Beginning power mobility: parent and therapist perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: To explore parent and therapist experiences of early power mobility following participation in a Power Mobility Day - a 60-90 min play-based session where children with mobility limitations (<6 years of age) experienced four different early power mobility devices.

Method: Participants were purposefully selected from parents and therapists who took part in Power Mobility Days as part of a larger cross-sectional study. One semi-structured interview with each participant was conducted via telephone. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a content analysis approach.

Results: Of 35 adults approached, 11 parents and 11 occupational or physical therapists completed interviews averaging 20 min (range 10-45 min), one week to three months after the session. Participants were parents or therapists of children aged 12 to 48 months of age with a variety of neuromotor diagnoses from different areas of the province. The overarching theme Empowering Children and Families to Explore was developed from themes: Earlier Experiences; A Novel Introduction; and Moving Forward.

Conclusion: Power Mobility Days provided a welcoming and inclusive child- and family-led introduction to power mobility. This novel approach may help change both therapists' and families' perception of child potential and perspectives on power mobility as an intervention.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION:Exploratory sessions can provide a novel introduction to power mobility interventions.Child enjoyment has a reciprocal impact on family engagement with early power mobility.Experiential child- and family-led learning can increase awareness of power mobility options and possibilities.

Keywords: Children; assistive technology; disability; qualitative; wheelchair.