Powered wheelchair mobility: An occupational
performance evaluation perspective
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 51 (1):
34--42 (March 2004)Abstract
Developments in powered wheelchair technology have opened up a world of opportunities for people with
disabilities that affect their mobility. The challenge for occupational therapists is to examine the functional utility
of powered mobility relative to individual occupational performance needs. In the absence of a comprehensive
evaluation strategy, the present paper examines current practice and proposes the use of the Occupational
Performance Model (Australia) as an effective framework for examining powered wheelchair mobility as an
enabler of human performance. Discussion of the critical elements affecting mobility performance includes the
impact of the environment, life roles, space and time, as well as individual component level performance skills.