Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology for Pediatrics

Pediatric Physiotherapy Courses Aims to 

This 2-hour webinar is lecture-based with case studies and is appropriate for pediatric OTs/OTAs and PTs/PTAs at a beginning/intermediate level.  The webinar seeks to help therapists answer the questions of What, Why, How, When, Where, and Who regarding the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology (AT) for children and young adults. An overview of various types of adaptive equipment and assistive technology will be presented. Therapists will learn how to assess for and develop appropriate client/family goals for use of adaptive equipment. A review of high-tech and low-tech options will be discussed, as well as cost vs. benefit, and how adaptive equipment can enhance therapy goals.  Attendees will learn how to write an effective letter of medical necessity and wheelchair evaluation. Case studies and quizzes will help attendees consider risk factors for various deformities related to postural alignment, growth, and function, and discuss possible solutions using adaptive equipment and assistive technology.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Define adaptive equipment and AT, and review various types
• Discuss the purpose of adaptive equipment and AT
• Types of Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology
• Why, who, when, where to use the adaptive equipment and AT 
• Specific equipment options, advantages/disadvantages/alternatives
• Review appropriate use of adaptive equipment and AT relative to age, cognition, family needs, and support
• Summarize important considerations related to growth, environment, and specific diagnoses
• Recognize the practical considerations associated with the use of adaptive equipment and AT, including evaluation, funding, documentation of need, and fitting

Who Should Enroll

Physiotherapist

Pediatrics

Pediatric Nurses

Occupational Therapist

CPD Credit Hours

 2 Hours

Resources

1-Month Access to Learning Resources
Downloadable Course Material 
CPD Certificate

Presenter

Speaker Bio:   Mary B. Pengelley, PT, DPT, ATP

Mary Pengelley received her BS in PT at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse NY in 1983 and her pediatric DPT from Rocky Mountain University in 2015.  She has been a certified Assistive Technology Practitioner since 2007.  Mary has been the PT clinical director and director of continuing education at Progressive Pediatric Therapy in Palm Beach County Florida for the past 5 years.  Throughout her career, she has worked with children with a variety of developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, genetic disorders, muscular dystrophies, orthopedic injuries, brachial plexus injury, autism, and torticollis.  Mary's previous experiences as a pediatric PT include working as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Jamaica, and Blythedale Children’s Hospital in NY. After moving to Palm Beach County FL in 1989, she has held positions at Easter Seals, Paley Limb Lengthening Institute, and the Arc.  At the Arc, Mary was instrumental in helping to develop Potentials Charter School, an innovative therapy-intensive school for children who are non-ambulatory and non-verbal.  Her experience includes inpatient, outpatient and school based pediatric PT, therapeutic horseback riding, developmental dance, adaptive gymnastics, aquatic therapy, splinting and casting, and adaptive seating and mobility as an assistive technology practitioner.  Mary has also worked as an adjunct professor, teaching pediatric classes and labs to DPT students at the University of St. Augustine and Nova Southeastern University, since 2010, and has presented at national continuing education seminars and webinars.