APRIL 29-30, 2026
2026 PARTNERS
2026 EXHIBITORS
One of the key components of the Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference is showcasing the latest advancements in products that you see every day. In our exhibit hall, we have exhibitors representing the leading brands in seating and mobility to share new products and much more.
Click here to browse the list of our exhibitors to see which ones you’ll want to visit!
GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
The Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference East (CSMC East) is a brand-new educational event designed for seating, mobility, and rehab technology professionals across Eastern Canada. Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Moncton, CSMC East offers valuable educational sessions and networking opportunities that bring together businesses, manufacturers, and industry experts to share insights and explore the latest developments in the field.
Conference Locations & Accommodations
The deadline to sign up for our room block is March 20, 2026. Scan the QR code to make a reservation, or you can call the hotel directly. Be sure to mention that you are with CSMC East to get our rate of $169 CAD per night. Hotel details can be found below:
Hotel Contact
Crowne Plaza Hotel Moncton 1005 Main St. | Moncton, NB E1C1G9 877.227.6963 / 506.854.6340
Learning Objectives
The workshops provide a thought-provoking and interactive means to learn about techniques and emerging knowledge in clinical care, service delivery, product development, and research. The welcome reception in the exhibit hall affords a prime opportunity for professional networking.
Continuing Education Units (CEU)/Attendance Certificate
CEUs are only required by certain organizations, such as RESNA. Be sure to check with your organizations to see if CEUs are required.
CEU Credit will be awarded to attendees who successfully complete the following:
1. Insert the code presented at the beginning and end of the presentation. You must attend at least 90% of a session in order to earn continuing education credit for that session.
2. Complete the evaluation form for each session you attend.
Certificates of attendance will be emailed upon request. Please contact the CSMC East team at CSMCEAST@vgm.com if you require a certificate of attendance.
CSMC Office
• Conference Director: CSMCEAST@vgm.com
• Website: www.csmceast.ca
Registration Information
Full registration includes:
• Wednesday continental breakfast
• Admission to three workshops on Wednesday, two workshops on Thursday
• Complimentary admission to the Wednesday welcome reception in the exhibit hall
• Access to the exhibit hall
• Lunch and coffee breaks
• Partner Networking Breakfast on Thursday
Registrations including full payment received online by February 14, 2026, are eligible for early registration pricing.
Refund Policy
Registration fees are non-refundable. Special circumstances may be considered. Contact CSMCEAST@vgm.com.
Exhibit Hall
Explore the exhibit hall to view the latest equipment and to network with company representatives.
Video & Audio Recordings
Recordings of any type are prohibited during all presentations within the conference program unless written permission has been requested and granted by both the conference organizers and the speaker.
By attending CSMC East, I consent to having my photo taken and being used in future conference promotions and materials.
CONFERENCE EVENT SCHEDULE
DAY 1 Wednesday, April 29
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
7:30 – 8:30 a.m
8:30 - 9 a.m.
9 - 10:30 a.m.
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
10:30 - 11 a.m.
11 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 - 2 p.m.
2 - 3:30 p.m.
4 - 7 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Continental Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Education Block A (Various Times)
Exhibit Hall Open
Break
Education Block B (Various Times)
Lunch
Education Block C (Various Times)
Happy Hour
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
–
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Block D (Various Times) 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
If you have questions, please reach out to the CSMC East team at csmceast@vgm.com. *Applicable taxes are CAD and will be added at checkout.
CSMC EAST EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Andreé Gauthier, Occupational Therapist
Tabitha Knowles, Occupational Therapist, Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation
Sarah Timleck, Occupational Therapist, True Therapy Group
Kathy Fisher, Occupational Therapist, iNRRTS
Lori Knott, Occupational Therapist, Partners in Rehab
Kristy Drake, Occupational Therapist, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre
Holly Buckler, Occupational Therapist, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre
Maggie McCann, Occupational Therapist, IWK Health
EDUCATION SESSIONS
Day One - Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Block A • 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Bluetooth and Beyond
With technology changing at such a rapid pace – with new devices always coming on the market, and things getting discontinued just as fast – it is important to understand its usefulness, availability, and cost-effectiveness for people. Wheelchairs can provide people with more than just the ability to move around. Understanding disability and how to maximize function for daily activities encourages clinicians to consider technology as another tool to support their participation. Technology’s pervasive nature makes it a powerful equalizer, offering tools that empower everyone. By embracing technology and fostering its accessibility, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Presented by: Marla Calder and Emma Croken
In the Clinic and in the Community: Skills for Mat AssessmentsA Hands-On Experience
This session will discuss the importance of the individualized assessment and how it can benefit multidisciplinary teams. A hands-on component will include physical assessment and measuring. Discussion and strategies for the provision of these evaluations in less-than-ideal situations will be provided.
