Skills on Wheels: Caregiver Perspectives on the Design and Long-Term Impact of a Pediatric Wheelchair Skills Training Program

Abstract

Well-researched, formal manual wheelchair skills training programs are novel developments, and skills training programs specifically for pediatric manual wheelchair users are even more new and uncommon, particularly in the United States. Clinicians and researchers in Indianapolis developed the Skills on Wheels program in 2021 to close this gap in services and provide pediatric manual wheelchair users training on the skills necessary to access their environments safely, confidently, and independently. The initial quantitative findings from the first two iterations of this Indianapolis-based program demonstrated positive changes in all factors assessed. As the program approached its third iteration in April 2023, stakeholders voiced curiosity as to the long-term impact of the program on participants, and developers continued to desire to better refine program design. Via semi-structured interviews with caregivers of participants in the 2021 and 2022 Skills on Wheels program iterations, I gathered qualitative data from the perspective of caregivers to inform (i) strengths and areas for improvement in program design and resources and (ii) the long-term impact of program participation on quality of life factors and occupational engagement at home, at school, and in the community. Results provided tangible feedback to integrate into program design and supported the distinct positive value of the Skills on Wheels program as it relates to impact on quality of life and occupational engagement for participants.