Evidence Based Practice in the School Setting

Evidence based practice in the school setting

Part 1

Teacher training in classroom ergonomics, sensory processing, motor coordination and handwriting

Date:23rdand 24thof May (This is a two day course)

Time:9h30 am – 17h00

Venue:St Mary’s Hospital Phoenix Park, Dublin

Cost:€ 95,- for AOTI members

€ 200,- for non-AOTI members

This CPD event aims to address the limited training and resources available in school-based Occupational Therapy Service provision in Ireland. It offers senior occupational therapists the opportunity to avail of teacher training resources in classroom ergonomics, sensory processing, motor co-ordination and handwriting.

Course Aims

To equip senior occupational therapists with the necessary resources, knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to act as an advanced clinical resource in the school setting through the delivery of teacher training.

Course Content:

• Introduction to school based service delivery and collaboration

• Overview of adult learning
• Application of principles within resource pack on classroom ergonomics
• Application of principles within resource pack on sensory processing and sensory rooms
• Application of principles within resource pack on motor coordination skills
• Application of principles within resource pack on handwriting
• Practical application and feedback on presentation skills

Course learning outcomes

1. To develop an understanding and working knowledge of school based collaboration between occupational therapy and education professionals.

1. To develop presentation skills in the delivery of relevant content in the areas of classroom ergonomics, handwriting, motor and sensory skills.

1. To develop skills that facilitate joint goal setting for children with occupational therapy needs.

1. To develop a clinical reasoning framework to guide evidence based practice.

1. To be provided with the opportunity to implement self and peer evaluation techniques to reflect on others and own performance.

1. To receive 3 presentation templates that can be used in practice.

Who is eligible to apply?

This course is applicable to senior occupational therapists or those with an equivalent experience level (3+ years) in paediatric practice in a variety of settings who are involved in collaborating with teachers on an ongoing basis.

This course addresses the following senior grade competencies (HSE, 2008):

A. Professional Practice

7. Professional Reasoning

7.2 Demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem solving and

decision making.

7.4 Critically evaluate the impact of contemporary issues relating to the

profession.

B.Providing a quality service

9. A Quality Service

9.10 Identifying and prioritising the requirements of change within service area.

9. 13 Lead or support activities that contribute to the improved effectiveness of

the service and organisation.

C. Education and development

15.4 Use creative and flexible teaching and learning approaches.

Background information

Collaboration with teachers is an important part of contemporary occupational therapy practice in Ireland. In particular in relation to identifying the educational needs of children with special needs (EPSEN Act, 2004). Occupational therapy in the school is shaped by an educational model in terms of language, goals and objectives, which is very different from those of the medical setting (Hanft and Place, 1996).

Yet models of practice in collaboration, are undeveloped in an international and Irish context. The need for a ‘description of models and systems which support collaboration’ (p.213) has been highlighted in a recent international literature review (Kennedy and Stewart, 2011).The role of therapists in education in Ireland has been suggested to be unclear and a more ‘clearly defined and recognized role’ (p.12) would benefit communication between therapists and teachers (Quinn & Mullally, 2008). A number of recent publications highlight how lack of coordinated collaboration between health and education staff and lack of access to allied health professionals including occupational therapists in particular is a major hindrance to special education provision in Ireland (Kinsella and Senior, 2008; Shevlin, Winter and Flynn, 2012).

Department of Education and Science (DES). (2004). Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. Dublin, Ireland: The Stationary Office.

Kennedy, S., & Stewart, H. (2012). Collaboration with teachers: A survey of South Australian occupational therapists' perceptions and experiences. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 59(2), 147-155.

Kinsella, W., & Senior, J. (2008). Developing inclusive schools: a systemic approach. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 12(5-6), 651-665.

Quinn, S., & Mullally, C. (2008). An exploration of occupational therapists' perceptions of their role in educational settings in Ireland. Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, 36(2), 4-13.

Shevlin, M., Winter, E., & Flynn, P. (2012). Developing inclusive practice: teacher perceptions of opportunities and constraints in the Republic of Ireland. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 1-15.

Course Programme

Programme for day 1

9h30Registration with Tea & coffee

10h00Introduction to school based service delivery and collaboration

Overview of adult learning

11h30Coffee Break

11h45Classroom ergonomics

13h00Lunch

14h00Sensory processing

15h30Coffee break

15h45Practical discussion

17h00Close

Programme for day 2

9h30 Motor coordination skills

11h00Coffee Break

11h30Handwriting

13h00Lunch

14h00Presentation skills workshop

15h30Questions & answers

16h00 Close

Presenters

Dr Sandra Patton, BSc. Cur Occ (Hons), PhD.

Sandra qualified in 1994 and has over 12 years clinical experience working as an Occupational Therapist with a diverse range of children with disabilities aged 0-18 years. She has worked mainly in community -based services centred on collaborating with teachers and families. She has completed a PhD. in Occupational Therapy with children. The title of her doctorate was ‘Collaborative approach to handwriting with children with Down Syndrome’. She is currently a lecturer in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at University College Cork.

Margot Barry, B.OT, MSc.

AOTI CPD officer and Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist in Paediatrics

Margot has worked in children’s services for the past 15 years, in a variety of practice settings including acute care, school based services, community services and residential services. Margot completed her MSc degree by research and thesisin a community based children’s service. It is entitled ‘Realigning the Paediatric Occupational Therapy Service – change towards Client-Centredness and Quality’. Margot is currently one of two AOTI CPD officers and has an avid interest in professional learning and adult education.

Application procedure

Please print and complete the attached application form. Send it along with you payment to the following address: (Places will only be confirmed when payment has been received)

AOTI

School Based OT

Suite 2.20

The Distiller’s Building

Smithfield Business Centre

Smithfield

Dublin 7

For any queries please contact Margot Barry at

Evidence based practice in the school setting

Part 1

Application Form

I enclose my fee of (please tick as appropriate):

AOTI member[ ] € 95

Non- AOTI member[ ] € 200

Cheques to be made out to AOTI.

Important NOTES:

Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. The number of places is capped and if more therapists apply than there are places available, an alternative date will be proposed or you will be refunded.

If you are unable to attend, the course fee is Non-refundable if you cancel your attendance with less than one week to the course date.

Lunch is NOT included in the course fee and participants are asked to provide their own lunch.

All queries to be sent to Margot Barry:

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