Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: All
• Downloads:

Session Description:

This presentation will provide an update on NBCOT certification programs and services including initial certification, certification renewal and continuing competency, partnerships with OT State Regulatory entities, and qualifications and compliance review. The value of NBCOT certification is supported by the organization’s mission to serve the public interest in its diversity by advancing just, equitable, and inclusive 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 that provide reliable indicators of competence of the practice of occupational therapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify ways in which the benefits of ongoing continuing competency can provide personal support in the marketplace

• Become informed about the partnership NBCOT has with OT state regulatory entities, their shared missions to protect the public interest, and what this means for occupational therapy practitioners

• Increase knowledge of the NBCOT Disciplinary Action Process and resulting outcomes

• Become familiar with NBCOT evidence-based competency assessment tools and resources that can help support continuing competency needs

Speaker(s):

Shaun Conway, OTR and Barbra Williams, DrOT, MS, OTR

Session Details:

• Content Level: Intermediate
• Practice Settings: All
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Are you an experienced clinician who has considered transitioning to teaching occupational therapy coursework at the university or community college level? Are you wondering what types of credentials and experiences you might need to support your transition? There are a variety of teaching positions available, and the number of occupational therapy schools needing faculty are growing in Washington State. Come join our short course on how to transition to part-time or full-time work in academia. We will discuss types of teaching possibilities (in-person, online, guest lecturing, adjunct and full time faculty positions), academic requirements necessary for each type of teaching experience, and ways to begin the transition and/or make the transition smoother. Whether you are just starting to consider teaching as a possibility or have completed an advanced degree come and join the conversation.

Learning Objectives:

• Following this course participants will: Understand the variety of teaching positions that are available to them (such as guest lecturing, adjunct teaching, full time faculty, remote or in-person teaching).
• Articulate the types of education and clinical experiences needed for different types of teaching positions.
• Describe ways to support a transition into teaching in academia.

Speaker(s):

• Sheryl Zylstra, OTD,OTR/L
• Aimee Sidhu, OTD, OTR/L

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Hands
• Downloads:

Session Description:

In this course we will provide an overview of GripLock Finger and how the engineering in the product allows it to be the lightest and strongest metacarpal solution in its category on the market. We will discuss how to identify optimal candidates and learn how the GripLock Finger compliments our other three body-driven devices. A comprehensive multidisciplinary Q&A will end the session with manufacturer, prosthetist and therapists weighing in on how best to facilitate the care surrounding patients with these teams.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the features and benefits of the new GripLock Finger.
• Distinguish how this new device compliments NP’s other body-driven prostheses.
• Accept the multidisciplinary approach of manufacturer, prosthetist and therapist as the optimal course of care for this patient population.

Speaker(s):

• Chantel Wilson, B.A

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: All
• Downloads:

Session Description:

AOTF is the nation’s leading non-profit investing in new OT research and the future OT workforce. This presentation will cover the mission, accomplishments and impacts of AOTF and opportunities for OT to engage with our work. This presentation will cover three areas of the AOTF mission: how we build in demand evidence through our research grants and programs, what support and resources we offer for OTs in school and in practice and opportunities for everyone to engagement with the work of AOTF. Attendees will learn how AOTF, OTs only non-profit foundation, is making unique investment to early-stage OT research as well as addressing priorities of the practice and issues in the profession. The second century of OT will be defined by evidence-based practice and AOTF is dedicated to meeting the demands of clinicians, clients, caregivers, payers and policymakers. AOTF is a leader in the work to grow, enhance and strengthen the future of OT and we look forward to you joining with us in this mission.

Learning Objectives:

• How is AOTF building new knowledge for OT practice?
• Where can OTs obtain new evidence for their practice?
• How can OTs support the mission AOTF and future occupational therapy?

