Cushions, Backrests & Accessories

Cushions, Backrests & Accessories

Speaker: Alex Chesney, OTR, ATP

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 17, 2026
Time:	Course from 6 p.m. – 8:00 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 provides a comprehensive exploration of seating surfaces and support systems essential for enhancing client posture, skin integrity, and functional participation. Participants will delve into the clinical science behind cushion selection, comparing the properties and pressure-relieving capabilities of air, foam, gel, and hybrid technologies through the lens of pressure mapping data and clinical evidence. The course will analyze various backrest designs, from planar to deep contour, and their direct impact on pelvic alignment, trunk stability, and spinal health. Furthermore, it will address the critical role of accessories, including lateral supports, pelvic belts, and headrests—in managing complex seating needs. Through case study examples, attendees will learn to synthesize mat evaluation findings and client goals into a cohesive and justifiable seating prescription, equipping them with documentation strategies to support their clinical recommendations.

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

Analyze pressure mapping data and clinical indications to determine the appropriate cushion medium (air, foam, gel, or hybrid) for a client with complex needs related to skin integrity and postural support.
Formulate a complete seating system recommendation, integrating a specific backrest and at least two accessories to optimize trunk control, pelvic stability, and functional upper extremity use.
Identify the medical necessity of selected seating components by composing a sample documentation entry that links specific product features to a client's diagnosis, mat evaluation findings, and stated occupational performance goals.

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

Instructional Methods Used: Lecture, Discussion, PowerPoint presentations

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