WOTACON 2018 Schedule

Friday, October 12, 2018

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

Registration / Badge Pickup

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Developing a Road Map for AT Consideration and Assessment

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Pediatrics, Schools

Session Description

While Assistive Technology has been around long before the dawn of IDEA, districts vary widely in how they are addressing AT needs. Occupational Therapists play a key role in participating in the AT consideration process and in helping the team determine if an AT assessment is needed. As with many areas of Special Education, leadership with clearly established procedures is key in assuring that best practices are followed for AT consideration, AT assessments, AT documentation, and AT implementation. Join this session to gain a better understanding of AT consideration and assessment based on well researched quality indicators. Gain confidence in answering parent, advocate and staff questions by understanding the laws and district responsibilities surrounding AT. Be provided with well-vetted resources on AT procedures while networking with other OTs to better understand how districts address assistive technology.

Learning Objectives:

Gain an understanding of the difference between AT consideration and AT assessment
Become aware of resources to establish clear district procedures for AT consideration, assessment, documentation, and implementation.
Receive a brief overview of laws pertaining to AT
Understand the role of the Special Education Technology Center (SETC) in supporting Washington State school districts with AT needs

Speakers:

Kristin Leslie

ATP, MAT, OTR/L

Kristin is an assistive technology professional and occupational therapist who has worked within Washington state public schools for 19 years. She enjoys collaborating with school teams to explore AT solutions with the purpose of facilitating learning, participation, and meaningful connections for students throughout the school day. She is currently the director of the Special Education Technology Center (SETC) and teaches on a wide range of AT topics at the state, local and national level. Kristin’s role at SETC involves providing leadership, professional development and consultation for school districts throughout the state of Washington. She has a special interest in assisting districts in establishing consistent AT processes to assure that ALL special education students have access to necessary accommodations to fully engage in curricular and extracurricular activities.

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Secondary Transition Community of Practice

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Schools

Session Description

Do you have a passion for working with youth and young adults transitioning from secondary schools to adult occupations? Have you heard about the role of OT in this key life span even t but wondered how to begin working with these students? Do you ever feel that you are working in isolation and wonder where to find resources and what are best practices? If so, join us to begin creating a community of practice on secondary transition and school-based practice. A community of practice is a group of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. We invite all school based occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who work with youth in secondary transition to help create this CoP. Facilitated by Dr. Barbara Abbott and Dr. Lecrecia Berg, members of the AOTA Transitions Community of Practice, this session will setup the framework for a new community of practice/special interest section across the state of Washington. Bring your laptops, tablet computers, or Smart Phones and get connected to Zoom, Google Docs, and message boards. Planning for regular online meetings for the first six months will be completed along with agendas and signing up for guest facilitators.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to explain what a community of practice is.
Participants will create a new community of practice focused on school-based practice with secondary transition aged youth and young adults.
Participants will schedule online meetings using technology such as Zoom and Google Docs for the community of practice to engage in regular mentoring and support.
Participants will develop group norms and goals for the CoP.

Speakers:

Barbara Abbott, OTD, OTR/L

Dr. Barbara Abbott is a nationally recognized expert in the role of occupational therapy with secondary transition aged youth. As an employee of the Kent School District, Dr. Abbott has developed extensive programming for occupational therapy in the state’s largest transition program and has presented on her work nationally. Dr. Abbott has 25 years of experience as an occupational therapist and received her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University in 2016. Her focus of study was on occupational therapy’s role with youth in secondary transition and how best to educate other school based therapists on their role.

Lucretia Berg, Ed.D., MSOT, OTR/L

An experienced pediatric clinician, mentor, and lecturer, Lucretia completed her doctorate in 2016 in educational leadership with a focus on the role of occupational therapy for post-secondary students with intellectual disabilities. She remains passionate about fostering the growth of students and clients with varying abilities to attain optimal life independence or co-independence and competitive wage employment. Lucretia joined the Eastern Washington University Occupational Therapy Department as an Assistant Professor August 2017. In her spare time, Lucretia enjoys time with family and friends sharing outdoor experiences in hiking, biking, kayaking, walking, and camping. Mindful reflection and creative writing help to re-focus and restore her energies especially in relation to issues of social justice.

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Moving Beyond the Bottom Line: Importance of Inter-Agency-Collaboration in Client Success

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Brain Injury

Session Description

In this presentation, BIAWA will depict successful partnerships between hospitals, rehabilitation teams, human service agencies, and other support programs and the way these collaborations benefit both the organizations involved and the communities they serve. The presentation will review the services provided by BIAWA and discuss its approach in expanding relationships with other organizations to assure more comprehensive and widespread support to assist clients with reintegration after injury in all areas of life. It is BIAWA’s goal to provide continued outreach and education to providers to increase knowledge about brain injury, help providers implement gained knowledge and education into their own practices, and render positive results to support those whose lives are affected by brain injury.

Learning Objectives:

To highlight the importance of interagency collaboration.
To raise awareness of brain injury and its impact on the quality of your clients’ lives.
To recognize the symptoms of a brain injury.
To learn what tools are useful in treating brain injury.
To discover what resources and services are available to you and your clients.

Speakers:

Nicole Graff

CBIS

Nicole Graff, CBIS, graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Following graduation, Nicole worked as a Neurorehabilitation Specialist for a community re-entry program in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, serving survivors of Brain Injury in their own communities. After relocating to Seattle in early 2015, Nicole now works as the Resource Center Operations Manager for the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington, where she oversees the team that supports individuals seeking resources throughout Washington State both over the phone and in-person.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Break

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Keynote: People With Disabilities Can Do Anything

Speakers:

Karanveer Singh

This years keynote presenter is Karanveer Singh. Karanveer is a charismatic young man living with cerebral palsy who communicates primarily with a dynamic eye gaze communication system. His presentation will focus on how he has overcome his disability to more fully participate in his family life, school and community using assistive technology. He will tell the story of how his OT and SLP got him started with eye gaze and then helped him set goals, make social connections and work toward his desired career. His goals are to be successful as a professional movie editor and become super rich. Karanveer will capture your heart and inspire you as he shares how assistive technology has changed his life and helped him communicate with the world.

