Driving to learn: Powered wheelchair training for those with cognitive disabilities

The Driving to Learn project was an exploration of how those with significant cognitive disabilities could benefit from training in a joystick-operated powered wheelchair. This study focuses on a particular part of the wider Driving to Learn project, mainly looking at the relationship between characteristics connected to powered wheelchair-use and the trainees' success or failure in developing a consciousness of joystick-use. Forty-five people, aged 12 months to 52 years, were included in the project one by one over a period of 12 years. Forty people from this group had profound cognitive disabilities and multivariate additional disabilities, the other five, aged below 2 years, were at high risk of developing this condition. Data sources consisted of video-recordings, field notes, and open interviews with trainers and others acquainted with the participants. The project had a grounded theory approach, using concomitant analysis and collection of data together with constant comparisons and repeated analyses' of changes in the participants' approaches and attitudes connected to powered wheelchairuse. The findings showed that high predictability and usability of powered wheelchair-use, facilitated successful achievements in the earlier identified process of growing consciousness of joystick-use (Nilsson et al, 2006). The relevance of the gained knowledge and the implications for rehabilitation and occupational therapy practice are discussed.