Power Wheelchairs: Groups 1-5

Power Wheelchairs: Groups 1-5

Speaker: Alex Chesney, OTR, ATP/SMS

General Info

Open to:	Occupational Therapists (OT), Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA), Physical Therapy (PT), Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) who are looking to advance their knowledge related to seating and mobility.
Course Date:	Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time:	Course from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location:	Zoom online
Handouts:	Electronic handouts will be shared with all attendees prior to the course via email. Please print or download the materials prior to the course for your use.

Course Description: This session explores the full range of power wheelchair groups, from Group 1 through Group 5, highlighting their clinical indications, functional capabilities, and user populations. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how each group differs in performance, seating and positioning options, drive controls, and funding considerations. Through case examples and practical guidance, therapists will learn to match the right wheelchair group to a client’s medical, functional, and environmental needs, ensuring optimal mobility and independence.

Learning Objectives/Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Differentiate between Power Wheelchair Groups 1–5 by analyzing functional capabilities, power seat functions, and drive wheel configurations, in order to match features to client occupational performance needs
Apply clinical reasoning to select the most appropriate power wheelchair group for a given client case scenario, incorporating environmental demands, medical considerations, and activity participation goals.
Demonstrate an understanding of Medicare’s coverage criteria when selecting an optimal seating system.

Assessment of Learning Objectives/Learning Outcomes: Question and answer, course feedback form.

Instructional Methods Used: Lecture, Discussion, PowerPoint presentations

Count Down Timer to Power Wheelchairs: Groups 1-5