Due to issues that have arisen since the education schedule was created, we have had to move 2 presentation times. If you signed up for A1 or B1 they have now been moved to A5 & B5. A5 & B5 are now A1 & B1. We apologize for any inconvenience.
A-1: 8:30-9:30 – “How it works the difference between standard and complex power”
Presented by: Quantum Rehab
A-2: 9:45-10:45 – “Enhancing Function and Independence: Clinical Considerations for Power Adjustable Seat Height and Anterior Tilt”
Presented by Mobility First
A-3: 11:00-12:00 – “Journey From ER To Rehab – Clinical Management and Transitions in Care of the Patient with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury”
Presented by: Saint Luke’s
12:00-1:00- lunch break
A-4: 1:00-2:00 – “Positioning for Participation and Function: 24 Hour Postural Support”
Presented by: Sunrise Medical USA
A-5: 2:05-3:05 – “Creating a Meaningful Life with Home Modification”
Presented by Lifeway Mobility
B-1: 8:30-9:30 – “Don’t take NO for an Answer – Documentation and Appeal Strategies for Getting your Client the Equipment they Need”
Presented by: Alliance Rehab
B-2: 9:45-10:45 – “AAC in Functional Settings: Facilitating Communication in Active Recreation and Emergency & Disaster Preparedness”
Presented by: LIfestreams
B-3: 11:00-12:00 “Creating a balanced ride: Manual wheelchair configuration for propulsion, posture, and function”
Presented by: Permobil
12:00-1:00- lunch break
B-4: 1:00-2:00 – “Shedding Light on the Clinical Concepts of Wheelchair Mobility Bases”
Presented by: Numotion
B-5: 2:05-3:05 – “FND – Functional Neurological Disorder”
Presented by: Ability KC
Presenter: Mary Cabarle, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Presented by: Quantum Rehab
Presentation Description: This course will help clinicians and supplier ATPs understand the nuances of how power wheelchairs work in order to justify the base recommended for their client. We will review the minimum performance characteristics of each power wheelchair group; consider single vs. multiple power capabilities and limitations; emphasize what a non-expandable and an expandable electronics system is and does, and examine the need to operate power seat functions through the drive input device.
Objectives:
Presenter bio: Mary Cabarle is an occupational therapist who spent the last seven years working in both inpatient/outpatient settings at a Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems rehabilitation hospital in New Jersey. In that role, her primary patient population were individuals living with a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or a neurodegenerative disease. Her outpatient experience was solely spent in the specialty wheelchair clinic here she performed initial evaluations, clinical assessments, equipment trials, equipment prescription/justification, and wheelchair fitting, delivery, and training.
Presented by: Mobility First
Presenter: Mary Cabarle, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Presentation Description: Power wheelchairs are designed to augment function when functional mobility is compromised or lost. However, this is not the only benefits that the power mobility systems can provide. There are critical components of this system that also facilitate or improve the end user’s ability to complete functional activities/ADLs, support their physical and mental health, provide independent repositioning for pressure relief, increase tolerance of the seated position, and increase the overall satisfaction of the equipment. These critical components are known as power positioning devices. While there are several different types of power positioning products on the market, this presentation will focus on the clinical benefits of power adjustable seat height and anterior tilt.
Objectives:
Presenter bio: Mary Cabarle is an occupational therapist who spent the last seven years working in both inpatient/outpatient settings at a Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems rehabilitation hospital in New Jersey. In that role, her primary patient population were individuals living with a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or a neurodegenerative disease. Her outpatient experience was solely spent in the specialty wheelchair clinic here she performed initial evaluations, clinical assessments, equipment trials, equipment prescription/justification, and wheelchair fitting, delivery, and training.
Presented by: Saint Luke’s
Presenter: Lexie Brockman, RN, MSN, CRRN
Presentation Description: This presentation will review the patient’s journey from entering the emergency room to their transition into the post-acute setting. This presentation is aimed at providing context to the experiences of patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries during their acute hospitalization and post-acute transitions. We will cover the emergent management of the patient, diagnostic and assessment values, and common complications from the acute setting. We will then transition to discuss the patient’s stay in the rehab level of care with a goal of expanding on care planning, pain management, bowel and bladder management and functional independence. We will review two case studies to provide context to the learning objectives.
