Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Category: General

A RESNA Position Paper on Clinical Practice is an official statement by the organization that, based on the consensus of experts and evidence summarizes current research and best-practice trends in relevant areas of Assistive Technology. These Position Papers on Clinical Practice, issued by the international professional organization, declare the necessity (medical and/or functional) of specific assistive technology devices and services under appropriate circumstances, and guide practitioners in decision making. 

Procedures for the Development and Approval of RESNA Position Papers (PDF)

Archived Position Papers

RESNA Position on the Application of Seat Elevating Devices (2010)

RESNA Position on the Application of Pediatric Power (2009)

RESNA Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline and Elevating Legrests for Wheelchairs (2010)

RESNA Position on the Application of Wheelchair Standing Devices (2009)

Wheelchair Service Provision Guide

The purpose of the Wheelchair Service Provision Guide is to provide an appropriate framework for identifying the essential steps in the provision of a wheelchair. It is designed for use by all participants in the provision process including consumers, family members, caregivers, social service and health care professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, funding source personnel, and policy makers. This Guide does not specifically address requirements associated with any particular funding source. It provides guidance regarding when funding issues should be addressed in the process, and how to address them with the client, so that he or she is able to make informed decisions. 

Wheelchair Service Provision Guide

Rehabilitation Engineering Professional White Paper

The Rehabilitation Engineering Professional white paper is meant as a guide to describe the typical rehabilitation engineering professions in their most generic forms. The consensus accumulated in this paper and the iterative methods used to aggregate the content, states a majority perspective of current rehabilitation engineering professionals. This document provides a framework for future discussions on the advancement of rehabilitation engineering with the goal of improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities through the application of science and technology.

The white paper defines the role of rehabilitation engineering professionals based on descriptions found in the literature and historical experience of stakeholders. Furthermore, it describes the role of rehabilitation engineering professionals in numerous work settings and describes current and future education and training opportunities. Finally, the white paper provides multiple case studies on the role of rehabilitation engineering professionals in a trans disciplinary assistive technology service delivery process.

Rehabilitation Engineering Profession White Paper 2017