Media: Download Slide Presentation

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Literacy for All: Helping Students With Complex Bodies Become Readers and Writers

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Pediatrics, Schools

Media: Download Slide Presentation, Download Literacy Skills Checklist

Session Description

In the school setting, Occupational Therapists often work with students to develop the motor skills necessary for classroom writing. When inefficient handwriting is influencing the student’s ability to meet their educational goals, OT’s will help guide the team towards universal or assistive tools such as keyboarding, word prediction or speech recognition. These tools often do not work for student’s with complex bodies and/or complex communication needs. In this session, participants will learn the developmental progression of writing and learn to use Alternative Pencils to teach writing skills to students with complex needs. Participants will also learn how to adapt books to increase opportunities for students to interact with print books, as well as exploring resources for free digital books.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to describe how to use Alternative Pencils to teach a student authentic writing.
Participants will be able to describe how to make two different types of adapted books.
Participants will be able to locate free digital text resources to support student’s reading goals.

Speakers:

Heidi Brislin

MS-OTR/L, Assistive Technology Specialist

Heidi is an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist in the North Kitsap School District supporting students in Kingston and Poulsbo, WA. She has worked in the schools for 15 years and has supported students who range in age from 3-21. Over the past 4 years, Heidi has worked to develop the Assistive Technology Augmentative Alternative Communication team for her district. Prior to working in the schools, Heidi worked in a variety of adult rehab settings including acute care, burn and trauma rehab, inpatient rehab, skilled nursing facilities, hand therapy and outpatient neurological rehabilitation. She graduated from Boston University with her Bachelor of Science degree in OT and received her Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Medicine from the University of Washington. Heidi is passionate about helping teams provide authentic learning opportunities for all students, including: improving literacy opportunities and skills, switch access, power mobility and helping students become autonomous communicators using augmentative alternative communication tools. Heidi enjoys cooking, agility training with her dog and attending musical theater performances with her daughter.

Lisa Kympton

MS, OTR/L

Lisa Kympton is an Occupational Therapist in the North Kitsap School District in Kitsap County, WA. She has five years’ experience working in the school district with children from preschool to 5th grade. Prior to her work in the school district she was an Occupational Therapist in the U. S. Navy for 20 years. In the Navy she had a broad experience ranging from orthopedic hand therapy, lymphedema management, inpatient, and school district, to concussion therapy in Afghanistan. Lisa has specialty certifications in hand therapy and lymphedema management. However her current passions are expanding her knowledge and practice in OTs role in literacy, the impact of trauma on behavior and self-regulation, brain-based strategies working with children with social and emotional challenges, and working on mobility and communication with children with complex bodies. Lisa loves to read and hike and enjoy time with her son.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Poster Session

Featured Posters:

Geography and Occupational Justice: A Critical Introduction

Presenter: Juan Ramirez, OTR/L
Presenter Bio: Juan Ramirez is an Acute Care Occupational Therapist at University of Washington Medical Center with interests in stroke, neuro and cognitive rehab. He also represents District 2 in the King County Civil Rights Commission, and volunteers at Recovery Café and El Centro De La Raza to support marginalized communities in Seattle. When not working or volunteering he enjoys hiking, cycling, running, cooking, and learning new musical instruments.
Poster Description: This poster presentation would be an introduction to the geographical constructs of space, place and scale, and it’s influence at how we view “environment” in Occupational Therapy/Science. Introducing concepts discussed in critical human geography provide great insights into the ways spaces/places/environments of various scales perpetuate occupational injustices.
Media: Download Brochure

Circadian Sleep Rhythm Disorders

Presenter: Madison Oberg, OTAS – Green River College
Presenter Bio: Madison is a current student at Green River College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is 24 years old, and originally from Los Angeles, California. Madison graduated in 2016 from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science, with a concentration in Sports Medicine.
Poster Description: Etiology of Disorder statistics symptoms medical and occupational therapy treatment.
Media:

The Effects of Occupation-Based Activities on Problem Behaviors and Quality of Life of People with Dementia

Presenters:
- Nicole Utt: Nicole Utt, OTS, is an MSOT candidate at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Colorado State University, and has 4 years of experience working with people with dementia. She is interested in further dementia research and working in geriatric and hospital settings.
- Kelly Souza: Kelly Souza, OTS, is an MSOT candidate at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She received a Bachelor of Science in child study and human development from Tufts University and is interested in working with a variety of populations as an occupational therapist.
- Tatiana Kaminsky, PhD, OTR/L: Tatiana has been an occupational therapist since 1996, working with a variety of adult populations, including people with dementia. She has been full time faculty at the University of Puget Sound since 2005.
Poster Description: For people with dementia, problem behaviors are common, persistent, and associated with negative outcomes, including lower quality of life for both the individual with dementia and caregivers. This research project included a literature review to identify occupation-based interventions that can reduce frequency of problem behaviors and increase quality of life for people with dementia. To be included in the review, interventions needed to be easy to use without extensive training or resources for informal caregivers to utilize as part of their daily routine. Five databases were searched for articles published from 2007 to 2017, resulting in 23 articles that met search criteria. Multiple interventions were found that address problem behaviors and/or quality of life including social interaction, activity individualization, object interaction, and general occupations. Each of these interventions had moderate to strong evidence that they reduced the frequency of problem behaviors and limited to mixed evidence supporting their efficacy on improving quality of life. Individualization of activities seemed to have the most evidence for effectively reducing problem behavior frequency. The second part of the project focused on translational research. Results of the literature review were presented to inpatient rehabilitation staff of a local hospital. In addition, a caregiver pamphlet was created with activity ideas and tips to communicate with and engage a person with dementia in activity. The pamphlet was shared with staff at the in-service. Following the in-service, 86% of attendees stated they would probably or definitely use the caregiver handout, and 71% said they were somewhat to very comfortable individualizing activities for people with dementia.
Media: Download Brochure

Eating Disorders and Occupational Therapy

Presenter: Jennifer McCauley, OTAS – Green River College
Presenter Bio: My name is Jennifer McCauley and I am currently a 2nd year student in Green River College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Poster Description: This poster presents the most common eating disorders, etiology, signs and symptoms, medical and occupational therapy interventions, precautions and contraindications when working with this population and specific interventions in occupational therapy to use with your patients.
Media:

Sexual Health Education for 18-21 Year Olds with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

Presenters:
- Caylin Cordray is a University of Washington MOT student interested in working in pediatrics.
- Katherine Zintel is a University of Washington MOT student interested in working in pediatrics.
- Joseph Johnson is a University of Washington MOT student interested in working in hand therapy.
- Noam Gaster is a University of Washington MOT student interested in working in geriatrics.
Poster Description: This project demonstrates that students, ages 18-21, with both intellectual and physical disabilities, can benefit from a sexual health education curriculum tailored to their unique needs. Six one-hour classes were developed and taught to small groups of students covering a wide range of sexual health topics. Furthermore, this project highlights how occupational therapists can play a key role in specialized curriculum development for students in transitional programs.
Media:

