8:30 11:30 Evidence-Based School-Based Practice Kristi Denney, OTD, OTR/L

DAY ONE

8:30 – 11:30 Emerging Opportunities for Occupational Therapy in Home Assessments & Home Modifications - Carolyn Sithong, MS, OTR/L, SCEM, CAPS

This workshop is dedicated to the occupational therapy environmental modification practice area. Therapists will learn about OT’s distinct value in home modifications for the aging and disabled and what tools they need to assess environments for safety and function. Moving beyond, “Pick up your throw rug,” here practitioners will be empowered with statistical and demographic data that implies an urgent need for occupational therapy models of practice in this important area of home assessment. Therapists will understand evidence-based practices in environmental modifications and how to become valued providers of home modification services in their community and workplace.

8:30 – 11:30 Evidence-based School-based Practice – Kristi Denney, OTD, OTR/L

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)’s Centennial Vision calls for occupational therapists to demonstrate science driven practice. This continuing education workshop addresses occupational therapists’ need for peer support and feedback as well as advancement of their skills by recognizing what the evidence states regarding school-based practice. A consultative service delivery model in school-based practice is reviewed as well as types of interventions that school-based practitioners may use. Since handwriting is a common reason for referrals in school-based practice, literature regarding the efficacy of this intervention is addressed.

8:30 – 11:30 Manual Muscle Testing to Assess Peripheral Nerve Health: An Algorithmic Approach -Marc T. Bartholdi OTR/L, CHT, OTD

Identifying mild nerve compression lesions early is critical for neurovascular health. Manual muscle testing, while typically applied to assessing physical strength, can provide the tool needed assess mild peripheral nerve lesions and result in better client outcomes and reduce the need for surgery. This 1-2-hour lecture and lab will provide an algorithmic approach to assessing upper extremity peripheral nerve health.

12:45- 1:45 Networking/Vendors-

Designed for the student or new practitioner, the networking event will consist of a group of experienced practitioners who will share some insight into their practice area. They will be able to answer some questions from attendees in small group settings. This event is a bit like “speed dating” except that you will learn about a variety of practice settings. While the networking event is taking place, the vendor fair will be available to practitioners and students who do not wish to attend or spend much time in the networking room.

2:00 – 4:00Amanda Giles, OTD, OTR/L

Review of goniometry/kinesiology/anatomy and the use of technology (GONI app)

2:00 – 4:00 Up ‘Front’ and Personal (With the Frontal Lobe) ~Executive Function Disorder- Cara Koscinski, MOT, OTR/L

1) Attendees will identify executive function components and importance of self-regulation.

2) Attendees will define how situational awareness, forethought, and hindsight are foundational skills for successful task execution.

3) Attendees will name several treatment strategies and resources to help improve executive function and its sub-groups.

4) Attendees will create and implement treatment goals for improving executive function skills.

4:00 – 5:00 Keynote Speech – Virginia “Ginny”Stoffel,PhD, OT, BCMH, FAOTA

DAY TWO

8:30 – 9:30 Advocacy – Virginia “Ginny” Stoffel,PhD, OT, BCMH, FAOTA

Occupational therapy practitioners have a distinct role in shaping policy as a tool of intervention for people, populations and communities. Being able to communicate in a manner that invites inclusion anddiverse perspectives, and taps into what really matters for those served as it impacts health, well-being, quality of life and participation in everyday life is reflected in our advocacy practices. Advocacy requires that each OT practitioner wears their leadership hat wherever they are, and promotes the message of the distinct value of occupational therapy. Developing collaborativerelationships, offering insights based on occupational therapy philosophy and principles, and engaging those we serve in active advocacy opportunities allows full participation in everyday life to flourish in a sustainable manner. Dr. Stoffel will encourage all in attendance to self-evaluate your advocacy practices and opportunities to make the difference in meeting AOTA's Vision 2025 (Occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being and quality of life for all people, populations and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living.)

9:30 – 12:30 Animal Assisted Therapy: Improving Student Occupational Performance– Karel Dokken, OTR/L

The animal-human bond is strong, often creating the sense of acceptance, emotional balance, and purpose for the human in the relationship. Through this course, attendees will learn the importance of the animal-human bond in healthcare and how the incorporation of animals into the school-based setting increases student occupational performance. The impact of the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), on the profession of occupational therapy, while striving to meet the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Centennial Vision through developing an innovative, community-based practice is discussed in this course (AOTA, 2007). While exploring the different types AAT, an extensive literature review reveals improved student outcomes and participation in the areas of academic achievement, motor skills, social participation, self-regulation, and vocational skills. The aim of this course is to attendees the evidence behind AAT to discuss the importance of developing and implementing a pilot AAT program within the occupational therapy department at an elementary school and high school.

9:30 – 12:30 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Promoting Cognitive Health Amongst the Underserved Population - Michelle L. Webb, OTD, OTR/L, RAC-CT, CAPS

Alzheimer’s disease is a pervasive, progressive condition that affects millions of individuals in the United States. African-Americans are twice as likely to develop the disease as persons of other races. The purpose of this educational session is to offer evidence of how the incorporation of occupational profiles and functional performance can provide a contextual guide to facilitate continued participation in valued and meaningful activities. The constructs of physical and emotional health, appropriate nutritional intake, and activity engagement will provide a framework to champion a person-centered approach to care.

1:30 – 3:30The PEARL: An Occupation-Based Social Skills Manual for Children with Emotional-Behavioral Disorders - Gina Rainelli, OTD, OTR/L

The primary focus of this presentation is to describe how occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to teach social skills in a school-based setting. Practical and evidence-based research on occupation-based social skills training that supports the use of a manual based curriculum will be stressed. The PEARL (The Program for the Development of Self-Esteem, Self-Advocacy and Awareness, Self-Regulation, and Life Skills) is an occupation-based social skills curriculum designed for use with children with emotional-behavioral disorders (EBD). The purpose, rationale, occupational therapy implications, and occupational therapy interventions used in The PEARL will be explained. Descriptions of occupation-based social skill activities from The PEARL will be highlighted and attendees will experience a lesson from The PEARL. Content and learning objectives will be tied together through the use of a hands-on activity.

1:30 – 3:30 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Promoting Cognitive Health Amongst the Underserved Population - Michelle L. Webb, OTD, OTR/L, RAC-CT, CAPS

1:30 – 3:30 Building Healthy Brains: Movement Strategies for Optimal Brain FunctionCara Koscinski, MOT, OTR/L

This program will discuss the barriers a child with special needs may have when communicating and functioning in daily life and across social settings. Since every child is different, looking at the ways a child learns is important in choosing the correct strategies for that child. Emphasis will be placed on being pro-active and assisting children to learn various visual strategies to help them to participate and communicate effectively in their day-including at school and home. Tools and supports will be discussed.

3:30 – 4:30 Authentic Leadership in Occupational Therapy- Melissa M. Sweetman, OTD, OTR/L

Management and leadership are topics that many clinicians believe to be the same; however, distinct differences exist between these two concepts. Just as there are many different approaches to management, there are also many different approaches to leadership. Authentic leadership is a leadership theory that is particularly applicable to the profession of occupational therapy. Authentic leadership skills can be developed over time by focusing primarily upon building self-awareness so that the leader can behave in ways that are genuine and honest. Occupational therapy practitioners who utilize authentic leadership skills can lead employees, colleagues, or even clients to excellent outcomes. Authentic leadership and authentic occupational therapy practice are the perfect partners for today’s ever-challenging healthcare environment.