Wheelchair Assessments By Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy for Mobility, Independence & Participation
Professional occupational therapy wheelchair assessments for children, teens, and young adults. We provide manual and power wheelchair trials, seating and positioning, custom prescriptions, and NDIS funding reports.
At Grace Children’s Therapy, we provide comprehensive occupational therapy wheelchair assessments and prescription services for children, adolescents, and young adults who require mobility support. Our goal is to ensure every individual has access to the equipment that supports their safety, comfort, independence, and engagement in daily life.
Whether it’s a first wheelchair, a growth-related adjustment, or a specialised mobility system following injury or diagnosis, our experienced occupational therapists work closely with families, support teams, and equipment suppliers to find the right solution.
Who We Support
Our occupational therapy wheelchair assessment is suitable for individuals with:
Physical disabilities affecting mobility
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions
Developmental disabilities
Autism with significant mobility or postural needs
Acquired or traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord injuries
Complex seating or pressure-care needs
We support all NDIS participants, private clients, and those accessing funding through insurance or health plans.
What’s Included in a Wheelchair Assessment
Our occupational therapy wheelchair assessment process is thorough, collaborative, and tailored to the individual. It typically includes:
Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
- Review of medical history and mobility profile
- Functional assessment of motor skills, strength, posture, and endurance
- Seating and positioning needs
- Environmental considerations (home, school, community)
- Physical assessment to determine dimensions and postural analysis.
Trial of Wheelchairs & Seating Options
We organise trials with trusted suppliers so clients can experience different configurations such as:
- Manual wheelchairs
- Power wheelchairs
- Tilt-in-space frames
- Custom seating systems
- Custom modifications
- Pressure-relief cushions
Wheelchair assessments and trials are conducted either at home, school or community centre, depending on the individual need and specific use. Typically, to meet funding requirements, trials of multiple wheelchairs and seating support options are essential to ensure clinical justification for the equipment is adequately met.
Prescription & Customisation
Your OT will prescribe the correct:
- Frame type
- Seating system
- Cushioning
- Controls (for power chairs)
- Supportive elements such as headrests, lateral supports, footplates and postural straps
- Quotes are provided by the suppliers and normally 2-3 quotes is required for funding.
We ensure your equipment meets functional needs, safety standards, and long-term growth or progression considerations.
NDIS Reports & Funding Applications
We prepare high-quality, evidence-based supporting documentation for:
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- NDIS Assistive Technology applications
- Insurance and funding bodies
- School or workplace support teams
- Trials and Quotes are an essential part of the documentation process.
Delivery, Fitting & Training
Once approved, we:
- Coordinate delivery with suppliers
- Complete a final fitting and postural check – make adjustments if required
- Provide training for safe use, transfers, charging, pressure care, and maintenance
- Offer ongoing follow-up and adjustments as needed
- Offer ongoing training as intervention, if needed eg. new electric wheelchair uses may need additional occupational therapy intervention to learn to safely use their new wheelchair.
What to Expect
Initial consultation: understanding needs, goals, and environments
Assessment & trials: hands-on assessment with appropriate wheelchairs
Prescription & report: completed by an occupational therapist trained in wheelchair prescription
Funding submission support
Fitting & training once approved
Review and ongoing support to ensure long-term comfort and function if needed
Why Families Choose Our Services
Experienced paediatric & youth OTs with experience in mobility and seating systems
Collaborative approach with families, teachers, carers, and suppliers
Evidence-based assessments and high-quality NDIS AT reports and funding reports
Responsive communication and clear guidance across the whole process
Book a Wheelchair Assessment
If you or your young person needs an occupational therapy wheelchair assessment, our team is ready to help. Support that grows with your child or young adult—because the right wheelchair isn’t just equipment. It’s independence, confidence, and connection.