Key Takeaways
- The Pediatric and Neuro Wheelchair and Assistive Technology Extravaganza provided hands‑on exposure to a wide range of mobility and assistive devices for future health‑care professionals.
- Interdisciplinary support from the Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy, Pumerantz Library, CETL, and the Campus Bookstore made the event possible.
- More than 20 exhibitor tables and five interactive stations allowed students to trial manual, sports, power, and power‑assist wheelchairs, adaptive gaming systems, and neurorehabilitation technologies.
- Community partners such as Triumph Foundation and the ALS Network highlighted essential support services for patients with Guillain‑Barré syndrome, CIDP, spinal cord injury, ALS, and other neurological conditions.
- Student testimonials emphasized the value of experiential learning in building confidence, empathy, and advocacy skills for future patient care.
Event Overview and Objectives
WesternU College of Health Sciences’ Department of Physical Therapy Education hosted its annual Pediatric and Neuro Wheelchair and Assistive Technology (AT) Extravaganza on April 17, 2026. The primary goal was to immerse students in real‑world assistive technologies that enhance mobility and quality of life for pediatric and neurologic populations. By offering live demonstrations and hands‑on trials, the event aimed to bridge classroom theory with practical application, preparing future clinicians to recommend and support appropriate devices for their patients.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Support
The extravaganza was made possible through strong interdisciplinary collaboration. The Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (CDHP) and the Pumerantz Library provided logistical and promotional backing, while the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) contributed educational design expertise. The Campus Bookstore assisted with material distribution, and faculty from multiple colleges—including Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatric Medicine, Optometry, and Medical Sciences—participated. This collective effort created a rich learning environment that mirrored the teamwork required in clinical practice.
Hands‑On Learning Stations and Activities
More than 20 exhibitor tables filled the Recital Hall, complemented by five dedicated educational stations. Stations focused on assistive technology, neurological and pediatric durable medical equipment, adaptive gaming, medical supplies, and a spectrum of mobility solutions. Students could test manual wheelchairs, sports‑oriented chairs, power wheelchairs, and power‑assist attachments that convert manual chairs into motorized devices. A “passport” activity encouraged DPT and PA students to visit each station, reinforcing active engagement and knowledge retention through experiential learning.
Cutting‑Edge Rehabilitation Technologies
Attendees were introduced to advanced rehabilitation tools that are reshaping therapeutic outcomes. Gamification approaches paired with robotic systems demonstrated how increased repetition and engagement can help stroke patients overcome traditional recovery plateaus. The Neuro Recovery Institute showcased immersive, technology‑driven therapies, including virtual‑reality‑integrated cycling and neurorehabilitation platforms. These innovations highlighted the potential of combining entertainment with evidence‑based practice to motivate patients and improve functional gains.
Community Partnerships and Support Services
Beyond devices, the event underscored the importance of community resources for individuals living with complex neurological conditions. Organizations such as Triumph Foundation and the ALS Network offered education on navigating care beyond the clinic, addressing needs related to Guillain‑Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), spinal cord injury, and ALS. By connecting students with these partners, the extravaganza reinforced the role of clinicians as conduits to vital support networks that enhance long‑term well‑being.
Adaptive Gaming, Therapy Animals, and Accessible Vehicles
Additional highlights included adaptive gaming demonstrations that illustrated how customized controllers and software can promote recreation and social inclusion for patients with limited mobility. Therapy dogs circulated through the venue, providing comfort and a reminder of the psychosocial benefits of animal‑assisted interventions. United Access presented an accessible vehicle showcase, allowing attendees to explore real‑world transportation solutions that extend independence beyond the home or clinic setting.
Student Reflections and Practical Insights
Second‑year DPT student Brenda Ponce described using eye‑gaze technology to steer a wheelchair, noting the initial learning curve and the empowerment she felt once proficient. She emphasized that understanding such capabilities enables future therapists to inform patients about the full spectrum of mobility options. Fellow DPT student Alyssa Pimentel test‑drove a power‑assist attachment that transforms a manual wheelchair into a motorized device, describing the experience as “invigorating” and highlighting how such devices can restore autonomy and expand life participation for users.
Broader Impact on Future Clinicians
Assistant Professor Tammie Keller Johnson stressed that even students who do not specialize in neurorehabilitation benefit from the expo. Exposure to assistive technologies equips all health‑care trainees to educate patients, recognize when specialty referrals are warranted, and connect families with community resources. This foundational awareness cultivates advocacy skills, improves patient outcomes, and supports clinicians in guiding individuals through challenging health journeys with confidence and compassion.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Pediatric and Neuro Wheelchair and Assistive Technology Extravaganza succeeded in delivering a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning experience that combined cutting‑edge technology, community partnership, and direct student engagement. By allowing future clinicians to trial devices, interact with experts, and hear personal testimonials, the event reinforced the critical role of assistive technology in enhancing mobility, independence, and quality of life. Continued investment in such experiential opportunities will ensure that the next generation of health‑care professionals remains well‑prepared to meet the evolving needs of pediatric and neurologic populations.