Diabetes

Presenter: Jaysha Ford, OTAS – Green River College
Presenter Bio: Jaysha Ford is currently a student at Green River College in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. I got into this program because my godson was a preemie and had to go through Occupational Therapy as a baby and it made me interested to start a career in this field. I chose Diabetes as a topic for my poster because my dad has type 2 diabetes and I never new occupational therapy was an option to help and I wanted to learn more and also be able to educate others who may not know this is an option.
Poster Description: My poster topic is Diabetes and my goal is to educate and better help people understand how Occupational therapy can help people with Diabetes. As well as the importance of Diabetes.
Media:

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Power Wheelchair Access Options: Creating Opportunities for Independence

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Seating and Wheeled Mobility

Session Description

Assessing an end user for power mobility can be an intimidating task. Decisions that are made will have an impact on the individual’s quality life, functional mobility, physical wellbeing, and social interactions. When the end user is not able to utilize a standard joystick, then the task can become even more intimidating. There are many considerations and factors including driving/input method, mounting of driver controls, postural control, power positioning, programming, and environmental access/control. This workshop will review many of the considerations that must be examined when recommending power wheelchair controls including environmental controls. Case specific examples will be utilized to demonstrate the interplay between power wheelchair control options and advancing environmental control technology.

Learning Objectives:

The Participant will be able to list two different specialty controls that can provide independence to a person with a significant physical disability.
The Participant will be able to name two reasons that remaining proportional as long as possible provides the most control over a power wheelchair.
The participant will be able to name three household devices that can be controlled through a wheelchairs Bluetooth access with a smart device.

Speakers:

Wade Lucas

PT, DPT, ATP/SMS

Wade Lucas, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS Clinical Education Manager Wade is a licensed Physical Therapist and a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)/Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) through RESNA. He has over 14 years of experience working in the complex rehabilitation equipment field. His clinical experience includes inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, pediatrics, skilled nursing/long term care, and home health. Wade’s current role with Quantum Rehab is to develop education programs on the clinical uses of company products and produce education presentations to provide to therapists and equipment providers. He also provides education to field sales staff on clinical benefits of Quantum products.

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM

Break

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Business Lunch

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Vendor Meetup

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

So You Want to Start a Private Practice?

Content Level: Advanced

Practice Settings: ALL, Management

Session Description

We need more OT private practice settings. in Washington state. But where do you start? How much risk? So many questions. Join me to learn from my successes and mistakes, as I share my story, to determine if this is a journey you are ready to take

Learning Objectives:

Identify pros and cons to starting your own private practice.
Identify the financial costs and benefits of private practice.
Identify the necessary “first steps” to starting your practice.

Speakers:

Leslie Wolff

OTR/L

Leslie Wolff, OTR/L, graduated from University of Puget Sound in 1988. She has worked in many areas of OT including inpatient rehab, skilled nursing rehab, schools, early intervention, and outpatient pediatrics. Leslie started her private practice in 2015. Kidspace Therapy, in Longview, WA, has grown to include 2 OTR’s, 2 COTA’s, 2 SLP’s, and 2 office staff. She has a passion for educating and mentoring younger therapists and has supervised many OT and COTA fieldwork students in her career.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Let’s Talk About it: OT’s Role in AAC

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Pediatrics, Assistive Technology

Media: Download Slide Presentation

Session Description

Being able to communicate is essential for independent participation across all occupational performance areas. Occupational therapy’s role in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is most commonly known for helping determine access methods for devices; however, independent occupational performance is much more than access. In this session, we will discuss OT’s role on the AAC team including determining access, consideration of high and low tech tools, choosing a device, learning the language on the AAC device and integrating the device with other technology for independence with activities of daily living and career development. As an example, we will share how OT has supported our keynote speaker, Karanveer Singh, in using his AAC to support his occupation of pursuing higher education, public speaking, consulting and developing a career in video editing.

Learning Objectives:

Participant will define 3 methods of access for AAC.
Participant will be able to name 3 high or low tech AAC tools and explain how they can be used to increase occupational performance
Participant will be able to model a novel message using either a high or lowtech device.
Participant will be able to identify 2 ways that the AAC device can be integrated to increase independence in basic ADL’s and/or career goals.

Speakers:

Heidi Brislin

MS-OTR/L, Assistive Technology Specialist

Rose Racicot

MS, OTR/L Assistive Technology Specialist

Rose Racicot, MS, OTR/L is an OT and Assistive Technology Specialist in Kent School District and at Special Education Technology Center at CWU with 31 years of experience. She has conducted research and been published on “The Effect of Multimedia Software on Written Productivity”. She presents workshops on Assistive Technology, literacy support software, Universal Design for Learning and iPad use in education at state and national conferences as well as guest lecturing at local OT and OTA schools. She is passionate about helping educators implement Universal Design for Learning principles to create inclusive classrooms for all students to succeed.

Kristin Leslie

ATP, MAT, OTR/L

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Occupational Therapy for Persistent Pain

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: ALL

Session Description

Persistent pain affects many who receive OT services for other conditions. Strategies OT practitioners can use to help clients overcome the debilitating effects of centralized pain are the focus of this interactive session. Current research/understanding of pain processes and the interactions between interventions will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss primary pain processes and effects on occupational performance
Identify one shortfall of standard treatments
Identify three potential OT contributions

Speakers:

Karla Gray

OTR/L, LICSW, C-ASWCM

Karla Gray, OTR/L, LICSW, C-ASWCM is passionate about the potential of occupational therapy to positively impact the quality of life of those experiencing persistent pain. Her professional experience includes direct therapy, service management, program development, teaching/coaching and care management. She is the author of chapters in edited occupational therapy books and articles in multiple journals and previous presenter at AOTA, WOTA, and other conferences.

5:00-7:00 PM

HAPPY HOUR!

Snacks, Treats, and Drinks on WOTA

Saturday, October 13, 2018

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

Registration

7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Real World Documentation and the Application Occupational Therapy Practice Framework

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: ALL

Session Description

As administrators, educators and practicing clinicians, it is often that we hear that although the OTPF-3 is used as a reference and building block for our educational foundations, it is not often directly translated into our daily documentation and practice. This course with focus on how to apply the essential theoretical perspectives and terminology from the OTPF-3 to improve the specificity, skilled language and overall unique OT lens as it applies to our daily documentation and practice. We will address documentation across all major settings and give real work examples. Therapists who attend the workshop will leave with a clearer understanding of the OTPF-3 will how it directly applies to intervention plans, documentation and the holistic view of the client.

