Presenter:
Karen Kangas, OTR/L, Seating and Positioning Specialist in private practice, Shamokin, PA

Children are not small adults!
One of the reasons that children are not usually considered for powered mobility is because we view them within the paradigm of adults. Adults all ready know how to be mobile and move within space. Children may not have learned what it feels like to move in space they are still experiencing mobility.

For successful use of a powered mobility system, these three issues must be resolved:

1. Seating for task performance
2. Powerchair is programmed adequately
3. head first, hands free operation

Training should take place within the child's home or pre-school in an environment that is familiar.

We can not place adult standards of practice on children. Children will not demonstrate judgement or safety as these come with maturity and experience. The adults are responsible for these.

There is no doubt that independent mobility is critical for development, and that without it, delays in cognitive, emotional, social, and motor development are evident.

Image from: http://www.dragonmobility.com/as.php