Positioning and Mobility Andrea Bilello

What are seating, positioning, and mobility devices?  They are products that support or improve mobility and the equipment used to customize mobility alternatives. Mobility devices aid movement in space as well as movement over distance.  Seating and positioning devices improve body stability, provide trunk and head support and reduce pressure on skin.

Physical Disabilities  Refers to a group of students who have different characteristics such as severe orthopedic impairment that adversely impact their education performance.  Students with physical disabilities that participate in their regular education classroom require related service to access their physical environment, the curriculum, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Questions to Consider Regarding Positioning  How will the student be positioned throughout the day?  How will proper positioning help the student participate in the general ed. curriculum?  What is the most useful AT device that will enhance the student’s participation?  What are the best positions for muscle development and alignment?  Will the position support his/her circulatory, digestive, and respitory functions?  Where will devices be used? Johnston, Beard, & Carpenter, 2007

Positioning/Seating Aids  Beanbags  Bolsters  Mobile Standers  Prone Standers  Wedges  Cushions  Chair  Trays and Worktables

Stander

Tumble Form Feeder System-adaptive positioning seats

Resources for AT Devices for Positioning and Seating Disabilitiy Products AT for daily living Varilite Seating and Positioning devices Invacare Comfort-Mate Extra Cushion Cushion for seating PleezeElite Gel Foam Cushion Pressure relieving gel and memory foam cushion SimpIX FT Foam Cushion Another cushion Johnston, Beard, & Carpenter, 2007

Mobility  Mobility devices should enable students to move as effectively and independently as possible.  Two types of mobility devices are manual and powered devices.  Determine the students PLEP to help determine what is the most appropriate mobility devices needed to access the general ed. curriculum.

Mobility Devices  Manual wheelchairs and power wheelchairs  Scooters  Canes  Crutches  Walkers  Gate Trainers Gate Trainer

Manual Wheelchair They are made of light weight material. Manual wheelchairs require the student to use both hands to push the wheels to make it move.

Power Wheelchair

Other Important Considerations Importance of early intervention services that focus on motor development which includes proper positioning across all environments. Consider how the position/mobility devices can impact peer social interactions. Positioning and mobility devices should promote independence and access to the regular education setting/curriculum.