MAT Workshop: What Clinicians Really Need to Know for Confident Assessment

This foundational training program is designed for beginner-to-intermediate Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists seeking to build confidence and practical competence in completing a sitting and lying physical assessment using the MAT. Through demonstration, guided practice, and small-group application, participants will develop the essential assessment, manual handling, and clinical reasoning skills required to translate assessment findings into usable wheelchair seating recommendations.

The workshop emphasises hands-on learning, structured assessment processes, and real-world clinical decision-making to support safe and effective seating prescription across diverse practice settings.

Note: This is a foundational workshop aimed at increasing the confidence and skills of clinicians to use the MAT in practice.

Behavioural Learning Objectives:

By attending this workshop, participants will:

1. Perform a Step-by-Step MAT Assessment.

2. Demonstrate safe and efficient manual handling techniques that can be applied in various settings.

3. Identify key bony landmarks that matter.

4. Translate assessment findings into usable prescriptive seating recommendations.

SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER:

The workshop will be led by Ed Milner, Clinical Educatorand Occupational Therapist at Medifab.

Ed is an Occupational Therapist with expertise in 24-hour posture care, particularly wheelchair seating and supported lying positioning. His clinical background spans Adult Disability, Mental Health, and Spinal Cord Injury, where he developed strong skills in postural assessment, seating prescription, and equipment selection.

In his current role at Medifab, Ed provides education, training, and clinical support to therapists and assistive technology professionals. He loves working with clients and their support networks to put in place meaningful and effective AT that improves postural care and quality of life.