Session Descriptions
Friday, November 11, 2011
NOTE: Exhibits will be open from 1:30 pm–6:30 pm
3:00 pm–4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)
1. Clinical Session: Work and Industry
Speaker: Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L, CPE, FAOTA, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
Work and industry is a growing area of opportunity in occupational therapy. This session will discuss ergonomics across the age span with a focus on The AOTA National School Backpack Awareness initiative, research in healthy computing, and a study investigating iPad use in a middle school math class. Be prepared for a hands-on experience to learn strategies for the wise use of technology and backpacks.
Room: 551 AB
OR
2. Clinical Session: Children and Youth
Speakers: Annette Correia, OTR/L; and Susan Hermes, MS, OTR/L, BCP, both of Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts; Julie B. Kornbluth, MA, OTR/L, EBS Healthcare, San Diego, California
The first speaker will provide valuable resources for future graduates that are planning to provide educationally-based therapy services within the U.S. or overseas. Be prepared to learn efficient and effective strategies to initiate therapy for students, and to collaborate as a strong member of a school systems team to ensure success. Also, to increase cultural awareness and sensitivities to the communities you will work with and to explore additional opportunities to volunteer with outreach programs or work internationally.
The second set of speakers will discuss the pediatric hand advanced practice area at Children's Hospital Boston. Topics addressed will relate to developmental concepts and skills, evidence-based practice (EBP) resource recommendations, environmental adaptations, significance of parent involvement, and discussions of common genetic hand abnormalities with clinical intervention. In addition, the network of transitional care starting from the roles of inpatient OT services to outpatient specialty clinic OT services, and to local OT provider will all be reviewed.
Room: 555/556
OR
3. Building Your Professional Image Within Social Media
Speakers: Lauren Erardi, EdM and Kimberly Hartmann, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, both of Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
This presentation will discuss how to minimize potentially unprofessional images and text on the Web and how to use free tools to begin to put the best professional step forward. The discussion will focus on strategies to: locate unprofessional images in social media, build professional images that include the use of professional networking sites, the ethical use of email, and maintenance of the American Occupational Therapy Association Code of Ethics in the electronic world while staying connected.
Room: 552 AB
OR
4. Your Fieldwork, Your Future
Speakers: Colleen Doyle, OT Student, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts; Joan A. Drevins, PT, DPT, MS, CC, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Neal Drew, OT Student, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts; Susan M. Higgins, MA, OTR/L, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Nicole Pawelczyk, OTA Student, New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and Michael Roberts, MS, OTR/L, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
The foundation for your success as a future OT practitioner is constructed through your fieldwork experiences. How do you make the most of these experiences? This session will help you to learn about successful strategies for professional development through Level II fieldwork. You will hear from and have opportunities to ask questions of an academic fieldwork coordinator, experienced fieldwork supervisors, and both OT and OTA students currently completing Level II fieldwork. Participants in the panel will represent physical dysfunction, mental health, and pediatric fieldwork settings.
Room: Ballroom DE
4:30 pm–5:15 pm
Welcome Ceremony
The 2011 Student Conclave Welcome Ceremony is one you won’t want to miss! Come dressed in your school colors or OT class T-shirts. You will be welcomed by NBCOT Board Chairperson Christopher Alterio and hear powerful opening remarks from AOTA’s President Florence Clark. To kick off our new meet-and-greet, Executive Director Fred Somers will congratulate the schools with the most attendees at Conclave, those whose students came the farthest, and many other announcements. You’ll have the chance to compete for door prizes by answering OT trivia questions; meet the ASD Steering Committee; and more!
Room: Ballroom ABC
5:30 pm–6:30 pm Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)
OTs in Academia: Teaching as a Career Choice
Speakers: Joanne S. Jones, MS, OTR/L, New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and Katherine M. Post, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts
Occupational therapy practitioners have unique skills and approaches for teaching clients what they need to know to function. What's different about teaching occupational therapy students? This session will focus on moving your career from practice in the field to preparing entry-level practitioners. We will look at building a teaching portfolio, from preparing and presenting in services, conference papers, posters, and workshops, to part-time teaching at an OT or OTA program, to moving to a full-time academic position. Learn about potential job opportunities at different types of colleges and universities, and how to qualify yourself for various teaching and administrative responsibilities in academic settings.
Room: 551 AB
OR
The Occupational Therapy Practice-Scholar: Embedding Scholarship in Practice and Engaging in Scholarly Practice
Speakers: Salvador Bondoc, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CHT, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut; Leanne Yinusa-Nyahkoon, ScD, OTR/L, New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, Rhode Island
The vision for occupational therapy as a profession that is “powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based” compels practitioners – new and seasoned – to assume a new role, the occupational therapy practice-scholar. A practice-scholar is one who engages in scholarship to find answers to important clinical questions; and build, apply, and evaluate evidence in everyday practice. In this short course, we will outline avenues in which an occupational therapy practitioner may pursue scholarship about and while maintaining clinical practice. We will use the Boyer Model of Scholarship, as adopted by AOTA, as a framework to avenues to realize the practice-scholar role.