Speaker(s):

• Lawrence Liff, Chief Development Officer

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: All
• Downloads:

Session Description:

During this session, NBCOT staff will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams. Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, and advice from other students and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the national certification examination application process
• Learn about exam preparation strategies and the NBCOT Aspire® Study Tools and StudyPack™
• Increase awareness of NBCOT and the importance of continuing competency

Speaker(s):

• Shaun Conway, OTR
• Barbra Williams, DrOT, MS, OTR

Session Details:

• Content Level:
• Practice Settings:
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Coming Soon

Learning Objectives:

Coming Soon

Speaker(s):

• Martha Bryan

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Pediatrics
• Downloads:

Session Description:

The natural environment enhances pediatric client outcomes by affording creative and physical play, as well as social-emotional learning. This presentation delineates practical considerations for the application of nature-based interventions. While specific approaches exist to incorporate nature-based programming within a pediatric outpatient occupational therapy setting, the practical implementation of these interventions into an existing practice setting is not widely known. To illuminate this process we developed a continuing education seminar based upon an examination of relevant literature across multiple disciplines: occupational therapy, psychology, and experiential education. We found that nature, as the co-facilitator of the therapeutic process, provides benefits to the client through enhancing outcomes across multiple domains: global mental and physical functioning, as well as, supporting participation in valued occupations and activities of daily living (AOTA, 2020; Dankiw et al., 2020; Figueroa., 2020; Pesce et al., 2016). Play, as a therapy modality, is an important skill for healthy childhood development and outdoor spaces may enhance this by sparking creativity, promoting physical play, and encouraging social interaction (Hanscom, 2016; Wilkinson et al., 2021). Therefore, the components of our curriculum include: the natural environment in the context of occupational therapy, sample interventions, billing, logistics, permitting, risk management, potential barriers and examples of local resources such as potential community partnerships. The curriculum as first presented in Spokane, Washington, utilized a survey methodology to determine its effectiveness in increasing participant’s confidence for the use of nature-based occupational therapy interventions within pediatric practice. Results of the survey demonstrate a significant change (p <0.05) in knowledge growth and confidence in understanding the application of nature-based occupational therapy interventions in pediatric therapy. These results signify that by demystifying the process of implementation, occupational therapists will feel more confident implementing the therapeutic benefits of nature to achieve client outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objective 1: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify 3 important logistics for implementation of nature-based interventions into practice.
• Learning Objective 2: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify 3 sample nature-based interventions.

Speaker(s):

• Lucretia Berg, OTR/L
• Kate Samp, MOTS
• Natalie Berry, MOTS
• Cassandra Benitez, MOTS

Session Details:

• Content Level: Intermediate
• Practice Settings: All
• Downloads:

Session Description:

A variety of environmental factors affect clinician productivity and therapy outcomes on a daily basis. Several of these factors will be addressed via didactic presentation and experiential learning activities. A variety of strategies to mitigate or eliminate interfering factors will be presented and explored.

Learning Objectives:

• 1) Identify at least three (3) environmental factors affecting productivity and/or outcomes
• 2) Identify at least three (3) strategies to mitigate or ameliorate environmental factors
• 3) Identify how to incorporate at least one (1) mitigation strategy into your clinical practice

Speaker(s):

• Karla Gray, OTR/L, LICSW

Session Details:

• Content Level: Intermediate
• Practice Settings: Pediatrics
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Beginner to intermediate level course appropriate for therapists working in pediatrics, developmental delay, Neuro rehab, and geriatrics. If you have patients that cannot easily get in and out of bed on their own, patients that cannot move their bodies in/out of the supine position independently, then  this  course is for you. Therapeutic positioning for sleep is a gentle, non- invasive intervention that supports a person with mobility impairments in a comfortable symmetrical position for sleep. It has been shown to protect body shape and prevent or reduce pain, hip dislocation, and scoliosis related to spending long periods of time in unsupported asymmetrical postures. This is an active course where you will have the opportunity to use materials in order to experience sleep supports for yourself.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify body functions and structures affected by static positions over time
• 2. Identify which patients can benefit from support in lying positions
• 3.  Explain the importance of supporting the whole body
• 4.  Learn practical strategies using common materials to successfully add support for your current clients.  5. Problem solve solutions to potential difficulties

Speaker(s):

• Patricia Toole, MSOT, MAT, OTR/L, ATP

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: All
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Join WOTA’s legislative chair and lobbyist to discuss why WOTA engages with state government and advocacy. Learn about WOTA‘s past legislative successes, and get an overview of what’s coming for the 2023 legislative session, including a bill to allow multi specialty practices in WA State. Please bring your burning issues, suggestions and questions to our informal discussion for the last half hour of this presentation.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. By the end of the session, participants will be able to state one new mental health screening tool for practice.
• 2. By the end of the session, participants will be able to describe at least two trauma-informed approaches to utilize throughout the OT process, across practice settings and populations.
• 3. By the end of the session, participants will be able to list at least one new community resource to promote mental health and well-being in everyday practice.

