HOT TOPIC: Reframing Readiness: How Reconsidering Cognitive Screening Became a Pivot Toward Occupational Justice in Power Mobility

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

4:10 PM – 4:40 PM

Course Description

Cognitive screening tools, such as the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), are commonly used in seating evaluations to determine a client’s readiness for powered mobility. Unfortunately, the score is often used as a determining factor to restrict a client from trying powered mobility altogether. This can lead to individuals with cognitive impairment never being given the opportunity to trial powered mobility, even if they may have used it safely and intentionally to engage in occupations. This realization was a pivot point in the presenter’s clinical reasoning for seated mobility options. Instead of viewing a passing cognitive screening tool as a prerequisite to powered mobility, it pivoted to an objective score that was only one piece of the puzzle. The cognitive screening tool could inform occupational performance and participation, guide intervention strategies, and support the evaluation of environmental fit. The presenter will draw on her clinical experience and doctoral research to define the limitations of cognitive screening tools in predicting occupational performance for individuals using powered mobility. This presentation invites occupational therapy practitioners to consider how small shifts in clinical reasoning can amplify access, adapt practice, and advance occupational justice for powered mobility.

Speakers

Richelle Gray, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, CDP, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy at West Virginia University and a practicing occupational therapist specializing in assistive technology, seating, and mobility. She is a certified Assistive Technology Professional and Seating and Mobility Specialist and provides clinical services through a multidisciplinary assistive technology clinic and a wheelchair seating clinic, serving individuals across the lifespan. Her work focuses on participation, access, and occupational justice through evidence-informed assistive technology and mobility interventions.

Content Level

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Practice Areas

Aging in Place/Geriatrics