Objectives:
Presenter bio: Lexie Brockman, RN, MSN, CRRN is currently the Clinical Education Specialist for the Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Overland Park, Kansas. She earned her nursing degree in 2017 and her Master’s in Nursing Education in 2021. She has a background in critical care, community health, clinical education, and rehabilitation nursing. She has been nominated for Nurse of The Year through the March of Dimes, Mentor of the Year and recently won the Spirit of Nursing award. She has a strong passion for elevating the nursing profession through evidence-based practice, reality-based nursing education, and providing compassionate, inclusive, and equitable care to vulnerable populations.
Presented by: Sunrise Medical
Presenter: Karla Sonderland MS, OTR/L, ATP – Clinical Education Manager – US Midwest – Sunrise Medical USA
Presentation Description: A child participates in many activities throughout a 24-hour period. The wheelchair or a mobility system is often addressed providing optimal transportation, opportunity for self-initiated movement, and positioning. Evidence has demonstrated the benefits of providing positioning intervention when a child is not in the wheelchair. Positions focusing on lying, sitting, and standing will be addressed. A 24-hour postural care program addresses all activities the child might be involved in. This session addresses options for alternative positioning, toileting, bathing, and sleeping. Physiological and anatomical theoretical principles will be addressed incorporating how equipment can address an individual’s postural needs while promoting function and participation throughout a full 24-hour day.
Objectives:
Presenter bio: Karla Sonderland MS, OTR/L, ATP – Sunrise Medical USA
– Clinical Education Manager – US Midwest
Karla Sonderland graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mary in North Dakota. She has 20 years of experience with a focus on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She brings to the team her knowledge and understanding of providing 24-hour care to individuals with multiple caregivers as well as helping individuals transition to alternate living arrangements with optimal assistive technology to ensure their safety and participation. Karla lives with her husband and three children in Iowa and manages the Midwest Clinical Education program.
Presented by: Lifeway Mobility
Presenter: Lyndsey Burmeister
Presentation Description: 85% of adults wish to remain living at home as long as possible. This reality can be achieved but only if home safety solutions are in place. Through this presentation we’ll look at the most common areas of the home that pose a threat to safety: Entrances and exits; levels and stairs; bathrooms; and anywhere else transfers take place. Lyndsey will discuss tools, equipment and tricks to keep patients’ home from feeling like an obstacle course and returning it to a comfortable and safe haven.
Objectives:
Presenter bio: Lyndsey Burmeister has served as the director of community education for Lifeway Mobility since 2018. She has dedicated her passion for barrier-free living and universal design to helping people of all ages in all stages of life. Lyndsey has presented to numerous senior centers, support groups, symposiums, and medical professionals, providing tools and resources to successfully remain living at home safely. With her background in both senior living and home care, she brings a well-rounded approach to options for every client. These groups have included the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado, Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah, Kansas OT Association, Rocky Mountain ALS Association, Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies, Aging in Place Symposium, Professionals for Seniors, 55 and Better Expo, and many neurological and physical rehabilitation hospitals.
Presented by: Alliance Rehab
Presenter: Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS
Presentation Description: In the provision of seating and wheeled mobility products are often called upon to evaluate the mobility deficits and postural challenges of individuals with disabilities and chronic medical conditions that lead to mobility impairments. They must also document, in quantitative terms, the individual’s functional abilities and limitations on a typical day, yet many have not been exposed to the level of detail that is expected of them in their formal education or post graduate continuing education courses. In addition, third-party payors are scrutinizing the details of the documentation much more so than they have in the past, leading to denials, lengthy appeals, and a delay of care for individuals with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.Individuals with chronic medical conditions and long-term disabilities who have a permanent need for a wheelchair and seating interventions require a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of their physical, functional and environmental needs to allow clinicians and ATP suppliers to make appropriate Assistive Technology recommendations for a successful outcome, without delay. This course will examine the questions outlined in the National Coverage Determination for Mobility Assistive Equipment; provide the clinician with practical tools to incorporate into the evaluation and documentation requirements to mitigate denials and win an appeal should a denial occur.