Presented by: Marlene Adams & Stefan Morin
FRENCH - L'évaluation posturale assise - survol d'un outil clinique: MCPAA-2.0
Lors de cette présentation, il sera question de l'importance de la démarche clinique lors de l'octroi d'une aide à la mobilité et à la posture. Plus spécifiquement, les méthodes d'évaluation de la posture assise seront présentés ainsi qu'un des rares outils cliniques qui existe.
Presented by: Isabelle Ouellet
Manual Wheelchair Propulsion: Techniques, Positioning, and Equipment Considerations
Explore manual wheelchair propulsion techniques, positioning, and frame adjustments to improve efficiency, reduce injury, and enhance independence. Apply real-world strategies tailored to individual user needs.
Presented by: Alli Speight & Sarah Timeleck
The Drive for Function and Development: An Overview of Alternative Drive Control Considerations
for Early Power Mobility - No CEUS
Assessing an end user for power mobility can be an intimidating task. Decisions that are made will have an impact on the individual’s quality of life, functional mobility, physical well-being, and social interactions. This task can seem even more daunting when it comes to the pediatric end user. Children have the natural desire to move, explore, and learn. Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between self-initiated mobility and the development of visual, cognitive, social, language, and perceptual skills. This course will discuss the characteristics and decision-making process for alternative drive control devices, as well as the special considerations on early power mobility intervention. Potential assessment and training tools for pediatric power mobility will also be explored.
Presented by: Jay Doherty
EDUCATION SESSIONS
Day One - Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Block B • 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Defy The Ordinary: Functional Living in a Power Wheelchair
Imagine…a power chair that can reduce the need for home renovations and caregiver assistance, while still providing pressure management, reduction in repetitive strain injuries, and postural control in all environmental changes and functional activities and mobility. This presentation will review how this style of power chair can be a reality for all users as a basic mobility need and right! One should not need to justify basic daily functional activities but instead allow all to live life fully! The goal of this session is to open your mind to defy the ordinary, think outside the box, and value that functional mobility can and should be justifiable for all basic functioning in life. We will review the physical characteristics of potential clients as well as the potential functional and physical advantages and justifications that this type of chair prescription can provide for your client.
Presented by: Sheila Buck
Optimizing Manual Wheelchair Fit: Practical Skills for Customization and Assessment - No CEUS
Attendees will work directly with equipment, gaining insight into key wheelchair components such as frame dimensions, center of gravity adjustments, wheel and caster selection, and backrest and cushion considerations. Through guided exercises, participants will learn to accurately measure and document frame dimensions, identify appropriate component options, and translate assessment findings into precise order specifications. These skills are essential for ensuring that a prescribed wheelchair truly meets the needs of the end user, supporting their mobility, independence, and overall function.
Presented by: Alli Speight
FRENCH - Vivre pleinement : Stratégies pratiques pour les personnes utilisant un fauteuil roulant bariatrique
Cette présentation offrira un aperçu des soins bariatriques, des enjeux auxquels ces clients peuvent être confrontés, ainsi que de l’importance de prendre en compte les questions de positionnement et de mobilité pour cette population unique. Les défis courants en matière de positionnement et de mobilité chez les clients bariatriques, notamment l’intégrité de la peau, le positionnement, la posture, la stabilité et la performance fonctionnelle, seront mis en évidence. Cette session abordera également les besoins liés aux lits et aux surfaces. Nous mettrons l’accent sur les problématiques et objectifs des clients, l’impact clinique, ainsi que sur les solutions potentielles en matière d’équipement pouvant favoriser l’autonomie, la participation et la qualité de vie grâce à leur système de positionnement et de mobilité.
