Development of a community mobility skills course for people who use mobility devices

We assessed mobility device skills in a lived-in environment on a community mobility skills course (CMSC) and related those skills to previously demonstrated skills in a controlled environment on an inside mobility skills course (IMSC).

Six mobility device users were selected from 91 adults who had previously completed the IMSC. Each of the following device groups was represented: power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, scooter, cane, crutch, and walker. CMSC tasks were modified from IMSC tasks and designed using materials in the community.

All participants completed at least half of the CMSC tasks faster than they completed the corresponding IMSC tasks. The number of tasks on which participants improved and the amount of improvement varied by difficulty of task and mobility device used.

Some mobility device skills used in controlled environments appear to transfer to community settings; others do not. Skills required for community participation may partially depend on mobility device used.