Room: 552 AB
OR
Mock Interviews & Resume Critiques (Pre-registration required)
Room: Ballroom ABC
Saturday, November 12, 2011
NOTE: Exhibits will be open from 8:00 am–3:30 pm
8:30 am–9:15 am
NBCOT: Steps Toward Your Essential Credential
Speaker: Paul Grace, MA, CAE, NBCOT, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Do you know what steps you need to take for obtaining and maintaining YOUR essential credential? Everything is spelled out in one concise session, from early determination and prescreening for initial certification to what to expect at the testing center. This session will include an overview of the value of the NBCOT credential and steps you need to take to maintain your certification.
Room: Ballroom ABC
9:15 am–10:15 am Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)
Realities and Myths of the COTA® Examination
Speaker: Marissa Gayle, MOT, OTR/L, NBCOT, Gaithersburg, Maryland
What can you do to prepare for the NBCOT certification examination? Everything is spelled out in one concise session, from the examination blueprint to examination preparation tools and tips. Learn realities and myths about how the COTA examination is constructed and administered, and hear tips on preparing for the exam. The session will include an overview of the format of the examination—including sample multiple choice practice items.
Room: Ballroom DE
OR
Realities and Myths of the OTR® Examination
Speaker: Margaret Bent, PhD, OTR, NBCOT, Gaithersburg, Maryland
What can you do to prepare for the NBCOT certification examination? Everything is spelled out in one concise session, from the examination blueprint to examination preparation tools and tips. Learn realities and myths about how the OTR examination is constructed and administered, and hear tips on preparing for the exam. The session will include an overview of the format of the examination illustrated with sample practice items.
Room: Ballroom ABC
10:15 am–10:45 am
Exhibits Open/Networking Break
10:45 am–11:45 am Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)
5. Clinical Session: Productive Aging
Speakers: Holly Alexander, OTR/L, CDRS, Fox Rehabilitation, Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Eric Franklin, OTR/L, Carelink and Cyndi Forcier, PACE Organization of Rhode Island; both of Providence, Rhode Island.
The first speaker will address the role of the occupational therapy generalist in driving and community mobility, the resources available to locate a driver rehabilitation specialist, red flag issues to identify when driving may be an unsafe option, and alternative transportation resources.
The second group of presenters will discuss the Program of All Inclusive Care for the elderly (PACE). The PACE Organization of Rhode Island helps adults 55 and older who have chronic health and long-term care needs and wish to live in the community. Attendees will get a glimpse into how PACE coordinates healthcare and support services in the home, the community and the PACE Centers.
Room: 555/556
OR
6. Army Occupational Therapy
Speaker: CPT Erik S. Johnson, MS, OTR/L, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
This session will provide an overview of what it is to be an army occupational therapist and how it differs from civilian settings. The presenter will share personal experiences from serving as the first OT to be deployed to an Airborne Brigade Combat Team that was charged to stand up the first dedicated medical facility to screen and treat mTBI in combat. Additionally, it will discuss the typical daily operations for an OT serving our soldiers at medical treatment facilities across the United States. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear about the opportunities to serve the wounded warrior in treatment settings such as polytrauma, burns, amputees, and TBI.
Room: Ballroom DE
OR
7. Starting Your Own Private Practice/Entrepreneurship
Speaker: Paul Fontana, OTR, FAOTA, Center for Work Rehabilitation, Lafayette, Louisiana
Going into a private practice setting can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience. However, it is important that the practitioner go into it with eyes open and a realistic expectation of what the environment is going to bring. The speaker will provide examples of areas to consider before deciding whether this is a good idea for you; pros and cons on having a physician partner; and how to deal with competition, creatively market and sell your services, and manage your cash flow. The speaker will also share some pitfalls, horror stories, and examples of surviving and thriving under adversity that occur along the way.
Room: 552 AB
OR
8. Clinical Session: Mental Health
Speakers: Mary Brinson, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Barbara Ostrove, MA, OTR/L, both of Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
This presentation will address how to integrate Sensory Modulation strategies into everyday mental health practice. Topics covered will include: defining sensory modulation, appreciating the role of sensory modulation in the de-escalation process, and understanding how to use sensory modulation in a mental health setting. Groups, individual activities, environmental adaptations, and the use of creative activities will be discussed. Data from quality improvement projects that evaluated the effectiveness of sensory modulation and Healing Arts groups will be presented.