Presented by: Stefan Morin
Wheels in Motion: Transportation Safety for Mobility Device Users
Ensuring safe and accessible transportation is a critical component of community participation and independence for individuals who use mobility devices. This presentation will examine key considerations for transportation safety across multiple settings, including personal vehicles, public transit, and school buses. Discussion will focus on the use of a wheelchair as a seat versus a vehicle seat or an adapted car seat, as well as best practices for wheelchair and occupant restraint. Case examples will illustrate common challenges and practical solutions to enhance safety during transport. Attendees will gain an understanding of current standards, risk factors, and clinical recommendations to support safe, client-centered mobility across transportation environments.
Presented by: Tabitha Knowles & Maura Dulong
EDUCATION SESSIONS
Day One - Wednesday, April 29, 2026 • Block C • 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Innovative Solutions for Wheelchair Back Supports: Enhancing
Client Outcomes - No CEUS
Back supports, in conjunction with a cushion, form the necessary primary supports integral for positioning our clients for their postural and functional needs. There are many types of back supports with many shapes, sizes, materials, as well as options to choose from. A back support is an essential part of an optimal seating and mobility system. Some benefits of back supports include:
• Providing depth and angle adjustability through hardware
• Providing trunk stability and promoting functional sitting
• Providing pelvic stability in combination with the cushion
• Providing increased pressure distribution at the trunk and pelvis
• May minimize the progression of abnormal postures
• May decrease pain by increasing stability and pressure redistribution
A back support may provide stability to conserve energy for self-propulsion and other functional tasks. Join us in this interactive session as we bridge theory and practice, fostering a deeper understanding of Permobil’s NEW line of back supports focusing on the unique features and benefits of these products. The concepts of back support adjustability, size, design, and materials utilized to provide postural support and function will be explored. We will discuss and demonstrate how a back support can be utilized to correct and/or accommodate postural deformities, how back supports work in combination with other seating components, and how various materials can enhance successful outcomes. This workshop will provide ample opportunity for hands-on learning about the clinical and technical aspects of the Permobil line of back supports. At the end of the session, participants will be better able to adapt and apply the clinical reasoning and practical application skills gained to improve outcomes and enhance client function in a variety of settings.
Presented by: Brenlee Mogul-Rotman & Stefan Morin
24-Hour Positioning: Benefits vs. Practicality
Positioning is important to support posture, promote symmetry, and provide long-term health benefits for clients with compromised muscle tone, limited balance, and heightened sensory reactions/agitation. While much time is spent developing complex seating and mobility systems, these clients spend much more time in unsupported positions – in bed, shower commodes, or alternative sitting (lift/recline chairs, bean bag chairs, etc). When left unsupported, destructive, habitual postures contribute to joint dislocation, contracture development, and skin breakdown, not to mention discomfort! Traditional positioning systems have been complex, rigid, and expensive. Are there options for more flexible, easy to use, and effective positioning supports? This presentation will explore new technology that can be used by families and caregivers without contributing to the burden of care yet providing a comfortable, stable position to promote relaxation and sleep essential for function in daily activities.
Presented by: Kathy Fisher
FRENCH - L'impact du choix du type de pneu sur la propulsion d'un fauteuil roulant manuel
Lors de cette présentation, une étude ainsi que les résultats de celle-ci seront présenté. Cette étude évalue l’impact du type de pneus sur la résistance au roulement des fauteuils roulants manuels. À partir d’un protocole expérimental en laboratoire, différents types de pneus ont été testés avec des charges additionnelles simulant le poids des usagers. Le principal résultat montre une réduction significative de la distance de roulement avec des pneus pleins, en particulier avec de faibles charges additionnelles. Ces résultats soulignent l’importance d’une configuration personnalisée du fauteuil roulant.
Presented by: Isabelle Ouellet
Power Up Your Ride: Less Effort, More Adventure - No CEUS
Powering up a manual wheelchair using power assist can be a life changer. Decreasing the push strokes may diminish the potential for repetitive strain injuries. Using a toggle can give an individual an opportunity to move a manual wheelchair independently. A front-end device might increase access to other terrain that is difficult for small casters to navigate. This session provides clinical indications for making recommendations matching an individual's physical and functional skills.
