DIRECT CARE
Ms. Minkel provides consultations on postural support systems and mobility bases for persons with Central Nervous System Dysfunction.

FACULTY
Jean L. Minkel, M.A., P.T., is an educator and master clinician widely recognized for her expertise in assistive technology. She is the President of Minkel Consulting, a company that provides services to clinicians, consumers, manufacturers and payers. She is the author and director of the videotape series: Spending or Investing: Funding Assistive Technology and co- author of the book A Guide to Wheelchair Selection. Ms Minkel, previously, was the Director of the Seating and Mobility Program in the Center for Rehabilitation Technology at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, NY. Ms. Minkel has been a member of the RESNA Board of Directors and is a member of the RESNA-ANSI committee on Wheelchair Standards. Jean has extensive experience in assistive technology from both the perspective of leading an advanced seating and positioning program and developing educational outreach programs for practitioners as well as third party payers. Jean has lectured extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan and has contributed to the rehabilitation literature through a variety of articles.

SAMPLE TRAINING PROGRAM
In this course, Ms. Minkel will provide you with the tools required to produce effective postural support systems and mobility bases for persons with Central Nervous System Dysfunction. You will be given strategies for the evaluation, recommendation and funding of postural systems, pressure management devices and specialized wheelchairs. During the course, you will be shown how to analyze the various defining features of commercially available products including wheelchairs, cushions and back supports. Ms. Minkel will teach and guide you to integrate the biomechanics of seating with hands on assessment procedures so you can critically evaluate the location and types of postural support. You will take part in a hands-on learning opportunity where you will palpate and analyze trunk and pelvic alignment. On the first day of the course, it is recommended that you wear lab attire so that you can actively participate in the learning experience and get the most out of the course. You are invited to bring individual case studies for discussion or to incorporate a grand rounds approach.

SITTING SOLUTIONS COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Perform a mat assessment
• Conduct and analyze a thorough physical assessment
• Identify tissue trauma and design posture and pressure management recommendations
• Compare seat cushion products
• Compare commercial postural support systems
• Compare manual and power mobility bases
• Select effective seating solutions
• Identify funding options
• Write justification letters
• Identify functional outcomes

FEE FOR SERVICE
The fee for on-site training and consultation services is $6,000 for a twelve hour (two day) program in the United States and Canada. This fee includes all expenses (travel, lodging, course and consultation materials). All options include a pre-program, one-hour, needs assessment telephone consultation that is conducted after execution of contract. A one-hour, post-operational telephone review is also offered. The training fee covers 30 participants. Additional participants are $200 per person. Two day programs are also offered in Europe and South America for $7,000 plus $200 per person over 30 and in all other locations for $8,000 plus $200 per person over 30.

Direct Care and Research are based upon negotiations and include written reports on the findings and recommendations.