Learning Objectives:

Briefly describe and identify the changes in the OTPF-3 in comparison with OTPF-2
Identify 3 techniques to apply OTPF-3 language to improve the skilled language of your daily documentation.
Identify 3 techniques to apply the OTPF-3 lense to your daily occupational therapy treatments
Build strategies to use the Occupational Profile outlined in the OTPF-3 to create a holistic, skilled OT report regarding your clients.

Speakers:

Robin Huesca

MOT, OTR/L

Robin Huesca earned her Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology from the University of Washington in 2003, followed by her Master of Occupational Therapy from University of Washington in 2005. Robin’s experience is within multiple settings including: early intervention, public schools, acute care, rehabilitation and higher education. Robin currently works full time as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, but remains connected to the clinical community working per diem at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Robin’s passion is working to bring Evidence-Based Research into everyday treatment practice. She strongly believes in advocating for our profession, our clients and families, as well as a parent. Robin has been involved with WOTA since graduate school, an currently serves on the Executive Board as the Legislative Chair.

Sarah Jensen

OTR/L

Past President: Sarah Jensen graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2000 and has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient rehabilitation, hand therapy, industrial rehabilitation and management. She is currently working in the school district. She has been involved with WOTA for several years serving as Secretary and Membership Chair. She has thoroughly enjoyed serving on the board, networking with other practitioners in our state and helping WOTA to achieve its vision.

7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Creative Strategies for Data-Based Decision Making in School

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Schools

Session Description

Data-based decision making is embedded throughout school-based practice. Individualized education program (IEP) teams, tiered intervention teams, and occupational therapists must analyze data regularly to measure and report on student progress, determine intervention effectiveness and make decisions about services. This session will discuss current evidence-based practices regarding data collection, analysis, and decision making including progress monitoring, mastery monitoring, and rubrics. Strategies for efficient data collection and charting will also be addressed. Please plan to bring a device as this will be an interactive session with time available for participants to create and use data forms.

Learning Objectives:

Identify strategies for valid and reliable data collection
Identify charting procedures for each method.
Articulate the data collection, analysis, and decision-making process using progress monitoring, mastery monitoring, and rubrics.

Speakers:

Dottie Handley-More

MS, OTR/L

Dottie Handley-More, is an occupational therapist with 30 years of experience in school-based practice. She is currently working at Highline Public Schools in Burien Washington. She is a co-author of the book “Best Practices for Documenting Occupational Therapy in Schools.” She has published and presented on a variety of topics including leadership, occupational therapy decision-making, pediatric assessment, collaboration, and OT’s role in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.

Yvonne Swinth

PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Yvonne Swinth has more than 25 years of experience working in the schools. She is past chair of the Early Intervention and Schools Special Interest Section. She is the founding editor of the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention. She continues to do research and present locally and nationally on topics related to school-based practice.

7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Handwriting: Current Research and the Size Matters Handwriting Program

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Pediatrics, Handwriting

Session Description

This workshop will cover current research surrounding handwriting, and current best practices for handwriting interventions. It will also introduce the attendees to the evidence-based Size Matters Handwriting Program. Attendees will learn the rationale behind the development of the Size Matters Handwriting Program (SMHP), and the current evidence for using the SMHP. Attendees will also become familiar with the SMHP materials, and will learn HW techniques they can utilize in classrooms or 1:1 interventions.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will become familiar with the current evidence surrounding the acquisition of handwriting and its relationship to literacy.
Attendees will become familiar with the current evidence regarding handwriting interventions.
Attendees will become familiar with the Size Matters Handwriting Program and understand the theory supporting its design.
Attendees will learn hands-on techniques to support handwriting acquisition that can be utilized immediately in practice.

Speakers:

Sheryl Zylstra

DOT, MS, OTR/L

Sheryl Zylstra is an occupational therapist with 30 years of experience, mostly in pediatric practice. She recently spent 13 years working for the Chehalis and Centralia School Districts and is currently working at The University of Puget Sound, teaching coursework in pediatrics and managing the pediatric onsite teaching clinic. Sheryl’s doctoral work examined the efficacy of the Size Matters Handwriting Program utilized in an RtI setting. In addition to teaching, Sheryl currently mentors students in the University of Puget Sound’s onsite teaching clinic, and participates in summer research, conducting social skills groups rooted in the occupational therapy practice framework, and emphasizing the occupation of social participation.

Diane Knoll

OTR/L, SMHP Certified Therapist, Instructor, and Affiliate

Diane has over thirteen years of experience working in both school settings and pediatric therapy clinics. She enjoys working with kids who have behavioral challenges, sensory processing differences, and fine motor delays. She is skilled at helping build social skills using creative approaches, such as a collaborative art group she runs at her outpatient pediatric job. She is also an artist who is the founder and director of Vibrant Palette, a nonprofit art center for adults with disabilities in the city of Seattle. Diane is thrilled to be part of the Size Matters Handwriting Program team, as she has experienced first-hand the progress her students and clients have made in a remarkably small amounts of time. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a kid make progress and become more confident in interacting with their world.”

7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Occupational Therapy and Secondary Education Transition Services in the Kent School District: An Organizational Intervention

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Schools

Session Description

The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Practice, First Edition (OTPF-1) encouraged occupational therapy practitioners to use the Framework to “examine their current practice and consider new applications in emerging practice areas.” In the current 3rd Edition, OTPF-3 further defined the role of occupational therapy in organizations. OTPF-3 validates and encourages occupational therapy as a systems-level practice in order to support occupational participation by members of groups and populations served by the organization. It has been well established that less than 8% of secondary transition age youths with disabilities receive occupational therapy services during this key lifespan event. In order to support individual members of this population, systems-level interventions in order to change the scope and implementation of practice is needed. In the Kent School District, the OTPF-3 has been explicitly used as a guide to an organizational intervention to modify how occupational therapy services are conceptualized and delivered to the secondary transition population. Participants will learn about the development of the design of the intervention, review data to evaluate outcomes of the intervention, and leave with strategies they can implement to facilitate systems change within a school district. Participants will learn from the stories of the occupational therapists who participated in the organizational intervention. Kent School District occupational therapists will share what they learned and how they continue to implement systemic changes to their practices. Participants will have opportunities to review practice and policies within their own settings and develop first steps for organizational interventions supporting secondary transition services.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will explain the primary interventions used in the organizational intervention.
Participants will review the outcomes data for an organizational intervention.
Participants will create one to two “first steps” of an organizational intervention.