Room: 551 AB
11:45 am–12:45 pm
Sponsored Lunch/Networking with Fellow Students
Room: Ballroom ABC
12:45 pm–1:15 pm
Exhibits Open/Networking Break
1:15 pm–2:00 pm
Panel of New Practitioners
Speakers: Lilly C. Ditto, MOT, OTR/L, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Heather Meyer, COTA/L, Meeting Street, Providence, Rhode Island; Emily L. Vaught, MS, OTR/L, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Stacy Wilson, MS, OTR/L, OT Traveler, Multiple sites throughout the USA.
Hear from a panel of new practitioners who will share their insights in successfully making the transition from student to new practitioner. Both OTA and OT new practitioners in a variety of practice settings will be represented. Be prepared to ask your questions so you too can successfully make the transition.
Room: Ballroom ABC
2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Policy, Advocacy, and the Future of Occupational Therapy
Speakers: Amy Jo Lamb, OTD, OTR/L, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan and Tim Nanof, MSW, American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, Maryland
The debate about the role of government and the private sector meeting societal health care needs continues to boil and the outcome is of significant consequence to occupational therapy practitioners. Learn how you can join the debate and become an effective advocate for occupational therapy. Empower yourself and your profession to ensure that occupational therapy thrives as you begin your career. Get Informed, Get Involved, Get Loud!
Room: Ballroom ABC
3:00 pm–3:30 pm
Exhibits Open/Networking Break
3:30 pm–4:30 pm Concurrent Sessions (Choose One)
9. Clinical Session: Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Speakers: Karen Halfon, OTR/L; Paul N. Petrone, MOT/L; and Kacey Semchenko, OTR/L, all of Spaulding Rehab Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Speakers will discuss advancements in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. Topics to be addressed will include: a brief review of stroke etiology, as well as review of common deficits related to stroke; review of stroke recovery and current theories of neuroplasticity; treatment approaches for motor recovery, perceptual impairments, and cognitive impairments; upper extremity positioning including current theories on splints, arm boards, and slings; and current technology for upper extremity (UE) recovery including a brief overview of Bioness, MYOMO, and Armeo. In advances in spinal cord injuries, you will be informed on the most current assistive technologies, neuro-muscular re-education, durable medical equipment, and home modifications to maximize your patient's independence. Each level of spinal cord injury will be reviewed with treatment interventions as well as common medical complications. Our goal is to increase understanding and your treatment approach while incorporating the latest technologies when working with patients with spinal cord injuries.
Room: Ballroom DE
OR
10. How to Land Your First Job: From A to Z
Speaker: Maureen Peterson, MS, OT/L, FAOTA, American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, Maryland
Feel confident that you have the right strategies to make a good impression and find a match for your professional interests and needs after attending this interactive session. The presenter is currently an AOTA chief officer who has hired many employees in a variety of settings, and will discuss basic job-seeking strategies and interview expectations. This will include how to talk about "hot" but sensitive areas you need to assess such as "personal fit," productivity requirements, supervision, organizational culture, and more. The role and occasional perils of social media for job applicants will also be covered. There will also be time to discuss your own questions and concerns as you head out into the job market.
Room: 555/556
OR
11. Introduction to Documentation and Reimbursement for the New Graduate
Speaker: Monica Robinson, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
As a new practitioner, navigating the waters of reimbursement (private insurance, Medicare/Medicaid) can be tricky. Learning new payment systems, while being a good clinician, is challenging It becomes even more so when you include understanding documentation requirements and proper billing codes, while gaining overall knowledge of reimbursement policies and procedures. This session will give new practitioners resources and strategies that can lead to successful reimbursement.
Room: 552 AB
OR
12. Clinical Session: Health & Wellness
Speakers: Florence Clark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and Ingrid Kanics, OTR/L, Kanics Inclusive Design Services, LLC, New Castle, Pennsylvania
Occupational therapy’s role in the treatment of obesity and common co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension will be described using a Lifestyle Redesign® approach. Specific content areas and session activity approaches that have been shown to be effective for producing sustained weight loss in the USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice will be outlined. The positive outcomes of this approach are conceptualized to be due to its emphasis on a holistic perspective that takes lifestyle factors into account, its sensitivity to cultural traditions, and its focus on better management of stress, occupations, and daily routines. The second presentation will take students through the fascinating journey that one occupational therapist has taken from a classroom project to an out-of-the-box career. The trip includes lots of play experiences in the field of universal design to create amazing play spaces for children of all abilities around the country. Work experience includes nonprofit settings, museums, and playgrounds, to name a few.
Room: 551AB
4:45 pm–5:30 pm
Closing Celebration
In a great interactive Q&A session hosted by the ASD Steering Committee, you will have the chance to network closely with AOTA and NBCOT leaders that represent their Boards of Directors, advocacy and policy, and practice. Take advantage of this small setting to start building your career by getting to know the leaders of the profession. AOTA President Florence Clark will offer some final closing remarks before you head out to an evening of fun in Providence and the AOTPAC Night at the Westin. Join us!
Room: Ballroom ABC