Speaker(s):

• Kate White Tudor, JD
• Patricia Toole, MSOT, MAT, OTR/L, ATP

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Mental Health
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Addressing mental health in occupational therapy practice is a professional responsibility, regardless of age, context, or condition of the population served (AOTA, 2022). Members of the WOTA Mental Health CoP will share screening, intervention strategies, and mental health resources for occupational therapy practitioners to utilize in a variety of practice settings. Topics include principles of trauma informed care, and community-based mental health approaches across the lifespan. AOTA’s 988 campaign connecting occupational therapy and mental health will be discussed, along with the Mental Health CoP state advocacy initiatives. Participants will explore, learn, and share new community resources to promote mental health and mental well-being in everyday occupational therapy practice. Reference American Occupational Therapy Association. (2022). Making the connection: Occupational therapy & 988. AOTA Workforce Capacity. https://www.aota.org/practice/clinical-topics/-/media/713201d003d64c8cbbd3bfb47366017d.ashx

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the session, participants will be able to state one new mental health screening tool for practice.
• By the end of the session, participants will be able to describe at least two trauma-informed approaches to utilize throughout the OT process, across practice settings and populations.
• By the end of the session, participants will be able to list at least one new community resource to promote mental health and well-being in everyday practice.

Speaker(s):

•  Elaine Masarik-Williams, OTR/L
• Amy Kashiwa, OTD, OTR/L
• Wynne Scherf, OTR/L
• Melanie Gomes, OTD, OTR/L

Session Details:

• Content Level: Intermediate
• Practice Settings: Pediatrics
• Downloads:

Session Description:

This presentation will encourage attendees to re-evaluate mealtime participation from the perspective, “It’s not about the food.” By learning about and applying the five components of trauma-informed care, participants will analyze common feeding problems and behavior as seen through the diagnostic framework of Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD). Together, we will apply these tenants to create new interventions and positive outcomes to increase clients’ relationships with food and themselves.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will re-evaluate mealtime participation from the perspective, “It’s not about the food.”
• Participants will receive an introduction to the five components of a trauma-informed care approach
• Participants will analyze and apply five components of TIC with PFD to create positive client relationships with food and themselves

Speaker(s):

• Rachael Catt, OTD, OTR/L

*Part TWO is on SUNDAY

Session Details:

• Content Level:
• Practice Settings:
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Coming Soon

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon

Speaker(s):

• Martha Bryan

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Clinical education,Fieldwork
• Downloads:

Session Description:

Many Occupational Therapy Assistant Students’ have unique strengths adapted from completing their schooling experience within the pandemic environment that include rapid adaptability to changes in routine, comfortable with technology, wider breadth of innovative treatment interventions, and documentation techniques. This course will focus on teaching the Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant Clinicians’ how to utilize these strengths to improve their Fieldwork educator-student experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify 3 new strengths of students pandemic era that can improve the Fieldwork educator-student experience
• Describe the AOTA Performance Evaluation and how it can be used systemically throughout the clinical experience to improve the Fieldwork educator student experience.
• Identify 3 strategies for managing student and or clinician conflict to improve the Fieldwork educator student experience.

Speaker(s):

• Robin Marie, MOT OTR/L, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Pediatrics
• Downloads:

Session Description:

• Coming Soon

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Mental Health
• Downloads:

Session Description:

• Coming Soon

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Rehab/Hands/Industrial
• Downloads:

Session Description:

• Coming Soon

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon

Session Details:

• Content Level: Beginning
• Practice Settings: Student
• Downloads:

Session Description:

• Coming Soon

Learning Objectives:

• Coming Soon