3-28-12
Media Advisory: Science, Innovation & Evidence in health care to set the stage in Indianapolis
More than 5,000 to attend the American Occupational Therapy Association’s 92nd Annual Conference & Expo April 26—29
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — More than 5,000 occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students will gather in Indianapolis from April 26-29, 2012, to attend the American Occupational Therapy Association’s 92nd Annual Conference & Expo. Journalists have access to occupational therapy experts providing innovative ways to help people live life to its fullest.
“The Conference will highlight important research developments and innovation in occupational therapy interventions that are helping people of all ages live more independent and fulfilling lives,” said Frederick P. Somers, executive director of the Association. “Whether it be children with autism, older adults who want to age in place safely in their homes and communities, or transition strategies for returning wounded warriors and their families, occupational therapy’s evidence-based practice is helping people every day.”
Focusing on science, innovation, and evidence, occupational therapy clinicians will come together with outstanding speakers, leaders, practitioners, educators, researchers, and students for 4 incredible days. Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).
Joseph F. Coughlin, PhD, Founder and Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, will present the keynote address from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26.
The Expo Hall will be bigger and better than ever this year sporting the world’s largest gathering of companies representing products, professional development, and employment opportunities.
More than 350 companies will be exhibiting, including Genesis Rehab Services, Marsh, Bioness, Fox Rehabilitation, EBS Healthcare, Southpaw Enterprises, Patterson Medical, Maddak, North Coast Medical, Therapro, RehabCare, plus hundreds more.
The Transportation Zone will highlight a plethora of driving tools, resources, and products and will include representatives from GM, Ford, Chrysler, AARP Older Driver Program, AOTA Older Driver Initiative, University of Florida, and more.
Additionally, several driver safety experts will train occupational therapy practitioners in the nationally recognized “CarFit” program. CarFit helps senior drivers learn how aging can change the way they fit in their vehicle and how their driving can be affected. CarFit is a free program for seniors 65 and older provided in local communities. This pre-conference training will take place from noon to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25.
Occupational therapy can be applied to all stages of life from pediatrics to geriatrics to help people keep “Living Life to its Fullest.” Interactive poster sessions will cover:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Handwriting
- Succeeding in School
- Bullying Prevention
- Physical & Cognitive Development
- Returning to Work After Injury
Caregiving
- PTSD & TBI
- Arthritis
- Feeding & Swallowing
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- Stroke Recovery
- Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia
- Driver Safety
- Fall Prevention
- Aging in the Home
- Mental Health
- Physical Disabilities
- Ergonomics
- Low Vision & Vision Impairment
- Home Modification
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Media are invited to attend sessions, chat with professionals, and learn more about occupational therapy. There are many topics that demonstrate how occupational therapy is improving the lives of clients every day. For a full listing of presentations, click here. All sessions and the expo will take place at the Indiana Conference Center, Indianapolis.
To schedule an interview with an event speaker, expert, or occupational therapy practitioner, call Media Relations Manager Katie Riley, 301-652-6611, ext. 2963 (office), 301-602-4526 (cell), or e-mail, kriley@aota.org. For more information on AOTA’s Conference & Expo,.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, click here.
