Self-Initiated Mobility for Children with Significant Physical & Communication Disabilities: Connecting Practice and Research

Presenter: Fei Luo, Alyssa Sims, Joy McCollum-Franco

Child development involves the interaction of multiple systems (e.g., sensory, motor, language), and changes in one system can have cascading effects on other systems (D’Souza & Karmiloff-Smith, 2016; Smith & Thelen, 2003). Upright, hands-free, self-initiated mobility—such as walking—can bring a multitude of benefits to children’s development, including physical, communication, language, and social domains.

Children with significant physical and communication disabilities can achieve upright, self-initiated mobility through the use of hands-free support walkers (HFSWs). A hands-free support walker (HFSW), also referred to as a gait trainer, is a non-powered mobility device (e.g., KidWalk, ProneWalk, Pacer, Grillo, Mustang). It provides support to the pelvis and body through a seat, trunk supports, and, when needed, a headrest, allowing children with significant physical disabilities to stand upright, move using their feet, and explore and interact with their environment using their hands.

In this presentation, we will first describe the self-initiated mobility program at The Bridge School (TBS). Second, we will present case examples to illustrate how interprofessional collaborative practice supports successful implementation of the program. Finally, we will discuss research projects conducted at TBS that examine the use of HFSWs with children who have significant physical and communication disabilities. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. List at least three developmental benefits of walking for typically developing children, including physical health, enhanced communication skills, and increased social engagement.

2. Describe 2 AAC methods utilized by a child with physical and communication disabilities when using a hands-free support walker.

3. Discuss the potential benefits of providing upright, hands-free, self-initiated mobility to children with significant physical and communication disabilities that relate to language, communication, participation, and vision.