Ramping for Wheelchair Users: Level 1 (Ireland)

DESCRIPTION

This course deals with the essential issue of ramping and aims to provide delegates with the skills and knowledge needed in order to provide appropriate recommendations for people who experience difficulty in overcoming changes of level within their environment.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, DELEGATES SHOULD:

• Be able to assess client considerations and discuss how these can affect ramp choice/design
• Be aware of the key design principles and assessment criteria relating to ramps
• Have an overview of the different types of ramps available (portable, temporary and permanent) and feel confident specifying for individual users
• Have explored the purpose and use of portable ramp risk assessment forms
• Be familiar with the concept and use of ramp gradients and how to assess for these
• Be able to discuss regulations relating to provision of handrails
• Have viewed one or more demonstration videos on how to assess individual users and/or properties for ramps
• Have taken part in desktop exercises relating to straight-approach ramps

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.

Ramps for Wheelchair Users: Level 2 (Ireland)

DESCRIPTION

In Level 2 we explore more complex ramping scenarios and also look at how to assess for ramps with side-on approaches and changes of direction. We explore the pros and cons of level/sloped access vs ramped access and how to assess for each. Additional topics include: designing for users with visual impairments and the purpose and use of ramp Design Briefs (specifications).

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, DELEGATES SHOULD:

• Understand how to assess for ramps with side-on approaches and changes-of-direction e.g. ramps that “go around the garden” 
• Have reviewed one or more complex ramping schemes within a group setting
• Be able to discuss design considerations for handrails  
• Understand the purpose of ramp Design Briefs (specifications) and how to use these as assessment prompt sheets or specifications, or both
• Be able to discuss general requirements for communal ramps e.g. at entrances to blocks of flats
• Be familiar with key design features for users with visual impairments e.g. colour and tonal contrast for ramp surfaces, up stands and lighting
• Understand the pros and cons of level-sloped access vs ramped access and be able to assess for each

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.

All About Stairlifts & Wheelchair Lifts (Domestic) – Ireland

DESCRIPTION

This module explores the range of lift options available for both ambulant disabled users and wheelchair users within domestic properties and other residential settings (Home Lifts). It overviews the pros and cons of both internal and external seated stairlifts, wheelchair stairlifts, platform lifts, free standing stair-climbers, flex-steps and through floor lifts. An invaluable module for occupational therapists and other adaptation professionals working with users experiencing difficulty overcoming changes in level, particularly where constraints of space preclude the possibility of ramping.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, DELEGATES SHOULD:

• Be able to assess client considerations and discuss how these can affect lift choice / design
• Be able to discuss the range of lifts available and the pros and cons for each (including stairlifts, platform lifts, through-floor lifts, flex-steps and free-standing stairclimbers)
• Have increased confidence specifying for both ambulant disabled users and wheelchair users
• Understand how to measure up both staircases and disabled clients for potential stair lifts
• Have received a copy of the Viva Access Lift Design Brief and understand how to use it
• Be familiar with issues relating to lifts and means of escape
• Have explored some potential liability issues relating to lift maintenance, warranties, client reviews and giving of informed consent

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.

Bathroom Adaptation & Design: Level 1 (Ireland)

DESCRIPTION

This course covers key issues relating to the adaptation and design of accessible bathrooms and aims to provide delegates with essential knowledge and skills needed to work confidently and effectively in this area. It is a stand-alone course and can be attended on its own or in tandem with Bathroom Adaptation & Design: Part 2

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, DELEGATES SHOULD:

• Be able to discuss a range of client considerations relating to bathrooms and understand how these can influence the adaptation or design of a scheme
• Be able to problem-solve key access, egress and circulation issues relating to bathrooms
• Be familiar with optimum layouts and space standards for bathrooms, such as: dry zones & wet zones; transfer spaces around wc pans, baths & showers; space required for carers; peninsular v corner layouts for WCs
• Have increased awareness of recommended heights and positioning for bathroom fixtures, fittings and appliances – including the use of lighting in relation to wayfinding & navigation
• Understand how to measure up individual wheelchair users for turning spaces (turning circles) within bathrooms
• Have experience of problem solving bathroom adaptation issues within a group setting, through discussion and case studies

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.

Bathroom Adaptation & Design: Level 2 (Ireland)

DESCRIPTION

This course builds on Part 1 and covers more advanced issues such as assessing for extensions; promoting safety in the bathroom; designing for users with visual impairments; adapting small bathrooms; some technical considerations; use of design briefs, and more.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, DELEGATES SHOULD:

• Feel more confident specifying room sizes for toilets, bathrooms and extensions – for a range of ambulant disabled and wheelchair users
• Have explored the recommended dimensions for bathrooms, sourced from a variety of design guidance, including the Northern Ireland Toolkit and AOTI Housing Design Guidelines
• Be able to discuss ways of incorporating flexibility into bathroom design
• Have explored solutions in relation to the adaptation of small spaces 
• Be familiar with the key design issues for users with visual impairments
• Understand the purpose and use of Design Briefs (specifications) and how to use the Viva Access Design Brief for Bathrooms
• Have problem solved one or more case scenarios/adaptation schemes within a group setting

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.

Adapting & Designing for Wheelchair Users (Ireland)

DESCRIPTION

This online course, which is tailored for Irish Occupational Therapists, covers essential design principles for both wheelchair accessible and wheelchair adapted housing. It advises on how to make recommendations for both individual and generic wheelchair users. The course overviews a wide range of space standards, including turning circles, clear opening widths for doorways, transfer space by beds and storage recommendations. It also demonstrates, via illustrations and videos, ways of assessing individual wheelchair user requirements.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, DELEGATES SHOULD:

• Be familiar with essential space standards such as corridor widths, turning circles, clear opening widths for doorways, socket heights, storage provision, transfer space and so on
• Have increased awareness on how to assess a property for its accessibility or adaptability when carrying out an initial assessment
• Be able to discuss Technical Guidance Document M (Access & Use), 2010 – accessibility standards contained within Irish Building Regulations
• Be able to measure up individual wheelchair users for essential adaptations such as doorway widths, through floor lifts and ramp landings
• Have experience of assessing housing schemes for their accessibility (within a group setting)
• Understand where to obtain further information and resources in relation to accessible housing, such as the AOTI Housing Design Guidelines for OTs and the Northern Irish Toolkit, and how to incorporate these into adaptation work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.