Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Location: Zoom via RESNA Learn

Time: 12:00pm Eastern

Title: Wheelchair Skills Assessment and Training: An Evidence-Based Approach 

Speakers: Julie Wells, MS, OTR/L, ATP, C/NDT and Erin Baker, PT

Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD) is one of the most severe forms of inherited muscular dystrophies. As the disease progresses boys lose the ability to ambulate and are unable to perform activities of daily living. Throughout the lifespan not only does their body change but also the need for different types of assistive technology. The challenge is that many families and their medical providers are unaware of the assistive technology available and how to access it. This presentation will present the assistive technology that can be used, when to initiate use, and how to help patients gain access to the tools available to maintain quality of life throughout the lifespan.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of session, attendees will be able to:

1. Identity the stages of DMD and when Assistive Technology would be beneficial
2. Identify at least 3 examples of low tech and 3 examples of high tech solutions to assist a person with DMD and their family
3. Verbalize the process by which they can obtain the needed assistive technology.

Primary topic area: SM - Seating and Mobility (Including CRT)
Secondary topic area: Other: Equipment for self-care and IADL needs

Presenter Bio:

Julie Wells,  MS, OTR/L, ATP, C/NDT

Julie Wells earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and her Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in 2000. She presently serves as Occupational Therapist at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, which she joined in 2015. Julie has over 10 years of experience in Multidisciplinary Neuromuscular Clinic care. In the Neuromuscular Clinic at NCH, she evaluates fine motor skills, self-care skills, physical performance testing, feeding skills, and needs for skilled therapy services in the community. Julie is also involved in Neuromuscular research for patients with CMT, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and SMA.  She is an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Rehabilitation and Engineering Society of North America, International Association of Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing, and the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association.

Erin Baker, PT

Erin Baker is a physical therapist and assistive technology progressional at Nemours Childresn Hospital in Orlando Floria. She received her undergraduate degree in athletic training from Catawba College in 2010 and then her doctorate of physical therapy from the University of Florida in 2010. She runs the seating and mobility clinic for the rehab department and serves as the consult physical therapist on the neuromuscular team making recommendations for assistive technology and therapy treatment. In addition she is a certified child passenger safety technician in special needs seats.  

Completion of the post-event survey and quiz earns 0.1 IACET CEUs.

RESNA has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 21670 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 170, Sterling, VA 20166: (703) 506-3275