Speakers:

Barbara Abbott

OTD, OTR/L

Dr. Barbara Abbott is a nationally recognized expert in the role of occupational therapy with secondary transition aged youth. As an employee of the Kent School District, Dr. Abbott has developed extensive programming for occupational therapy in the state’s largest transition program and has presented on her work nationally. Her interventions focus on advocacy for the clients in the program to access their community, engage in meaningful occupations, and support systemic change to how therapy services are delivered to transition aged-youth. Dr. Abbott has 25 years of experience as an occupational therapist and received her OTD from Chatham University in 2016. Her focus of study has been on occupational therapy’s role with youth in secondary transition and how best to educate other school based therapists on their role.

Robin Bender, MSOT, OTR/L

7:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Dads “Dyad” Differently

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Pediatrics

Session Description

Early Childhood providers acquire many skills to be effective in their roles. New perspectives of fatherhood can aid these providers to engage fathers in their work with infants. Dads “Dyad” Differently (DDD) will cover concepts, e.g. ghosts/angels in the nursery, reflective functioning, parallel process, paternal postnatal mood disorders (PPMD), provider assumptions, occupational deprivation, and the culture of fatherhood. DDD will introduce useful strategies, e.g. metaphors, Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO), Skin to Skin, and Fussy Baby FAN Model, emphasizing fathers’ emotional experiences. Participants will examine their own assumptions to identify challenges to promoting father-infant interactions. Discussions will include “ghosts/angels in the nursery;” reflective functioning; increasing father competence; mothers & gatekeeping; and father feelings, including PPMD. The culture of fatherhood as a framework for discussion can help to understand a father’s viewpoint, that is, “cultural relativism.” The use of metaphors will highlight a father’s learning style, which can assist to teach important concepts in ways that are more easily understood and applicable to fathers. This workshop includes 40% discussion, 30% experiential and 30% didactic employing individual exercises, small group activities and large group discussions.

Learning Objectives:

Name TWO assumptions about fathers
Give ONE example of occupational deprivation a Father may experience
Identify TWO factors within the Culture of Fatherhood
List THREE changes a provider or agency can implement to foster the connection between father and infant

Speakers:

Nicholas Kasovac

OTS, MA, R-DMT, IMH-E(II)

Nicholas Kasovac, OTS, MA, R-DMT, IMH-E(II)® is a student of occupational therapy in the Master of Science program at University of Puget Sound. Nicholas is endorsed as an Infant Family Specialist, through the Infant/Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona (ITMHCA), a member of the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. Nicholas has worked in Pediatrics for 25+ years in a variety of capacities/settings, including Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Outpatient, Pediatric Pain Clinic, Child Development, and Infant/Toddler Mental Health. Additionally, he managed a team of home visitors for Healthy Families Arizona. Since his training as a Healthy Steps Specialist in 2004, Nicholas has developed programs for Fathers including The DAD Project: Dads & Infants, The DAD Project: Dads & Toddlers, and Milk Men: Dads and Breastfeeding Support. Additionally, Nicholas teaches CE classes at Erikson Institute in Chicago. He presented at WAIMH 2014 in Edinburgh and 3 sessions at WAIMH 2018 in Rome, Italy.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Break

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Beyond Joint Pain: Addressing Arthritis from the Full Scope of Occupational Therapy

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Rehabilitation

Session Description

More than 100 diseases fall under the umbrella of “arthritis,” all of which have numerous symptoms outside of the defining characteristics of joint inflammation. This session will explore the many ways that the distinct value of occupational therapy can be harnessed to support adults with arthritis, from lifestyle modifications to coping strategies for the over one third of adults with arthritis who also have depression or anxiety. We will explore relevant research, including speaker Cheryl Crow’s qualitative research analysis of conversation content from rheumatoid arthritis specific social media groups, which showed that patients are flocking to these sites to problem solve daily life adaptations (particularly for IADLs).

Learning Objectives:

Identify frequent non-joint symptoms of the most common arthritic conditions (with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis)
Identify evidence-based strategies for occupational therapists to address the non-joint symptoms of these conditions

Speakers:

Cheryl Crow

OTR/L

Cheryl Crow is an adjunct faculty member at Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She graduated from Samuel Merritt University in 2012 and has worked in outpatient pediatrics and school-based practice in the greater Seattle area as well as China. She was selected into the Emerging Leaders Development Program from AOTA and has served as Legislative Chair for WOTA and is currently WOTA’s Membership Chair. She has conducted research on social media interactions of persons with rheumatoid arthritis, which was presented at the national American College of Rheumatology conference as well as AOTA and WOTA conferences. She also has volunteered extensively with the Arthritis Foundation and spoken at numerous national and local arthritis events, including the Juvenile Arthritis Conference, KAT-FISH Camp for Kids and Families, and the Arthritis Introspective support group. She will also bring the patient experience as she has had rheumatoid arthritis for over a decade.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Working with Siblings

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Pediatrics

Media: Download Slide Presentation

Session Description

Learn the stages of engagement between siblings. Use goal setting with parents to understand these stages, realistically manage expectations, and avoid making siblings into mini-therapists. Sibling interactions help our clients generalize their arousal control and play capacities. Small changes and adaptations can go a long way towards improving family life.

Learning Objectives:

Identify 5 stages of increasing engagement
Identify the individual dynamics in 2 families you work with
Create adaptive solutions for 2 families on your case load

Speakers:

Sara Wyckoff

MHS, OTR/L, PhD

Sara Wyckoff has worked as a pediatric OT for 40 years in both school and private settings. Her fascination with growth and development has propelled her through a Master’s in Pediatrics at the University of Florida and many courses including NDT and Sensory Integration trainings. For her midlife crisis, she chose to eschew the red convertible and get a PhD in Anthropology. This landed her in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea for 2 summers toting a clipboard and following babies around in the jungle. She is certified in NDT, SI and a fellow of the Profectum Academy in Floortime/DIR training.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Considering the Role of Praxis in Regulation

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Pediatrics

Media: Download Slide Presentation

Session Description

Praxis is a concept that is suffused within pediatric occupational therapy practice, yet it often eludes clear definition. It is commonly used interchangeably with motor planning, and yet, this doesn’t fully capture the complexity of praxis and its ubiquitous presence in nearly every aspect of our daily functioning. From our very first moments, the developing brain is busy detecting patterns and forming contingencies that allow us to make predictions about our experience, creating a vast and intricate collection of implicit knowledge about the ways that we might mobilize and take action to effect change in that experience. The aim of this presentation is to give participants a working definition of praxis and to expand their understanding of the role of praxis in development to include the child’s developing sense of agency, self-efficacy, and confidence. Case examples and discussion will include patterns and indications of constrictions in this area in preschool and school aged children, with particular focus on the child’s emotional experience and understanding how their self-concept influences their regulatory and behavioral capacities.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will develop a clinical definition of praxis and acquire plain language to convey this concept to families and other professionals.
Participants will be able to describe the roots of praxis in development and its role in daily functioning.
Participants will be able to describe the influence of praxis on a child’s capacity for regulation and participation in home and school life.

