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    15 Courses

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    2 Webinars

Michelle L. Lange

OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Michelle is an occupational therapist with 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the coeditor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide; editor of Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, 4th edition; NRRTS continuing education curriculum coordinator; and clinical editor of the NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. She is a certified ATP, certified SMS, and a senior disability analyst of the ABDA.

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Nighttime Positioning: Postural Care (Recorded Webinar)

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Nighttime Positioning: Postural Care (Recorded Webinar)

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Video Runtime: 135 Minutes, Learning Assessment Time: 19 Minutes

This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.

The goals of wheelchair seating include managing posture and pressure as well as providing stability for function. Many wheelchair users assume an asymmetrical position during sleep and do not move out of that position for many hours. This frequently leads to loss of range of motion and even orthopedic changes, as well as discomfort and stiffness. Postural care addresses positioning outside of the wheelchair, particularly during sleep, and can be used to improve the quality and duration of sleep, promote health, and maintain safety during sleep, as well as to minimize, prevent, and even reverse range-of-motion losses and orthopedic changes.

Practitioners may not be familiar with the need for and application of this intervention. This content is applicable to physical and occupational therapists in a wide range of settings. Young children can benefit from nighttime positioning to prevent future issues. Clients who have already developed range loss and/or orthopedic changes can benefit from nighttime positioning to provide a prolonged stretch during sleep and to minimize further losses. It is critical to explore all positions that clients are in throughout a 24-hour time period.

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Wheelchair Dynamic Seating: Providing Movement for Clinical Benefit (Recorded Webinar)

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Dynamic Seating: Providing Movement for Clinical Benefit (Recorded Webinar)

Subscribe now, and access clinical education and patient education—anytime, anywhere—with video instruction from recognized industry experts.
Video Runtime: 140 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 34 Minutes

This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from standard MedBridge courses.

Dynamic seating is movement that occurs within the seating system and/or wheelchair frame in response to client force. Dynamic components absorb force and return the client to a starting position. When the client moves, the dynamic seating moves with the client, maintaining alignment with the seating system for postural support and stability.

Clients who extend within the seating system or seek out movement may benefit from dynamic seating. Dynamic components absorb and diffuse force, protecting the client from pain and injury and protecting the wheelchair seat and frame from damage. Absorbing force may reduce active extension. Providing movement can increase alertness and decrease agitation. Movement can also improve function and postural control.

This webinar will define dynamic seating as well as the clinical benefits of this intervention. A variety of product options and features will be reviewed in order to better match these features to a specific client's needs. Case studies will be used throughout.

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Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Proportional Driving Methods

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Proportional Driving Methods

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Video Runtime: 54 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

Most people who use a power wheelchair use a joystick mounted at the end of one arm pad. However, some people are unable to drive a power wheelchair with this driving method. A wide variety of driving methods are available, including proportional and nonproportional driving methods. This course will present proportional driving methods including standard, compact, heavy duty, and mini proportional joysticks. Mounting options will also be addressed as the driver may need a different joystick placement to drive the power wheelchair. Clinicians need to be familiar with power wheelchair driving methods in order to participate in the evaluation process. This course will present specific power wheelchair proportional driving methods and clinical indicators for each.

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Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Nonproportional Driving Methods

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Nonproportional Driving Methods

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Video Runtime: 60 Minutes; Learning Assessment Runtime: 29 Minutes

Most people who use a power wheelchair use a joystick; however, some drivers are unable to control a power wheelchair with this driving method. A wide variety of driving methods are available, including proportional and nonproportional driving methods. This course will present nonproportional driving methods, including head-controlled options, sip 'n puff, switch arrays (including mechanical, proximity, and fiber-optic), and eye gaze. Case studies are included. Clinicians need to be familiar with power wheelchair driving methods in order to participate in the evaluation process. This course will present specific power wheelchair nonproportional driving methods and clinical indicators for each.

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Wheelchair Power Mobility: Mobility Training

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Power Mobility: Mobility Training

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Video Runtime: 62 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

Did you know that the average teenager spends 40 to 50 hours training before getting a driver's license? Most people receiving a power wheelchair have very little, if any, mobility training to optimize their driving skills. And yet these drivers have motor, cognitive, and/or sensory impairments that make training even more important. Once a client has received a power wheelchair, mobility training is provided to further develop skills and optimize functional driving. This course will present mobility training strategies to optimize power wheelchair use. Clinicians need to be familiar with power wheelchair mobility training to optimize driving. This is a pediatric-focused course.

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Wheelchair Power Mobility: Advanced Features

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Power Mobility: Advanced Features

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Video Runtime: 60 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

Power wheelchairs do far more than drive. CRT-level power wheelchairs also provide control of other advanced features through the driving method so that the driver can be as functional and independent as possible. Using a team approach, we can bring this technology to our clients using CRT power wheelchairs. The driver can control reverse (if this cannot readily be controlled through the driving method, such as with a head array), speeds, and power seating. The driver can also use the driving method to control an interfaced external assistive technology device, such as a communication device. These power wheelchairs have Bluetooth and can be paired with other technologies such as smartphones and tablets. Clinicians need to be familiar with these advanced power wheelchair features to optimize driving and overall function.

