Wheelchair Positioning

More than 3.6 million people in the United States depend on a wheelchair or scooter to perform activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010).

Seating and wheeled mobility (SWM) services

provided by occupational therapy practitioners include specific positioning equipment, mobility devices, durable medical equipment (DME), and complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), used to optimize clients’ environmental access and their ability to safely perform daily occupations.

Seating systems or equipment are designed to meet individuals’ needs for postural support and alignment, skin integrity, function, and safety. Research shows the positive impact of equipment, such as wheelchairs, on the quality of life for individuals with mobility issues (Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America, 2011).

How Occupational Therapy can help?

Occupational therapists will help the client achieve and maintain a good midline / upright sitting position to enable optimal independence with daily activities.