Speakers:

Rebecca Berg

MA, OTR/L

Rebecca Berg OTR/L is a lifelong scholar of relationships, human nature, and play. Since earning her master’s degree in occupational therapy from NYU in 2008, her clinical career has been devoted to supporting the relationships of children and their families through the DIR-FCD™ model and play-based intervention. Currently, she works with young children and families at Cooper House, an infant mental health practice in Seattle. She has a Profectum Academy Fellows Certificate and continues expanding her knowledge through ongoing training, mentoring, and collaboration with colleagues and has lectured on pediatric development and play both locally and nationally. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Rebecca spent time teaching preschool, early elementary special education and teaching project-based performance process at NYU. She also is an instructor at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, teaching courses for their Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Her favorite subjects of study are forever her two wild boys.

Kristin McNally

MSR OTR/L

Kristin earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. She has since practiced as a pediatric occupational therapist, specializing in sensory integration and the DIR® Model, or Floortime. Kristin is an assistant faculty member of the Profectum Foundation, where she provides training and mentoring. She specializes in treating children with developmental delays and disorders of relating and engaging. Kristin is driven to support early childhood development and to empower children and parents in their interactions through child directed play. More importantly, she is the mother of two loving children.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

NBCOT Navigator: The Next Era in Continuing Competency

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: ALL

Session Description

Steeped in current evidence, the NBCOT Navigator online continuing competency assessment tools were developed on the foundation of a national practice analysis study. Innovative and dynamic, this virtual technology platform provides OTR and COTA certificants with an opportunity to actively engage in assessing their ongoing continuing competency needs throughout their professional lifespan and access to online evidence-based resources for continued learning. Nationally recognized and award winning, the Navigator online continuing competency assessment tools are trend-setting within the profession as well as within the national certification industry.

Learning Objectives:

Increase awareness about the range of competency assessment tools available on the NBCOT Navigator
Understand how the NBCOT Navigator online continuing competency assessment tools can be used to identify practice areas for continued professional development
Learn about evidence-based resources for ongoing continuing competency

Speakers:

Lindsay Terwilliger

MSOT, OTR, NBCOT Assistant Director – Competency Assessment

Lindsay Terwilliger is an Assistant Director with the Competency Assessment department at the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). This department develops, deploys, and completes ongoing enhancements of NBCOT competency assessment products for initial and continuing competence. Lindsay has been a member of the development team for NBCOT’s continuing competency program, creating new tools for the NBCOT Navigator, and currently works with the team who constructs and validates the certification exams.

Graduating in 2010 from Thomas Jefferson University with a Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, Lindsay also earned an advanced practice certificate in concepts of Advanced Evidence-based Practice for Neuroscience in 2014. Clinical occupational therapy (OT) experiences include working at Moss Rehab-Tabor Road/Germantown on an outpatient neuro rehabilitation team and outpatient hand therapy department and providing OT services with geriatric populations at Fox Rehabilitation. Lindsay held the position of OT Education Coordinator and has acted as a formal mentor for new OT graduates entering clinical practice.

Lindsay maintains her national OTR certification and has an active OT license in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition to taking clinical courses on OT topics such as Low Vision, Advanced Dynamic Splinting, and Stroke Rehabilitation, Lindsay has also completed training related to topics in the certification industry including, project management, fairness in testing, and certification accreditation standards.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Introduction for Occupational Therapists to Review Current and Commonly Used Cancer Treatments

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Acute Care, Sub-Acute Care

Media: Download Presentation Slides PDF, Download Post Test

Session Description

This is a proposal to review and discuss popular cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, bone marrow transplant, Interleukin-2, CAR-T cell, and various immunotherapy treatments with an open dialogue.

Learning Objectives:

Introduction to commonly used cancer treatments
Review symptoms from immunotherapy drugs and cancer treatments.
To understand Occupational therapists’ role and interventions
Review and discuss long term affects from cancer treatments.

Speakers:

Vinnie Quan

OTR/L, CLT

Vinnie Quan, OTR/L, CLT had earned her masters degree from Samuel Merritt University with 10 years of experience working in skilled nursing facilities, sub-acute, ICU and acute care. She is a license therapist in the state of Washington and California. Currently, she had been working at University of Washington Medical Center as an inpatient acute care therapist for 6 years now, mainly serving the oncology population. She is a certified lymphedema specialist and had co-presented at WOTA in 2014. Inspired by her previous mentors, patients and colleagues, she is passionate about sharing with her fellow and future therapists to improve their skills, but also to be aware of occupational therapists role with patients undergoing various cancer treatments.

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Break

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Leg. Lunch

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

Vendor Meetup

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Changing Practice Areas or Re-entry: You Can Do It

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: ALL

Session Description

During this panel discussion, we will share our experiences of changing practice areas and/or re-entering the OT profession after extended time off. We will discuss issues related to finding a supportive employer, mentorship, resume writing and interviewing, licensure requirements, continuing education, and developing the personal/professional confidence to make the change.

Learning Objectives:

Identify three factors to consider when seeking an employer in a new practice area or when re-entering OT practice after extended time off.
Explain the licensure requirements for re-entry.
Discuss two ways to support professional competence after changing practice areas or re-entry.
Explain how your prior experiences have prepared you for the desired job.

Speakers:

Genie Charvet

OTD, OTR/L

Genie Charvet, OTD, OTR/L has 28 years of experience as an OT in a variety of settings. She re-entered OT practice after taking 8 years off to homeschool her children. Several years later, she changed practice areas after 20 years of employment in adult physical disability settings and currently works with children in the Kent School District. She has presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Washington Occupational Therapy Association Conferences, the Washington Speech Language Hearing Association Convention and the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference.

