchair frame and seating
system to facilitate head control. Several case
studies, including children and adults, will illustrate a variety of
seating strategies for complex clients who require custom seating to
maximize orientation of their head. A variety of product solutions will
be included and a few of the case studies will include the effect of
positioning over time.
Barbara Crume, PT, ATP, C/NDT, earned her Bachelor of Science in
Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in
1982; became certified in Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment
in 1988 and RESNA Certified as an Assistive Technology Professional
in 1997. She has been employed with CarePartners Health Services in
Asheville, North Carolina, since 1985. Crume has more than 30 years
of experience providing evaluations, fittings and training for clients of
all ages and all diagnoses to obtain manual and power wheelchairs
with custom seating. She works closely with a variety of suppliers
and consults with manufacturers on product development. She has
presented courses at Medtrade, International Seating Symposium,
RESNA Annual Conferences, and APTA’s Combined Section Meeting,
in addition to teaching webinars for NRRTS. She is an active member
of the Coalition to Modernize Medicare Coverage of Mobility Products
Clinician Task Force.
TO RE G I ST E R, V IS IT WWW. N RRTS .O RG /WE BIN A RS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2015 | 7PM - 8PM ( E T )
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM (ET)
Seating Clients with Muscle Weakness: A series of
Case Studies
Seating Clients with High Tone: A Series of Case
Studies
SH A RON SUT HERLA ND, PT
D ELIA “ D EE D EE” FR ENEY, OTR/L, ATP
Sitting is indeed a lot of work! My job, I believe, is to
take the work out of sitting for my clients. Imagine
now – sitting with muscle weakness. The workload
just went up! Using case stories, this webinar will
take us on a journey of exploring possibilities when
we are seeking solutions for client’s with muscle
weakness. Each case story will present an introduction to the client,
identify why we are seeing this person, identify and describe how the
person presents in their existing equipment, summarize findings from
the supine and sitting evaluation, discuss the findings in the language
of “what does this mean to the clients sitting potential” and discuss
two possible over-all seating solutions.
Wheelchair seating and positioning is challenging
when working with clients who have high tone with
spasticity and dystonia. This webinar will define
high tone and case studies will be presented to
demonstrate these challenges. Many diagnoses
such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic
brain injury and spinal cord injury present with high tone that can
compromise functional seating. Some severe involved clients may
require medical interventions when the client has maximized the
benefit of any wheelchair seating.
Seating Solutions LLC offers a wide array of clinical rehab services as
well as clinical education in the field of complex rehab, seating and
mobility. Sutherland has specialized in the field of seating, positioning
and mobility for the past 27 years. Graduating from Trinity College,
Dublin, Ireland, as a physical therapist, Sutherland has experienced
many aspects of the seating and mobility service delivery model. She
offers clinical consultation to clients, clinicians and manufacturers
worldwide. She has given more than 800 presentations on seating and
mobility to audiences including physical and occupational therapists,
engineers, physicians, attorneys, nurses and case managers
worldwide. Known to many as a dynamic and highly energetic speaker,
Sutherland’s extensive knowledge and experience makes her a very
skilled clinician and instructor.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM (ET)
Wheelchair Service Delivery Guide
Freney has been an occupational therapist since 1978 in the San
Francisco Bay area, California. She is an ATP who presently works
at Kaiser Permanente as an occupational therapist clinical specialist
with high mobility with High Mobility in the Durable Medical Equipment
Dept. Freney participates in seating and mobility clinic evaluations
that include a variety of neurological and orthopedic diagnoses such
as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis,
muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Her primary
interest has been as a pediatric therapist but presently her primary
population consists of adults, frail elderly, geriatrics and bariatrics.
She has been a provider and a consultant developing clinical
case studies for manufacturers as well as assisting with product
development. Freney presented for many conferences such as the
International Seating Symposium, European Seating Symposium,
Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference, and RESNA. Freney has
been a team member and team leader for distributions with Wheels
for Humanity. In 2005, she received the UCP Wheels for Humanity
Volunteer of the Year award.
C A R M E N P. DI GI OVI NE, PHD ATP/SMS RET
The RESNA Wheelchair Service Provision Guide
(the Guide) was approved by the RESNA Board
of Directors in 2011. The Guide describes the
wheelchair service delivery process and places
a focus on the individual who use a wheelchair.
Funding sources are shifting from payment based
on time and processes to payment based on outcomes and consumer
satisfaction. The Guide provides a process for implementing best
practices, thereby maximizing the likelihood of consumer satisfaction
and successful outcomes. The purpose of this presentation is to
describe the Guide, identify literature that supports the process, and
provide a case study.
DiGiovine is a rehabilitation engineer and program director for the
Assistive Technology Center at The Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center. He is also a clinical associate professor in the
Occupational Therapy Division and the Biomedical Engineering
Department at The Ohio State University. His areas of interest
include assistive technology, rehabilitation engineering, evidencebased practice, clinical guideline development and technology
commercialization. He has more than 17 years of experience in the
fields of assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, and is an
active member of RESNA.
T U E S DAY, D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 1 6 | 7 P M - 8 P M ( E T )
Power Mobility – Interfacing Speech
Generating Devices
MICHELLE L. LANGE, OTR/L, AB DA, ATP/SMS
A wide variety of assistive technology devices can
be interfaced to power wheelchairs with complex
rehab electronics. Interfacing streamlines access
methods so that one access method can control
more than one device, including speech generating
devices, computers and electronic aids to daily
living. For persons with limited access, interfacing can greatly
increase independent control. This course will systematically explore
how and when to interface assistive technology, specifically speech
generating devices.
Lange is an occupational therapist with more than 25 years of
experience and former clinical director of The Assistive Technology
Clinics of The Children’s Hospital of Denver. She is a well-respected
lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored six book
chapters and nearly 200 articles. She is the editor of Fundamentals in
Assistive Technology, 4th Ed. and clinical editor of NRRTS DIRECTIONS.
Lange is on the teaching faculty of RESNA, a member of the Clinician
Task Force, and is a Senior Disability Analyst of the ABDA.
TO RE G I ST E R, V IS IT WWW. N RRTS .O RG /WE BIN A RS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016 | 7PM - 8PM (ET)
Duel Diagnoses: The Challenge and Opportunities
of the Complex Client
A N DR INA SABET, PT, AT P
Assistive technology plays a critical role in the
lives of clients with duel diagnoses. Mobility and
seating choices for these individuals are typically
complex. For example, individuals with both spinal
cord injury and traumatic brain injury or with both
cerebral palsy and autism present with a range of
complexities that are greater than the sum of the individual diagnoses.
These challenges present opportunities for creative problem solving
that can truly elevate quality of life. This webinar will look beyond the
diagnoses to create successful functional outcomes for these unique
individuals and their families.
Sabet is a physical therapist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
for Rehabilitation in Cleveland, Ohio. Her clinical practice includes
infants in the NICU and toddlers through young adults in the Seating
and Mobility Clinic. Sabet was a coauthor on the RESNA Position
Paper for Pediatric Power Wheelchairs and is active within RESNA
as chair of the Wheeled Mobility SIG. She has presented locally and
nationally on positioning and mobility and frequently collaborates with
manufacturers regarding product development.
2016 NRRTS
WEBINARS
TO R EG IST ER, V ISIT
WWW.NRRTS.ORG/WEBINARS