Wheelchair Assessments

Question 1

General Assessment and Prescription Considerations

Answer 1

1. assess ability of wheelchair to interact/interface with other ADs
2. det medical status, including prognosis (is condition temporary, stable, or progressive?) and functional level/needs
3. colaborate with consumer, caregivers, and team members

Question 2

Client factor and perf skill assessments

Answer 2

a. sensory (sensory loss places person at risk for dev of decubiti, needing a special seat cushion)
b. neuromuscular (sitting posture and trunk control)
c. musculoskeletal (physical limitations, such as compromised resp status may impede mobility and require powered wheelchair prescription)
d. cognition (deficits in cog function may impede ability to operate powered devices)
e. psychosocial (social supports to help with transfers)

Question 3

Personal assessment

Answer 3

a. age and dev status
b. nature of disability
c. education and work interests and pursuits
d. leisure interests and pursuits
e. daily routines and habits
f. goals and desired occupations
g. AT and/or med equipment used while in wheelchair

Question 4

Contextual assessment

Answer 4

a. physical assessment

b. building characteristics of school, work, leisure, and/or worship

Question 5

Wheelchair characteristics considered in assessment

Answer 5

a. transporation/portability
b. ride quality
c. types of wheelchair features available
1. control mechanism
2. propulsion method
3. personalized features

Question 6

Developmental considerations in assessment

Answer 6

a. transportability to, from, and in school
b. allowance for adjustment when growth changes are experienced
c. allowance for use of AE
d. facilitation of social acceptance