Article

PURPOSE: To describe the impact of a mobility training program using the Smart
Wheelchair on the driving skills and psychosocial outcomes of children with
physical disabilities. METHOD: A multiple case study design using mixed methods
was used. Four children with physical disabilities were recruited through The
Centre for Cerebral Palsy in Western Australia. The intervention was a 16 session
Smart Wheelchair mobility training program. Data was collected using a
quantitative driving skills assessment, field notes and qualitative parent
interviews. RESULTS: Three out of four children gained independence in at least
three driving skills or more, whilst one child was competent with verbal prompts.
Three out of four mothers reported positive changes in their child's confidence,
motivation and affect. CONCLUSIONS: The Smart Wheelchair has the ability to
uncover learning potential and facilitate the recognition of abilities in
children previously excluded from access to independent mobility. Given the
significant limitation that restrictions in mobility pose to participation for
children with physical disabilities, therapists must begin to understand the
effectiveness of interventions such as the Smart Wheelchair. The descriptive
findings of this study allow for future, more rigorous research, to be conducted
on the effectiveness of the Smart Wheelchair as a mobility training tool.

Langue : ANGLAIS