Julianna Arva, Ms, A

When is a child “ready” to drive a powered wheelchair? Is a two year old child safe to drive a motorized chair? Can she learn it, and how long should it take? How much IQ, what visual abilities are we expecting before deciding that someone is a candidate? How do you get started with mobility training for very young children? What are the psycho-social consequences of not having independent mobility from an early age? Just how much mobility is “functional”? Will children get lazy due to using a power wheelchair? What do you tell a parent who resists because it looks “too disabled”? How does it differ when working with children versus adults?

Our practice model, views and philosophies regarding powered wheelchairs have shifted in the past decade, with an ever increasing focus on the need for independent functional mobility at a very early age. Children develop their independence and decision making ability by combining visual experiences with the tactile, getting to objects and playing with them to satisfy their curiosity, as well as keeping up with their peers. Thus the so frequently witnessed “learned helplessness” may be avoided. Their mobility should also be enhanced by providing a vertical component as well. In addition to paradigms and evidence, the lecture will also utilize many case studies, showing videos of successful young drivers, and how efficient mobility enhanced their quality of life, socialization, independence and participation. Below some sample questions and responses that reflect current best practice trends.