Fit for Life -Wheelchair Prescription Course is a 10 day generic
course in wheelchair provision. The course is designed to train
staff working in wheelchair services in low income countries on
how to assess someone for their wheel chair needs, and to
prescribe and fit an appropriate wheelchair.
Rationale:
Wheelchairs are used either as primary or secondary means of
mobility, depending upon the extent of an individual's functional
limitations. When using a wheelchair as a primary means of mobility,
an individual may spend the majority of his or her day in the chair
and use it for movement within his or her home, work, school or
community setting. As a secondary means of mobility, a chair may be
used just for longer distances by an individual who has low
endurance or tolerance for walking. The wheelchair prescription is
used to define the type of wheelchair required, seating needs, and
details about components.
Objective:
Carry
out a safe and independent assessment of a potential wheelchair
user
Prescribe order and fit the most appropriate wheelchair
available]
Train
the user in mobility of wheelchair
Instruct the user in the care ,maintenance and safe use of the
wheel chair
Course
Requirements:
The
course requires intermediate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and
physical disabilities (People Experience of working with people with
disabilities can apply)
Eligibility:
This
course is designed for:
Therapists involved in manual wheelchair evaluations for people
with all types of disabilities
Students of Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy to supplement
their learning
Rehabilitation technology suppliers seeking professional
development
Prosthetists & Orthotists
Community Based Rehabilitation personnel
Expected
competencies
Upon
completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Discuss the state of the evidence and “best practices”
(indications and contraindications) for manual wheelchair
technologies as applied to their daily practice and wheelchair
user population.
Evaluate, recommend and specify manual wheelchair technologies
for individuals with mobility impairments designed to optimize
function.