ISS 2013 pre-symposium workshops target PTs

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 9, 2013—Prior to the opening of the 29th International Seating Symposium, the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology Continuing Education Program will present nine full-day workshops for rehabilitation professionals. The pre-symposium workshops will take place March 5-6 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ISS 2013 will be held March 5-9, 2013, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville.

The presenters of this year’s workshops are all dedicated members of the rehabilitation profession and have submitted thought-provoking and stimulating course descriptions that are sure to challenge and educate attendees, according to Mark Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, director of University of Pittsburgh’s RSTCE program. “From individual case studies to core concepts that can be applied in real-life practice to lively, interactive discussions, these workshops are sure to enhance attendees’ knowledge, experience and understanding of the populations they serve,” he said. The topics for this year’s pre-symposium workshops include:

• Advanced Power Wheelchair Applications
• Aging with a Disability: Evaluation, Clinical and Research Perspectives
• Manual Wheelchair Selection, Configuration and Training
• Measuring Wheelchair Seated Posture and Seating Supports: A Practicum
• Policy, Funding, and the “Science” of Policy and Reimbursement
• Principles of Posture Control and Tissue Trauma Prevention
• The Chair and Beyond: Choosing and Documenting Equipment for Children
• Wheelchair Provision in Less-Resourced Settings
• Work Hard, Play Hard: Get Hands-On with Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Technologies

“The International Seating Symposium is the premier educational event for advanced education in the areas of seating and mobility,” said Michelle L. Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS, owner of
Access to Independence, Inc. “The pre-symposium workshops are my personal favorites as they offer a time to really dig into a topic and come away with practical information that can be applied immediately. Having this information as a foundation really enhances the rest of the conference, particularly the exhibits where attendees can get hands-on and ask tough questions.”

The cost to attend each workshop is $279 and includes course materials, continuing education units, a continental breakfast and access to the exhibit hall on Wednesday, March 6. Full descriptions of the workshops and presenters are detailed on the ISS web site. Space is limited, so attendees are urged to register immediately. Additionally, early registration for the 2013 ISS is only $549 until Jan. 15 and includes registration materials, access to all educational sessions, continental breakfasts and breaks, lunch in the exhibit hall on Thursday and Friday, the ISS Welcome Reception, and continuing education credit. Register here.