Seating and Positioning Clinical Considerations for Clients Living with Overweight and Obesity

National HSCP Office Funded Course

This course will open for booking 2/9/26

This is a National HSCP Office funded course and as such is open to any OT in a HSE-funded role (including S38/S39) regardless of AOTI membership. Only OTs working in a HSE funded role (including S38/S39) are eligible to apply for these funded places.

- Training will began at 9.30 sharp ,with registration and arrival at 9am.

- Please be aware that HSCP Office funding does not cover refreshements/lunch for this course, therefore AOTI is not able to provide this.

Overall goal of this training day is to provide rehabilitation professionals with a comprehensive review of key considerations when assessing and prescribing functional and alternative seating solutions related to wheeled mobility and static seating for individuals who are obese. This information can be applicable for clinicians working with adults and children living with obesity.

Registrants, who should already have some knowledge of key body measurements related to seating following standardised clinical practices and related standardised language and processes, should come prepared in comfortable clothes should the opportunity arise to practise any mentioned hands on activities throughout the day. Remember your water and your slide glove if you have one!

Key Learning Objectives

1. Identify and List Three Unique Human Characteristics: Human Factors

• Participants will be able to recognise three distinct characteristics specific to individuals who are living with obesity that require careful consideration during the assessment and measurement process.

o Examples may include issues related to body mass distribution, pressure points, or unique postural challenges associated with obesity.

2. List three features of the Back Support needing attention: Technology Factors

• Participants will gain insights into the intricacies of back support requirements for persons living with obesity

o This may encompass considerations such as optimal lumbar/thoracic support, accommodation of body contours, and addressing potential challenges related to posture or stability.

3. Identify three features of the Seat Support requiring consideration: Technology Factors

• Participants will be equipped to evaluate and address specific seat support needs for obese individuals.

o Considerations might include weight distribution, pressure management, and the design of the seat surface to ensure optimal comfort and functionality.

4. Gain increased confidence in where to find information related to other challlenges such as transfers, environmental considerations, bathroom technology etc.

Facilitator: Sharon Sutherland, PT, MISCP, Founder of Posture & Mobility Sharon has specialized in the field of 24-hour postural care, pressure care and related function/ mobility since the late 80’s. Graduating from The University of Dublin, Trinity College as a Physiotherapist, Sharon has experienced many aspects of the 24-hour postural care, pressure care and related participation/function/mobility service delivery models in North America, Latin America, New Zealand, Australia and in the EU. Working now in a very part-time capacity, Sharon continues to offer clinical consultation to clients/service users worldwide in a more virtual/telehealth capacity. Sharon is a contributing author in the “Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide”. First Edition:

The majority of clinical training and clinical consultation with Posture & Mobility is conducted now primarily by Dr. Jennifer McKee PT, DPT, MISCP

Please note: This course is not suitable as an introductory level seating/positioning course; it is aimed at those with some experience in the area of seating already but who want to enhance their knowledge specifically in relation to clients living with overweight and obesity.

Application and Payment information:

• Payment in full is taken at the time of application.
• Payment of the fee does not guarantee you a place at this event.
• Full payment must be received prior to the closing date in order to secure your place.
• If the event is oversubscribed you will be provided with a full refund.
• Successful applicants will be notified that they have a place at the event following the closing date.
• Places are limited and members are advised to apply early to secure a place.
• Please note: notifications will be sent to the email address entered on this application form. Please make sure to enter correctly the email address you wish to use for communication about this event.
• Please read our CPD events cancellation/refund policy. See AOTI T&Cs