Power Fun is a therapeutic powered mobility summer camp that allows children with severe disabilities to learn to use powered wheelchair in an enjoyable environment. It is based upon motor learning theories, Human Activity Assistive Technology model and the Self Determination Theory as well as principles to promote learning powered mobility. In a study done over three summers, the participants showed significant improvement in their powered mobility skills and attain most of functional goals that they set. In addition, the staff reported positive changes in the participants self-esteem, activity level, social interaction, and other changes they did not expect to see. The participants expressed enjoyment as well as improvement in powered mobility.
“It’s the most fun! You can move about, you aren’t stuck in the same place... I love it tons“
The protocol is available in English here: Rosenberg, Lori; Maeir, Adina;
Gilboa, Yafit (2021): sj-docx-1-cjo-10.1177_00084174211034938 - Supplemental material for Evaluating a Therapeutic Powered Mobility Camp for Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy. SAGE Journals. Journal contribution.
Link
Theses published on the subject:
Ruth Cohen
Recalculation of a route - the power of mobility: Perceptions of the school staff about the effects of a motorized mobility camp. (Submitted by Ruth Cohen under the direction of Dr. Yafit Gilboa, May 2020)
LinkSelected publications for example:
Rosenberg, L., Gilboa, Y., & Maeir, A. (2021). Power Fun: A Therapeutic Powered Mobility Summer Camp for Children and Youth With Severe Cerebral Palsy. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(Supplement_2), 7512515354p1-7512515354p1.
Rosenberg, L., Maeir, A., &
Gilboa, Y. (2021). Evaluating a therapeutic powered mobility camp for children with severe cerebral palsy. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 88(4), 294-305.
Link Rosenberg, L., Cohen, R., Maeir, A., &
Gilboa, Y. (2021). Effects of a powered mobility summer camp as perceived by school staff: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1-8.
LinkRosenberg, L., Gilboa, Y., & Maeir, A. (2020). Power Fun: A Therapeutic Summer Camp Enabling Children With Severe Disabilities to Learn Powered Mobility (PM) Skills. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4_Supplement_1), 7411515417p1-7411515417p1.
Rosenberg, L., Maeir, A., &
Gilboa, Y. (2019). Feasibility Study of a Therapeutic Mobility Summer Camp for Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy: Power Fun. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics, 1-15.
LinkRosenberg L.,
Gilboa Y., Maeir A., A therapeutic summer camp enabling children with severe disabilities to learn powered mobility skills.
Presentation
