Empowered to Explore: Clinical application of the ON Time Mobility Framework for Young Children

This course provides practical guidance in implementing power mobility interventions with young children who have motor delays or limitations. Using the ON Time Mobility Framework, the course emphasizes clinical reasoning and decision-making related to when, how, and under what conditions to introduce power mobility interventions and learning opportunities. Participants will examine common misconceptions about power mobility and explore effective strategies for discussing power mobility use and expectations with families and other professionals. The use of developmentally responsive, process-based power mobility intervention approaches that prioritize self-initiated mobility, exploration, participation, and broader developmental outcomes will be examined and explored. Through clinical examples and application-focused discussion, participants also will explore how power mobility interventions can be integrated within existing therapy services to complement and support a child’s overall development.

Following this course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the five principles of the ON Time Mobility Framework within the context of implementing power mobility interventions with young children.
2. Formulate family-centered messaging regarding power mobility use that clearly communicates the use of power mobility to support children’s development within their existing therapy services.
3. Discuss appropriate expectations for power mobility use with young children.
4. Discuss the use of process-based power mobility intervention approaches to facilitate developmental outcomes.