MAT Evaluation 101 with Sunrise Medical

Content Overview:

This comprehensive full-day program is designed to equip anyone involved in seating and wheelchair assessment with practical, real-world skills they can apply immediately in their clinical practice. Whether you’re new to MAT assessments or looking to refresh and refine your technique, this workshop will deepen your understanding and boost your confidence.

Special emphasis will be placed on the value of a truly “hands-on” seating assessment — both supine and sitting. You’ll receive structured skills training, clear clinical reasoning frameworks, and plenty of practical tips and tricks to help you feel more comfortable and efficient when performing a MAT.

Throughout the day, you will work through case-based learning to translate assessment findings into real-world application. These scenarios are designed to build your problem-solving skills and strengthen your confidence when prescribing or trialling equipment.

This interactive course will facilitate:

• Increased confidence in identifying and assessing a variety of body shapes, with improved skill in both sitting and supine MAT assessments.
• Strategies to prevent and protect against changes in body shape, with focused discussion on the chest, spine, and pelvis.
• Practical approaches for managing existing postural changes to prevent further deterioration, reduce discomfort, and support functional goals.
• The ability to translate assessment findings into informed trial equipment selection across wheelchairs and lying positioning systems.

By the end of this session, participants will walk away with actionable knowledge, enhanced assessment skills, and greater clarity when navigating complex seating presentations — making this an invaluable learning opportunity for clinicians across all experience levels.

About the Presenter:

Amy Bjornson

Trained as a Physical Therapist in the United States, Amy has over 20 years experience working with the adult and paediatic neurologic populations, with specialties in the treatment of spinal cord injury and evaluation and provision of assitive technology for clients with physical challenges. She was the director of the seating and Mobility Clinic in Boston, MA USA and provided consultation services to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Based in Sydney, Amy currently develops and implements national and international training programs on using Assistive Technology to enhance inclusion, health and well-being in those with physical disabilities.