Wheel Chat: Episode 10 – Rethinking Assessments & Dynamic Seating with Bart Van der Heyden

In this episode of Wheel Chat, hosts Anthony Mitchell and Justin Boulos are joined by internationally respected physiotherapist and educator Bart Van der Heyden for a thought-provoking conversation on the realities of wheelchair assessments, dynamic seating, and why function—not just posture—must guide our clinical decisions.With decades of hands-on experience in seating and mobility, Bart challenges outdated thinking and shares practical tools that empower clinicians to provide more meaningful, client-centred solutions. If you’ve ever been frustrated by rigid forms, confusing tone presentations, or “by-the-book” assessments that don’t work in the real world—this episode is for you.What’s in this episode?What dynamic seating really means—and why it’s more than just extensor toneWho benefits from dynamic support (hint: it's a much broader group than you think)How to use hands-on, functional strategies to guide assessmentsRethinking mat evaluations: tone vs. true range of motionWhen forms fail clinicians—and how to replace them with real clinical reasoningNavigating complex cases by focusing on client goals, not just clinical checklistsWhether you're a therapist, assistive tech professional, or new to the world of seating and mobility, this episode is full of fresh ideas, practical advice, and experience-backed insights that will inspire your next assessment.Connect with Bart Van der Heyden:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartvanderheydenpt/ Learn more about Super Seating:🌐 Website: https://www.super-seating.com/Email us :We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at [email protected] us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcastInstagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.