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Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Determining Readiness

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Determining Readiness

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Video Runtime: 58 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

How do we know a child is ready for a power wheelchair? When is this appropriate, is the child too young, and will there be negative implications to starting power? These are all valid concerns, and yet many children do not receive a power mobility device as soon as clinically indicated. Research has shown that early mobility is critical to development. Clinicians need to be familiar with current research and be able to determine readiness and train a child to use a power mobility device or power wheelchair. This course is particularly applicable to pediatric therapists.

Current research does demonstrate significant and broad developmental benefits of early mobility. Despite this research, many potential barriers to power mobility provision continue. Determining both motor and cognitive readiness for power mobility is critical before moving forward with a formal assessment. Pre-assessment strategies using a manual mobility base, such as an adaptive stroller or manual wheelchair, can be used to determine and develop readiness to successfully use a power mobility device.

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Power Chair Configuration Considerations

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Power Chair Configuration Considerations

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Video Runtime: 57 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 30 Minutes

Not all power wheelchairs are created equal. This course will explain the differences between consumer-level and complex rehab technology (CRT) power wheelchairs. Clinicians need to be familiar with power wheelchair features in order to participate in the evaluation process. CRT power wheelchairs are available in front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations, each of which has specific clinical advantages for an individual client. Tracking technologies improve driving efficiency by reducing course corrections and time required to move between locations. Finally, power wheelchair suspension has a number of clinical benefits for the clients we work with. These power wheelchair configuration considerations impact final equipment recommendations.

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Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Power Seating

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Power Seating

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Video Runtime: 54 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 29 Minutes

Power wheelchairs do more than drive. Power seating allows the driver to change position for pressure relief, pressure redistribution, transfers, and other functional activities. Power tilt changes orientation in space without changing the seated angles. Power recline opens the seat to back angle and is often used in combination with elevating leg rests and sometimes with power tilt. Seat elevate raises the entire seating system vertically without changing the seated angles. Finally, power stand brings the client partially or completely to a standing position within the power wheelchair. This course will present specific power wheelchair power seating options and clinical indicators for each. Clinicians need to be familiar with power wheelchair features, including power seating options, in order to participate in the evaluation process.

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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Trunk

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Trunk

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What needs to be considered when positioning the trunk in wheelchair seating? If asymmetries are flexible, then the goal becomes to achieve symmetry as close to neutral as possible. If the asymmetries are fixed, then the seating system must accommodate the shape of the spine and ribcage to distribution pressure and reduce risk of further loss of range. This course will present common trunk asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a trunk position as possible improves overall posture, stability and function.

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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Lower Extremities

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Lower Extremities

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What is addressed in wheelchair positioning after the pelvis and trunk? The lower extremities. The goals of positioning the legs are to achieve a neutral alignment, when possible, or accommodate range limitations if not. This course will systematically address potential lower extremity positioning challenges with suggested interventions. By specifically positioning the legs, the seating system provides stability, function and even protection from injury.

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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Upper Extremities

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Upper Extremities

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Do the upper extremities really require positioning? Muscle weakness, paralysis or uncontrolled movements may need to be addressed by the wheelchair seating system. This course will present specific positioning needs and suggested interventions. By providing adequate support and control of the arms, the seating system can provide postural support, protect the shoulders from injury and limit uncontrolled movements.

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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Pelvis

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Pelvis

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What is the cornerstone of wheelchair positioning? The pelvis. The position of the pelvis very much determines the position of the trunk and lower extremities and so achieving and maintaining the optimal position is critical. This course will present common pelvic asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a pelvic position as possible improves overall posture, stability and function.

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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Head

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Head

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Does every client need head positioning as a part of a wheelchair seating system? No, many clients have adequate head control so that no further support is needed. However, many other clients require intervention to achieve and maintain an upright head position. An upright head is essential to optimize vision, breathing and swallowing. In this course we'll show demonstrations for seating interventions, different head supports, and various seating components as a part of posterior head support.

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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: The Mat Assessment

Presented by Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: The Mat Assessment

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What is a Mat Assessment? A Mat Assessment is the starting point of a wheelchair seating evaluation and critical to achieving a successful outcome. This course will present the key components of a mat assessment including important measurements. A mat assessment demonstration will take the participant through each step. The mat assessment determines specific seated angles and postural support requirements necessary for a final seating system recommendation.

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Webinars with Michelle L. Lange

View upcoming webinars View all free recordings

Dec 6, 2022

Nighttime Positioning: Postural Care

Presented by Michelle L. Lange

No Recording Available

Nov 10, 2022

Wheelchair Dynamic Seating: Providing Movement for Clinical Benefit

Presented by Michelle L. Lange

No Recording Available

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