Judy Silva

OTR/L

Judy Silva, OTR/L has been an OT for 27 years. The first 14 years of her career were in California, working in a variety of hospital and outpatient clinic settings for physical disabilities. She moved to WA in 2004 to raise her children, and continued to work in outpatient clinics, specializing in hand therapy and industrial rehabilitation. Throughout her career, her heart has always been with children of all abilities. With her children grown and off to college, she took a sabbatical in 2017. During her time off work, she took classes focused on sensory processing disorders, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, and animal assisted therapy. She decided to follow her heart and changed directions of her career in OT, and now works with children in the Kent school district.

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Occupational Therapy and Non-Communicable Disease Management

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Health and Wellness, Healthcare Reform

Session Description

This session will explore practice opportunities in health and wellness, including disease prevention and reversal and the importance of IADLs to effective intervention for the population of individuals with non-communicable diseases (diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, etc.). The relevance to healthcare reform and the complexity of health behavior change will be discussed. Practical strategies for implementation across practice settings will be provided. Note*: this can be expanded to a 3 hour intensive

Learning Objectives:

Articulate the definition of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the relevance of IADLs in the treatment of NCDs.
Articulate the relevance of occupational therapy in the care of non-communicable diseases (diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, etc.).
- List the 10 most prevalent NCDs, according to WHO
- Apply occupational theory to practice with this population
Articulate an understanding of lifestyle medicine and the applicability to occupational therapy.
Apply health behavior change theory to occupational therapy practice, in tandem with occupational therapy theory, to maximize effective treatment planning.
- Health Belief Model
- Processes of Change
Implement strategies for health management and maintenance for clients with NCDs.
- Stage Matching
- Specific Action Plans
- Habit extinction, formation, stacking
- Coaching/Support
- Environmental preparedness

Speakers:

Donna Mann

OTD, Dip ABLM, OT/L

Donna Purtee Mann is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Associate Dean of the College of Health Science and Public Health at Eastern Washington University (EWU). She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Loma Linda University (LLU) in 1979, Master’s Degree in Education from EWU in 2009 and post-professional Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from LLU in 2012 with research in lifestyle medicine. Her early practice focused on adult neuro populations in the acute care setting, neonatology, and hand therapy. Eventually, she developed expertise in pediatrics, serving families in natural settings before establishing a private practice/home health agency dedicated to serving families through transdisciplinary teams. Among others, she is certified in neurodevelopmental treatment and in SBIRT, achieved Board Certification in Pediatrics in AOTA’s inaugural year, and became a Certified Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine – the only OT in the country to hold this distinction. She has presented at the local, state and national levels.

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Everything You Need to Know About L&I’s Return-to-Work Programs

Content Level: Intermediate

Practice Settings: Insurance Management

Media: Download Creating a Return to Work Culture PDF, Download OT Best Practices in Workers Compensation PDF

Session Description

This session will be broken down into two sections: Creating a Return to Work Culture, and OT Best Practices in Workers Compensation – Communication, Functional Tracking, Patient Engagement. Labor & Industries has created a new Return-to-Work culture in Washington State, under the Worker’s Compensation Insurance Program. Attend to learn, what our message is for businesses and injured workers. Hear about the two incentive Programs that aid in this new culture. You’ll learn about the new Legislature changes to financial assistance programs. Help us communicate to workers how they can benefit by returning to light duty or a new permanent position while on restrictions. Stay at Work Program: You may qualify for wage and expense reimbursements for providing your worker transitional or light duty work while under temporary restrictions. The benefits include: o Wage reimbursement – Base Wages (50%) paid for hours worked (up to $10,000) o Reimbursement for some of the cost of training, tools or clothing the worker needs to do the light-duty or transitional work (up to $2,500 for equipment; $1,000 for training; and $400 for clothing per claim) Preferred Worker Program: You may qualify for wage and expense reimbursements as well as a continuous employment benefit when you provide your worker with a medically approved long term job while under permanent restrictions. The benefits include: • Financial protection against subsequent claims during the preferred worker certification period • Premium reduction • Wage reimbursement o Base Wages (50%) for hours worked (Up to $10,000) o Clothing necessary to perform job (Up to $400) o Tools and Equipment necessary to perform job (Up to $2,500) • Bonus incentive for 12 months of continuous employment (Up to $10,000)

Learning Objectives:

Worker’s Compensation Insurance Benefits of our Incentive Programs for your business
Learn the message we are delivering to employers
Learn the message we are delivering to employees

Speakers:

Joyce Allen, Outreach

Sarah Martin, OTR/L

Sarah started with L&I in 1998 as L&I’s Internal Ergonomics Coordinator. Currently she is the Therapy Services Manager within Return to Work Partnerships at L&I. Since 2006, she has been the technical resource and coordinator for multiple benefits to include job modifications, home and vehicle modifications, the Progressive Goal Attainment Program, and therapy related issues to include functional capacity evaluations and work hardening. Prior to coming to L&I, she worked in different settings as an occupational therapist since 1993 and continued to work in a skilled nursing facility up until 3 years ago.

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Microsoft Accessibility Tools to Support Literacy for All

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Pediatrics, Schools, Developmental Disabilities

Media: Download Slide Presentation

Session Description

In this session, participants will learn about free Microsoft accessibility tools that can support OT clients of all ages in reading and written productivity. Learn how to incorporate Microsoft accessibility tools into your Universal Design for Learning OT toolkit to level the playing field for your clients in the classroom, at work and in their personal communication.

Speakers:

Rose Racicot

MS, OTR/L Assistive Technology Specialist

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Poster Session

Featured Posters:

A Guideline for Implementing a Tablet-Based Learning Program in a Preschool Classroom Setting

Presenter: Mikayla Woolley
Presenter Bio: Mikayla is a current Level-II Fieldwork student from Eastern Washington University. She completed her community engagement project as partial fulfillment for her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. She is interested in pediatric occupational therapy, and hopes to practice using sensory integration techniques and strategies for helping children and families overcome pediatric feeding disorders.
Poster Description: Community engagement project aimed at producing a practice guideline for preschool teachers to use to help them successfully integrate tablet-based learning programs into their classrooms, without maladaptive behavioral effects. Researcher synthesized current research around the benefits of using tablet devices (e.g. iPads) in early education classroom, ideas about program implementation, and universal design for learning in a literature review to help guide product completion.
Media:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Presenter: Kathryn King, OTAS – Green River College
Presenter Bio: Kathryn, or “Katy” for short, is currently an Occupational Therapy Assistant Student at Green River College. Previously she worked in Mental Health in Hawaii, Community Support and Outreach, Preschool and Childcare Services, Missionary Work, and Woman’s Jail and Addiction Outreach and Rehabilitation in Alaska. Through this time, she also became certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and in Permaculture Design, and double certified in Organic Korean Natural Farming. Prior to that, Katy worked concurrently as a Photographer, Arts and Crafts and How-To Instructor, Instructor at the “Pay Dirt” Farm School, and as Creative Design and Development for an organic lifestyle publication.
Poster Description: Poster Presentation Covering the basics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Occupational Therapy. Including: Description of Disorder, Etiology, Definition and Specifications, Signs and Symptoms, Medical/Pharmaceutical Interventions, Precautions & Contraindicators, Role of OT & Interventions. The latter including: Frames of Reference Commonly Used, Long-Term Goals & Objectives, and Intervention Techniques & Strategies.
Media: Download Brochure

