RESNA 2010 - Las Vegas

Workshop Sessions:

Conference workshop sessions were offered on June 28-29, 2010. They were 75-minute presentations on research, technology, and applications and were conducted by experts in the field of assistive technology. The following topics were covered: mobility, job and environmental accommodations, technology for cognitive and sensory impairments, seating, computer applications, and communication public policy.

WS-01: Evidence Based Wheeled Mobility Design Challenges

Dr. Edward Steinfeld, Arch.D and Jonathan White, M. Arch., University at Buffalo Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access

This workshop will engage stakeholders in the wheeled mobility device industry, including manufacturers, consumers, clinicians, researchers, and designers in a discussion about the implications of recent anthropometric research on wheeled mobility users.
Slides - 2.65 Mb pdf file

WS-02: Is It All About Pressure? Clinical Decision Making in Determining the Cause of Pressure Ulcers

Darren Hammond, MPT, CWS, The ROHO Group

This interactive workshop will discuss current best evidence regarding the etiology of pressure ulcers. Following this presentation, participants will have a better understanding of both the intrinsic and extrinsic causes of pressure ulcers. Various strategies will also be given in how to effectively determine the cause and effect relationship regarding correct management of pressure ulcers. Discussions, utilizing case reports, will revolve around better clinical decision making in determining an affective plan of care in the overall management of pressure ulcers.
Slides - 768 Kb pdf file

WS-10: To Sit or Not to Sit – Should Your Clients Take it Lying Down?

Darren Hammond, MPT, CWS, The ROHO Group

With clinicians being challenged to progress patient’s progress with functional activity, it is imperative a paradigm shift occurs in the development of treatment plans. This interactive workshop will discuss current best evidence regarding the rationale to sit someone while they have a pressure ulcer. Following this workshop, participants will have a better understanding of when they could potentially sit an individual with a pressure ulcer to continue with therapy or functional mobility and when it may be contraindicated. Finally, discussion will revolve around appropriate equipment selection to better manage the client when a decision has been made to sit them.
Slides - 1.77 Mb pdf file

WS-15: Cinderella’s Glass Slipper..and Other Times Proper Fit is Important for Kids Who Use Wheelchairs

Tricia Henley, MPT, ATP, The ROHO Group, Laura Rosen, MPT, ATP, St Joseph's Children’s Hospital of Tampa

This interactive workshop will provide an overview of current trends in pediatric seating and mobility prescription for manual wheelchairs. Normal growth patterns and weight changes will be discussed and compared for the disabled and non-disabled pediatric and young adult population. Information will be presented about how to determine the correct type of wheelchair for pediatric patients at different ages that will accommodate their anticipated changes in size by understanding their likely growth patterns. Special attention will be given to selecting wheelchairs for children who independently propel.
Slides - 386 Kb pdf file

WS-16: Getting from Knowledge to Action – Effectively Communicating Research & Development Value to Multiple Stakeholder Groups

Joseph Lane, MBPA, Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer and John Westbrook, PhD, SEDL

RESNA members may discover new knowledge through research, or generate new inventions through development. Moving these outputs from laboratory to practical use requires the effective communication of their value to targeted stakeholder groups. The methods of Knowledge Translation and Technology Transfer have been combined to form a methodological bridge from conception through application. Participants will learn about this comprehensive framework, understand its value as a guideline for improving communication, and review substantiating materials from research and from practice.
Slides - 516 Kb pdf file

WS-21: Access to Independence: Why the Time is Right for Infant Power Mobility

Amy Meyer, PT, ATP, Permobil, Inc. and James (Cole) Galloway, PhD, PT, University of Delaware

Mobility is fundamental to human life by providing constant, dynamic interaction with the physical and social world. For infants, independent mobility is critical for development. For children with mobility impairments, power mobility provides access to independence. Unfortunately, power mobility is not typically available to children under 2-3 years of age. This extended time without independent mobility likely results in additional neurological and behavioral impairments, becoming a significant social barrier for infants and their families. This workshop will explore the recent advances in science, training, and technology that are closing the gaps in providing power mobility to infants with special needs.
Slides - 252 Kb pdf file

WS-22: ALDs and Improving Hearing Access

Laura Clark, MS, CRC, Hearing / Communication / Technology

Our workforce is aging and the chance of hearing loss increases. There are over 32 million people in this country with hearing loss (Gallaudet Research Institute). The majority of people are hard-ofhearing. This population will likely benefit from assistive listening technology. How does the experience of hearing loss impact work, or communication? How do you know what technology is appropriate? How do you assess the impact of hearing loss or hearing aid compatibility? This workshop will offer an experiential opportunity to learn what it is to have hearing loss and to look at how to assess and recommend assistive technology.
Slides - 1.44 Mb pdf file