Objectives:
Presenter bio: Julie Piriano has worked in the seating and wheeled mobility industry for the past 40 years. She is the Sr. Director of Payor Relations and Regulatory Affairs for NCART. She presents nationally and internationally on seating and wheeled mobility with a focus on evaluation, documentation, and clinical applications of available technologies. Julie is a member of the RESNA Board of Directors where she serves on the Finance Committee, the Government Affairs Committee and is the board liaison to the Professional Standards Board. She recently served as the Chair of the Professional Standards Board and is an active participant in the Wheeled Mobility and Seating SIG and the PT PSG. She is a Friend of iNRRTS, a member of the APTA and the Clinician Task Force. She serves on the DMEMAC Advisory Councils, the board of the AMRG Group, several State Associations, and the Mobility Management Editorial Board. Julie is a highly proactive industry resource on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the complex rehab industry.
Presented by: Permobil
Presenter: Sarah Lusto PT,MSPT, ATC, ATP
Presentation Description: This presentation is intended to help clinicians and providers expand on their current knowledge and skills to achieve greater success and clinical confidence with manual wheelchair provision. Through open discussion and practical application of equipment trial, selection, and application liked to evidence-based decision making, we will highlight the importance of individualized goals and evaluation to inform manual wheelchair configuration. Participants will be able to adapt and apply the clinical reasoning and practical application skills gained in a variety of settings and situations.
Objectives:
Presenter Bio: Sarah Lusto PT,MSPT, ATC, ATP is a physical therapist and the Regional Clinical Education Manager for Permobil in the Mountain Region. Prior to joining Permobil in 2021, Sarah worked at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation where she gained extensive experience in neuro rehabilitation. At Kessler, she served as the inpatient wheelchair team lead and a member of the outpatient wheelchair clinic. She has lectured for numerous Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Medical Residency Programs and was a faculty member for Kessler’s PT Neuroresidency program. She has also presented at ASCIP and the International Seating Symposium. Sarah is a current member of RESNA and the APTA Assistive Technology/Seating & Wheeled Mobility SIG.
Presented by: LIfestreams
Presenter: Patty Siemann
Presentation description: This presentation focuses on use and support of augmentative and alternative communication in functional, community-based settings such as participation in recreational sports as well as preparation for communication needs during and after emergencies and disasters.
Objectives
Presenter Bio: Patty Siemann is a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist and Assistant Director of Rehabilitation for LifeStreams, LLC, a therapy group focused on providing home and community-based rehabilitation services to children and adults who have experienced brain injury. She is also a member of the Cross Systems Technology Group, an online group created to address strategies to promote inclusion of assistive technology for people of all ages living with disabilities.
Presented by: Numotion
Presenter: Justin Peterfish MOT, OTR, ATP
Presentation Description: This one-hour course aims to illuminate the path on selecting the appropriate mobility base for a client, based on the clinical goals, evaluation findings, and coverage criteria. Time will be spent comparing the different options and uncovering what “ruling out lesser equipment” really entails in order to identify the most appropriate option to maximize function and independence.
Objectives:
Presenter Bio: Justin Peterfish MOT, OTR, ATP began his path to assistive technology after earning a degree in kinesiology at Indiana University. He continued his education at The Ohio State University where he earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Peterfish joined Numotion in August of 2013 where he earned his Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification and served the Kansas City market until 2015. Since then, he has held multiple leadership role within the commercial organization at Numotion and currently serves as Vice President of Sales Operations. Peterfish lives in Overland Park, KS with wife Christie and two daughters Brooklynn and Layla.
Presented by: Ability KC
Presenter: Michele Ahern, PT
Presentation Description: Functional Neurological Disorder is a medical condition that involves a problem in the functionality of specific parts of the brain. FND is complex. This inservice will provide introductory information on specific aspects of predisposing factors, triggers, perpetuating factors, FND umbrella, and treatment.
Objectives:
Presenter Bio: Michele Ahern has been a physical therapist working at Ability KC for 32 years and specializing in pediatric therapy for 26 years. My Jam at work: Working with complex medical kiddos, FND population and serial casting.