Change in the Locker Room: Environmental Modifications to Support Swimming Participation and Reduce Caregiver Burden

Presenters:
- Kimberly Lindgren: University of Washington, 3rd year Master of Occupational Therapy student, currently fulfilling FWII requirement. Interest in pediatric OT and collaborating with families to reduce caregiver burden and to promote healthy occupations, routines, and behaviors.
- Gretchen Stuenkel: University of Washington, 3rd year Master of Occupational Therapy student, currently fulfilling FWII requirement.
- Kathleen Thorsos: University of Washington, 3rd year Master of Occupational Therapy student, currently fulfilling FWII requirement.
Poster Description: We assessed the usability of a pool facility that serves children with and without disabilities, older adults, and the general population. We will present our evaluation process; and describe physical and social barriers to swim participation, safety, and co-occupations (e.g. dressing, showering, and toileting). To support performance of locker room activities (e.g. ADLs, routines, transitions) and reduce caregiver burden, we created recommendations and worked with stakeholders to implement environmental and social changes within budgetary constraints.
Media: Download Poster, Download Abstract, Download Accessible Bathroom Guidelines

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Presenter: Angela Rubakha, OTAS – Green River College
Presenter Bio: My name is Angela Rubakha. I am currently enrolled in the OTA program at Green River College. I chose to create a poster on cubital tunnel syndrome since it is a less common disability that I believe is often overlooked. This syndrome affects the functional ability of the hands which are so crucial in participating in daily activities. I hope this poster brings more awareness and knowledge to the community.
Poster Description: The poster covers the etiology of the syndrome, causes, symptoms, conservative treatment interventions, and OT treatment interventions.
Media:

The Complexity of Health Behavior Change and Occupational Therapy’s Role in Lifestyle Medicine

Presenter: Yanet Bravo, OTS – Easter Washington University
Presenter Bio: Yanet Bravo is a current Occupational Therapy student at Eastern Washington University. Yanet completed her first FWII rotation in acute care at Virginia Mason Memorial in Yakima, WA, and is currently fulfilling her second FWII rotation in an emerging practice setting with the WSU Extension Program. Yanet focused her research on Health Behavior Change and how Occupational Therapy can play an essential role in preventing/reversing chronic diseases that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Yanet is very passionate about sharing evidence based research on nutrition and lifestyle with her community. Yanet’s long term goals include having a private practice where she can practice from a preventive/lifestyle medicine approach.
Poster Description: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and can be greatly reduced utilizing lifestyle medicine; however, implementing this approach requires patients to make a lifestyle change which is often difficult for both the patient and the health care practitioner encouraging the change.
Media:

Internet Addiction Disorder

Presenter: Donna Dockter, OTAS – Green River College
Presenter Bio: My name is Donna Dockter, I am a student at Green River College studying to become an occupational therapy assistant. I spend my free time with my 8 year old son and spouse, we love to play board games and go hiking. I have 7 years of massage therapy experience, live in Tacoma, WA and hope to work as a COTA in multiple settings.
Poster Description: The internet is everywhere, households contain multiple devices to access and use the internet, consequently, people are becoming dependent and addicted to the internet and gaming because it is widely available. Occupational therapy can help clients who are placing the internet before their health and wellness needs.
Media:

Case Study Utilizing the Impact of Occupational Therapy in Augmentative and Assistive Technology with a Patient That has Complex Communication Needs

Presenter: Russell Javan
Presenter Bio: Russell is a transfer student at Portland State University and majoring in applied health and fitness where she hopes to pursue occupational therapy after her bachelor’s degree. She is part of a research program funded by the NIH called build EXITO and is currently placed in Dr. Sam Sennot’s Universal Design Lab.
Poster Description: Will discuss the observation of AAC facilitators around a patient with complex communication needs.
Media:

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Break

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

NBCOT: Strategies for Certification Success

Content Level: Beginning

Practice Settings: Student Focused

Session Description

The mission of NBCOT is to serve the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice through evidence-based certification standards and the validation of knowledge essential for effective practice in occupational therapy. NBCOT demonstrates these practices by developing, administering, and continually reviewing the certification process based on current and valid standards which provide reliable indicators of competent occupational therapy practice.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the certification examination application process
Understand the certification examination application process
Learn about exam preparation strategies and the NBCOT Aspire Study Tools
Increase awareness of NBCOT’s role and mission and why competency matters

Speakers:

Lindsay Terwilliger

MSOT, OTR, NBCOT Assistant Director – Competency Assessment

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Pediatric Community of Practice

Session Description

What is a Community of Practice?

“Groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.” (Wenger, McDermott, & Snyder, 2002, p. 4) Wenger, E., McDermott, R., & Snyder, W. M. (2002). Cultivating communities of practice: A guide to managing knowledge. Boston: Harvard Business School Press

WOTA is in the process of forming Communities of Practice in the areas of:

Pediatrics (includes inpatient, outpatient, school-based, and post-secondary transition)

Please join this introductory meeting to find out more. The meetings will be facilitated and will provide an opportunity to give your input on the format, scheduling and topic of future meetings, discuss current issues for your practice area, and network with other OT’s and OTA’s in Washington.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Rehabilitation Community of Practice

Session Description

What is a Community of Practice?

WOTA is in the process of forming Communities of Practice in the areas of:

Rehabilitation (includes inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing, home health and day care)

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Mental Health Community of Practice

Session Description

What is a Community of Practice?

WOTA is in the process of forming Communities of Practice in the areas of:

Mental Health (includes inpatient and outpatient)

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Hands/Industrial Community of Practice

Session Description

What is a Community of Practice?

WOTA is in the process of forming Communities of Practice in the areas of:

Hands/Industrial (includes hand therapy and industrial rehab)