WS-24: SIG-11 Computer Applications Show and Tell

Jamie Prioli, ATP, Private Practice and Andy Lin, MS, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology

The SIG-11 Computer Applications Show and Tell provides an opportunity for RESNA professionals to present photos and/or video on unique cases, techniques, or tools involving computer applications in assistive technology. Topics include, but are not limited to adaptations made to computer devices or software, tips on the use of new computer hardware or software, little-known products, unusual combinations of different devices or programs, and unique ways to use computers as assistive technology. Presentation topics will also include little-known Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Mac settings that can help assistive technology practitioners in their daily practice.
Slides - 70.1 Kb pdf file

WS-25: Go Green! The 3 R’s of DME – Recycle, Redesign, and Redistribute

Vicki Herron, PTA III, Carolinas Rehabilitation

We are a wasteful society but becoming aware of the importance of changing our ways. As healthcare professionals we see those less fortunate in the ability to afford proper mobility and seating devices to have functional independence in their living environment. These individuals include those with limited/no health insurance and residents of skilled nursing facilities. This instructional class will highlight Carolinas Healthcare System’s unique recycled equipment program and its impact on community service, excellent quality care and commitment to the provision of an improved quality of life for its customers and community. Case studies will demonstrate to the program’s success.
Slides - 78.3 Kb pdf file

WS-28: Games for Rehabilitation

Sheryl Flynn, Blue Marble Rehabilitation and Belinda Lange, Bsc., PhD, Institute for Creative Technologies

Using video games for rehabilitation purposes combines innovative computer technology with contemporary rehabilitation and neuroplasticity theories.With technological advances video games can now be played with little active movement and minimal fine motor control. These games are motivating and fun while simultaneously pushing the brain and body to recover. The purpose of this presentation is to provide the audience with:

1. provide a review of relevant literature in support of video games for rehabilitation,
2. discuss current off the shelf video games and controllers appropriate for rehabilitation, and
3. provide explicit examples of use of games in the clinic.
   Slides - 362 Kb pdf file

WS-29: What We Forgot We Knew about Tilt & Recline

Stephanie Tanguay, OTR, ATP, Motion Concepts

Seating over the years, both recline and tilt technologies have evolved. Most significantly for power recline was the incorporation of a raised pivot point to reduce the amount of shear or displacement of the back support surface against the consumer. However, there are many additional factors which can alter the effectiveness of this shear reducing component. This session will review the mechanics of recline systems, shear reduction and the extrinsic factors which alter their function. The application of tilt in various planes of movement will also be reviewed. Case studies will be presented.
Slides - 2.87 Mb pdf file

WS-31: Technology Challenges and Solutions for People with Disabilities: The National Security Agency (NSA) Experience

Leonard Reinsfelder, PhD, and Patricia Dahlen, National Security Agency

Employees with disabilities at the National Security Agency benefit from a state-of-the-art technology assistance program which has been in existence for 20 years. Funded by mission leadership as a proactive solution to anticipated reasonable accommodation cases, the program provides a robustly outfitted and wellfunded demonstration and knowledge center, a professional staff of subject matter experts to advise the Agency and clients on disability-related matters. What will be presented are case studies demonstrating employees’ with different disabilities, workplace problems, and solutions. The audience will have an opportunity to interact on unsolved unique cases.
Slides - 2.19 Mb pdf file

WS-32: The Past, Present, and Future of RESNA Certification

Anjali Weber, ATP, RESNA and Julie Piriano, PT, ATP, Pride Mobility, Laura Cohen PT, PhD, ATP, Rehabilitation & Technology Consultants, LLC, Gerry Dickerson, ATP, CRTS, Medstar, Inc.

The RESNA credentialing process began in 1992. When the first test was administered in 1996 with 64 candidates, it was unclear where the ATS/P credential would lead the Assistive Technology (AT) profession and professionals. Since then the Professional Standards Board (PSB) has established a complaints review process, consolidated the certifications, re-written the exam, moved to computer based testing and launched the first advanced certification test. Today more than 4000 individuals have passed the ATP exam and several major payers recognize the value of the Assistive Technology Professional. Where do we go from here?
Slides - 434 Kb pdf file