Presented by: Jessica Presperin Pedersen & Jason Chiasson
Shape Without Limits: Transforming Complex Seating with Adaptive Technology
Complex postures shouldn’t limit potential—your clinical approach can change that. This session equips clinicians and therapists with strategies to tackle even the most challenging seating needs, using real-world insights and innovative solutions. Learn how to assess, configure, and optimize seating to maximize comfort, function, and independence. Walk away energized, inspired, and ready to make a measurable impact—ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people they serve.
Presented by: Bruce Mascull
EDUCATION SESSIONS
Day Two - Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Block D • 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Enhancing the Wheelchair Provision Process Through the Utilization of an OTA and PTA
Healthcare in Canada is undergoing rapid transformation, placing increasing demands on therapists who must deliver high-quality care despite limited time and resources. Incorporating occupational therapy assistants and physiotherapy assistants (OTA and PTAs) into the wheelchair provision process offers a strategic solution to these challenges. Their involvement not only alleviates therapist workload and reduces burnout but also enhances client access and satisfaction by enabling more timely, efficient service delivery. This presentation will explore the evolving roles of OTAs and PTAs in seating clinics and community-based settings, emphasizing their contributions to initial seating assessments, clinical interventions, and administrative duties. Discussions will cover clearly defining OTA and PTA roles in wheelchair provision, fostering collaborative approaches during assessments and interventions, establishing effective supervision and communication models, and planning for assistant integration in both clinical and community practice. Participants will leave with practical insights and strategies to seamlessly integrate OTAs and PTAs into seating and mobility services, enhancing workflow efficiency and client outcomes.
Presented by: Debra Cooper
Living Fully: Practical Strategies for People Using a Bariatric Wheelchair
Bariatric care represents a rapidly growing field that requires a nuanced understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals living with obesity. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of bariatric care, with a particular focus on the complex issues that these clients may encounter throughout their care journey. Participants will understand the importance of proactively addressing positioning and mobility concerns for this population, recognizing that appropriate interventions can have a significant impact on comfort, function, and overall well-being. The presentation will explore common challenges related to positioning and mobility in bariatric clients, such as maintaining skin integrity, achieving optimal positioning and posture, ensuring stability, and supporting functional performance in daily activities. Using clinical examples and case studies, we will illustrate how these challenges can impact clients' independence and participation, and discuss strategies to mitigate the associated risks. In addition to positioning and mobility, the session will highlight the essential role of beds and support surfaces in bariatric care. We will review the key elements to consider when selecting appropriate equipment to prevent complications, such as pressure injuries, and to promote safe and effective care, both in institutional settings and in the community. Throughout the session, the focus will be on a person-centered approach: identifying individual needs and goals, understanding the clinical impact of different interventions, and exploring innovative equipment solutions. Participants will leave with practical knowledge and tools to enhance the autonomy, participation, and quality of life of their bariatric clients through thoughtful selection and configuration of positioning, mobility, and support surface systems. This session is aimed at clinicians, therapists, and healthcare professionals who work with bariatric populations and wish to deepen their knowledge and skills in this important field. Whether you are new to bariatric care or looking to refine your expertise, you will find valuable insights and practical strategies to support your clients in achieving their goals.
Presented by: Stefan
Morin
My Client Has a Wound. Now What?
Wheelchair users are at high risk of pressure injury. Once the wound occurs, achieving a full closure of the PI in the pelvic area is an undisputable achievement. But unfortunately, the tensile strength of the skin will never be as strong as it was before the wound. Individually prescribed skin protection cushions are an important clinical intervention for PI prevention, along with nutrient-rich diet, regular position changes, and moisture management.
This session is for clinicians who would like to learn about the PI healing approaches as well as products, tools, and resources utilized. We will review clinical case studies involving wheelchair users who undergo treatments for deep tissue injuries. Images of wounds and wound dressings will be shared. We will discuss product design approaches to reduce risks and increase sitting tolerance. Please note that graphic images will be shown during the workshop.
