Getting to the Core of the Presenting Symptoms : Hands on Training relative to 24 hour postural management (with Adult ID focus)

National HSCP Office Funded Course

Venue Corlann West, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway
Member Price €0.00
Non-Member Price €0.00
Start Date 1 16 Oct 2026
Start Date 2 27 Nov 2026
Start Date 3 8 Dec 2026
Time 9.30 - 4.30
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This course will open for booking 2/9/26

This is a National HSCP Office funded course and as such is open to any OT in a HSE-funded role (including S38/S39) regardless of AOTI membership. Only OTs working in a HSE funded role (including S38/S39) are eligible to apply for these funded places.

Please note: There are a small number of places on the course that are NOT funded by the National HSCP Office and are available for any OT to apply for at the full course fee. To apply using this route please, DO NOT apply on this page - your application will be declined if you are not in a HSE funded role. Instead please apply here


Day 1: Fri 16th October (full day in person)

Day 2: Fri 27th November (full day in person)

Follow up one hour live discussion online session: Tuesday 8th December 12.00-13.00

- Training on the in-person days will began at 9.30 sharp ,with registration and arrival at 9am.

- Participants will be asked to bring yoga/exercise mats with them

- Please be aware that HSCP Office funding does not cover refreshements/lunch for this course, therefore AOTI is not able to provide this.


Postural Management involves tailored assessments, strategies and technology/equipment to maintain optimal body alignment and function over a 24-hour period, particularly for individuals with a physical disability or limited mobility. This course will suit clinicians who focus on 24 hour postural care for adults who present with Intellectual and Physical Disability. It will also provide excellent structure for the assessment process in sitting and lying for OTs who focus on postural management with adults in other areas also.

The purpose of this bespoke 2-day in-person training and 1 hr web live Q&A session is to review, update and most importantly practice hands-on skills adhering to best practices related to 24-hour postural care.

During these two in-person days, clinicians will take a deep dive into the seating and lying assessment including necessary measurements using standardised language and methodologies. This training is a valuable opportunity for Occupational Therapists to deepen their understanding of 24-hour postural care with an adult population, pressure care and the impact of body alignment on related functions.


The workshop is anchored in a person- centred approach rather than being centred around the technology/equipment. This approach ensures the most comprehensive and optimal outcomes for the client. It also provides a structure for documentation which proves valuable in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Learning Objectives:

On completion of the course participants will be able to:
  • Identify and palpate relevant anatomical landmarks related to both sitting and lying support.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of 3 bi-articular muscles and their potential impact on both seated and lying orientations.
  • Discuss each section of a postural assessment form which will be used during the training
  • List and demonstrate the key elements of a sitting assessment which would typically be completed with your client in their existing technology.
  • List and demonstrate each step of the supine hands-on assessment related to sitting and lying.
  • List 2 reasons supporting the clinical importance of adopting the international standards for wheelchair seating and utilising the clinical application guide which will be referenced.
  • Identify 4 body measurements related to sitting and lying following standardised clinical practices.
  • Explain why it is essential to conduct the hands-on assessment before selecting sustainable seating and lying solutions when following a human based, person-centred approach.

The benefits of a 24 hour postural management approach may include:
  • Mitigation of physical health complications including pressure injuries and musculoskeletal problems (e.g. stiffness, muscle atrophy and deformities)
  • Reduced pain
  • Enhanced comfort
  • Supports daily functioning
  • Promotes better organ function (i.e. breathing and digestion)
  • Encourages social interaction, participation and communication
  • Reduction of patterns that may be considered behavioural
  • Improved sleep quality

Course facilitator: Dr. Jennifer McKee PT, DPT, MISCP.

Jennifer is a licensed, chartered Physiotherapist holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon relocating to Ireland in 2019, she pursued further education in 24 hour postural care and mobility under the guidance of Sharon Sutherland, PT, concurrently establishing her private practice. Westcoastwellness.ie
During her two-year tenure as faculty at the University of Limerick, Jennifer engaged in both teaching and research roles while also collaborating with Sharon in delivering in-person and web-based clinical education and contributing to clinical assessments. Having benefited from four years of mentorship alongside Sharon Sutherland, Jennifer now spearheads Posture & Mobility's in-person programs and hands on assessments in Ireland, the UK, and throughout Europe. Jennifer is deeply committed to unravelling the intricate dynamics between delivering effective rehabilitation services, fostering dynamic interdisciplinary relationships, and accessing essential resources for optimal interventions.
Jenn authored a chapter+ in the recently published book related to this topic, Key Skills for Wheelchair Provision: A Guide for Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Wheelchair Services

Sharon Sutherland, PT, MISCP, Founder of Posture & Mobility (Live web discussion facilitator)

Sharon has specialized in the field of 24-hour postural care, pressure care and related function/mobility since the late 80’s. Graduating from The University of Dublin, Trinity College as a Physiotherapist, Sharon has experienced many aspects of the 24-hour postural care, pressure care and related participation/function/mobility service delivery models in North America, Latin America, New Zealand, Australia and in the EU. Working now in a very part-time capatcity, Sharon offers clinical consultation to clients/service users worldwide.She has given numerous presentations on postural care management, skin integrity preservation, and related function/mobility to audiences including Physio/Physical and Occupational Therapists, Engineers, Physicians, Attorneys, Nurses, and Case Managers worldwide. Sharon is a contributing author in the “Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide”. Edition 1. Known to many as a dynamic, compassionate and highly energetic speaker, Sharon’s knowledge, passion and clinical experience makes her a very skilled clinician, coach/mentor and instructor



Application and Payment information:

  • Payment in full is taken at the time of application.
  • Payment of the fee does not guarantee you a place at this event.
  • Full payment must be received prior to the closing date in order to secure your place.
  • If the event is oversubscribed you will be provided with a full refund.
  • Successful applicants will be notified that they have a place at the event following the closing date.
  • Places are limited and members are advised to apply early to secure a place.
  • Please note: notifications will be sent to the email address entered on this application form. Please make sure to enter correctly the email address you wish to use for communication about this event.
  • Please read our CPD events cancellation/refund policy. See AOTI T&Cs
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