What's on at ATSNZ Auckland

We are very pleased to be able to host two educational talks in this year's seminar programme. It's a comprehensive programme at this event so don’t miss these valuable learning opportunities. 

Seminar programme;

Jacqui Abel – 'Considerations for robust power wheelchair prescription'

Jacqui Abel is an Occupational Therapist who holds a Post Graduate certificate in Health Professional Education from Auckland University of Technology. With over 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, she has held clinical and leadership roles in both the public and private sectors across South Africa and New Zealand. Jacqui has specialized in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, gaining extensive experience in this field. Her interests include complex wheelchair and seating, equipment provision, and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. She has achieved WMPM Level 3 with a customised fabrication endorsement and has served on the Enable Accreditation panel for wheelchair seating accreditation. Jacqui worked as a Professional Advisor with Accessable for 2 years and currently contracts with Specialist Rehab Services, focusing on complex wheelchair and seating assessments and equipment prescription. 

Abstract:

Prescribing a power wheelchair requires assessing the user's environment to ensure optimal mobility and safety. Key factors include indoor vs. outdoor use, where indoor wheelchairs need excellent maneuverability, a small turning radius, and compatibility with various floor surfaces. Outdoor wheelchairs must be durable, with good suspension, stability, and long battery life. Terrain type influences the need for robust features like larger wheels for rough surfaces. Accessibility considerations include home compatibility with ramps and doorways and community access via public transportation. The user's lifestyle, activities, and weather conditions dictate additional features for work, school, recreation, and all-weather use. Storage and transportability are essential, considering ease of disassembly and storage space. Physical and cognitive abilities require appropriate control systems and support, while battery life and convenient charging are crucial for daily use. Maintenance, warranty, and local service availability ensure long-term reliability. These factors make power wheelchair selection more relevant to the client experience and will be discussed during this session to assist therapists with power wheelchair prescription.

Jacelyn Goh – 'Unique power functions that create client-centered solutions'

Jacelyn (better known as Jace) is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience and expertise in neurological rehabilitation. After graduating from La Trobe University in 2008, she began her career in Singapore, working in acute and rehabilitation settings. Over the years, she has gained valuable experience by working in various countries and healthcare systems.

Ten years ago, Jace moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she continued her career as an Occupational Therapist. During this time, she worked in both public and private settings and gained experience in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) sector, working with diverse client groups.

In 2021, Jace joined the team at Linds Rehabilitation where she holds the role of product representative and clinical educator. Her specific interest lies in complex wheelchair seating and prescription. In her current position, she provides consultation and conducts education sessions to assist other occupational therapists in their wheelchair prescription process.

With her extensive knowledge of Occupational Therapy and her focus on neurological rehabilitation, Jace plays a vital role in helping other therapists optimise their wheelchair prescription techniques and ensure clients receive the most suitable mobility outcomes.

Abstract:

Often the difference between disability and ability is the application of assistive technology that matches the unique functional abilities of our clients. There have been many advances in technology for how individuals who use powered mobility can add specialised seating functions and controls to enhance their participation in the world that surrounds them.

Join us to explore the clinical applications of powered lateral tilt, latitude (seat to floor), anterior tilt and standing functions; along with alternate drive control systems, that through clinical application, have vastly improved the quality of life for the unique individuals we will showcase through our clinical studies. We will explore the research available to assist in our decision making and ensure we use outcome measures that showcase client-centered processes that aren’t lost in a tick-box society.

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