Presented by: Anna Sokol
Tilting the Odds: Manual Tilt to Improve Rehabilitation Outcomes - No CEUS
This session explores the role of tilt-in-space wheelchairs in promoting mobility, posture, and participation for individuals with neurologic disabilities, including stroke survivors. While many with CVA receive standard upright manual chairs due to funding or transport limitations, research supports the clinical benefits of tilt for pressure relief, postural control, and activity-specific positioning. Participants will examine how seat angle and configuration affect propulsion, pressure distribution, and daily function, and will learn strategies for justifying and documenting funding requests to achieve optimal outcomes while maintaining user independence.
Presented by: Tanya Falkenberg & Karen Hall
EDUCATION SESSIONS
Day Two - Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Block E • 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Considerations for Bariatric Power Mobility - No CEUS
Successful outcomes for bariatric power mobility are the result of more than simply providing a power wheelchair that supports the patient’s weight. Each individual’s shape, weight distribution, environment, diagnoses, and existing secondary complications can greatly affect the performance and capability of the prescribed power mobility system. Furthermore, successful provision not only addresses current needs but also changes that may occur during the funding cycle of the full system. Using a case study format, this presentation will identify best practices for long-term success of complete power positioning systems for patients of all shapes and sizes.
Presented by: Brad Peterson
Prescribing Safe and Effective Toileting and Bathing Solutions for People with Complex Mobility Needs
Ensuring safe and effective bathing and toileting for clients requires a comprehensive approach that considers postural alignment, transfers, product features, and long-term skin integrity. This presentation will guide attendees through a structured assessment process that moves from basic toilet and traditional tub/ shower use to high-end mobile shower commode chair prescriptions. By understanding the complexities of these daily activities, clinicians can optimize safety, independence, and quality of life for both clients and caregivers.
A thorough assessment is the foundation of an appropriate prescription. It must account for all transfers involved, including independent sit-to-stand, minimal to moderate assist with or without devices, and dependent transfers. Understanding where supports should be placed is critical to maximizing function, minimizing risk, and preventing secondary complications. We will explore key product features that enhance postural control, including tilt, recline, and anterior tilt functions, and how they contribute to safer transfers and better positioning.
Skin integrity is a primary concern in both toileting and bathing. While seating surfaces are often considered the primary factor, skin integrity is influenced by all points of contact during transfers and positioning. A holistic approach to skin protection requires considering friction, impact, shear, and pressure throughout the entire process of bathing and toileting, not just while seated.
A major component of this presentation will be the role of ergonomics and safety—not only for the client but also for caregivers. Properly prescribed equipment can significantly reduce strain and injury risks for caregivers by optimizing positioning, reducing awkward postures, and minimizing lifting requirements. Attendees will gain insight into how these tools differ from traditional transfer and wheelchair assessments and how to effectively integrate them into practice.
To illustrate the progression of complexity in bathing and toileting prescriptions, we will present client scenarios, increasing in complexity. These case studies will showcase how a thorough assessment leads to tailored solutions that evolve alongside a client’s changing physical abilities. This approach ensures that current and future needs are met while maintaining safety, dignity, and quality of life. By the end of this
session, attendees will have a structured framework for assessing and prescribing toileting and bathing equipment. They will be equipped with the knowledge to justify recommendations based on clinical reasoning and best practices, ensuring optimal outcomes for clients and their caregivers.
Presented by: Alli Speight & Sandy Alexander
Redefining
Possibilities:
Inspiring Change to Improve Service Delivery in Demanding Practice Environments
Community healthcare workers in recent years have seen a dramatic surge in the number of referrals for their services due to the increased level of acuity, frailty, and burden of disease of our clients. This presentation will discuss how implementing a system and process change within long-term care for wheelchair seating assessments and prescriptions led to tangible efficiencies not only within that setting but also in the larger community setting within the NB Extramural Program.
Presented by: Jennifer Bachynsky
Taking the Fear Out of Prescribing Power Mobility
Innovations in power wheelchair technology impact the independence and functionality of the end user. With increasing complexity of options, the prescription and selection of a power wheelchair system can be overwhelming to both the client and therapist. This session will offer therapists an opportunity to develop an understanding of the benefits of power wheelchair drive configurations, electronic features, and driver control options in order to develop clinical justification based on client physical and functional needs.
Presented by: Kathy Fisher