Community-Based Practices in Illinois
Date: Monday, October 4, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
OT's are increasingly becoming a vital member of teams in non-traditional community-based service settings such as working with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In this evolving position, OTPs report experiencing barriers and unique challenges due in part to a lack of evidence as well as specific practice guidelines to refer to. In this conversation, case studies will highlight various interventions across different non-traditional contexts prompting discussion on the potential need for future IL practice guidelines and areas for our scope of practice. Attendees will explore potential innovative channels to practice in IL that provide opportunities to explore research and practice efforts needed to contribute to this science-driven profession.
Transition-related Treatment Planning for Teens with ASD
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Recent literature details evidence of negative postsecondary outcomes for youth with level 2/3 ASD, as well as the lack of engagement of OTs in transition planning with this population. To address these needs found in the literature and community, this discussion will focus on OT's role in supporting youths with level 2/3 ASD during transition out of high school and providing accessible interventions to help them acquire relevant employment and independent living skills.
Facilitating Occupational Justice: Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Role in Community Reintegration for Persons with Disability
Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
The Comprehensive Class Member Transition Program (or CCMTP) came to existence in response to Colbert v Quinn, which accused the Illinois state government of being out of compliance with the Supreme Court Olmstead decision. As of 2020, 2,023 Colbert class members were identified for Assessment – the assessment that determines if a person is recommended for transition to the community and thus will receive support from the CCMTP. Occupational therapy practitioners are educated and trained to conduct standardized assessments intended to assess individuals’ level of independence in a variety of contexts and environments, however, they are not currently being optimally utilized by the agencies that conduct CCMTP Assessments. Instead, assessments are often conducted by social workers or counselors.
Promoting Awareness of the OT Profession
Date: Monday, October 11, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
In an effort to advance its strategic plan initiatives related to inclusion and diversity, ILOTA has formed an ad-hoc Community Outreach Committee. This committee is devoted to: 1) creating print and video resources about occupational therapy; 2) developing a mentoring program for youth to prepare them to apply for OT or OTA programs; and 3) developing connections with various organizations, such as school districts and libraries, throughout the state of Illinois. Please join this conversation to share your ideas about each of these initiatives.
Teaching in an OT Program During a Worldwide Pandemic
Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
The transition to online teaching and learning, as a result of the pandemic, challenged faculty, staff and program directors and IT departments in a variety of ways. The entrenched belief that occupational therapy curriculum, or health related curriculum in general, needed to be taught in person as a hand on application, was open to debate for the first time. Necessity required creativity, which required learning new approaches and finding alternatives to present materials, many of which encouraged students to be more self-directed. Although clearly some things do need to be taught as hand on application, other areas of OT curriculum really did lend itself to the online and self-directed formats. Opportunities to teach online also opened up opportunities for students and staff that were not possible in a full in person format. Many of us are glad to be back in person, however this session will explore how we can support a more blended approach to teaching OT curriculum, how that might enhance both teaching and learning and other lessons learned as we navigated this challenge and consider the potential that this could happen again.
Introduction to the Early Intervention Coalition
Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
This conversation will inform students and practitioners about the formation and mission of the EI coalition, an interdisciplinary advocacy group of occupational, physical, and speech and language practitioners in early intervention, supported by their respective state professional associations. Throughout the session EI coalition advocacy efforts will be highlighted while participants identify their current concerns and challenges within the EI system. Links to resources guiding participants understanding of the many facets of the early intervention system in Illinois will be provided with Q and A utilized. Early Intervention (EI) CE credit is approved for this course.
Confidence in Your Position as an OTA
Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
OTAs are an integral part of the team. How do you define your value? What makes you feel successful? How do you gain trust and build relationships with others to encourage teamwork? Join us in an open discussion of how to build and maintain confidence in your career as we navigate challenges in our profession together as it relates to OTAs and identify resources to support one another.
Annual Business Meeting & Awards Ceremony
Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
Time: 9:00 am
2021 Keynote Presentation: Sleepaway
Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
Time: 10:00 am
ILOTA is proud to welcome Dr. Sally Wasmuth as the 2021 Virtual Conference Keynote Speaker. Dr. Wasmuth received a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University, and a PhD in Philosophical Studies of Biology from the University of Exeter, UK. Dr. Wasmuth is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Indiana University, Indianapolis. Her research focuses on translational and implementation science, particularly in the areas of occupation-based intervention for addictive disorders, and arts-based initiatives for stigma reduction. Dr. Wasmuth is the author of several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has received several grants to support her work in stigma reduction, anti-racism, and equitable, population-based mental health care.
Conversation with Representatives from the Illinois Bureau of Early Intervention
Date: Monday, October 18, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
To foster ongoing dialogue in Illinois about occupational therapy service delivery in Early Intervention the ILOTA EI SIS has invited Ann Freiburg and several team members from the Illinois Early Intervention Bureau to join with EI occupational therapy providers in a virtual round table discussion. Team members from the Illinois EI Bureau will discuss their multiple roles and responsibilities including current changes and challenges within the Illinois EI system specific to OT service delivery in EI. This conversation will set the stage for continuing dialogue about optimizing EI OT family centered services in the current and future health care climate. Participants are invited to submit questions for the conversation via the office@ilota.org prior to this discussion. Early Intervention (EI) CE credit is approved for this course.
Using Assistive Technology with Developmental Disabilities Populations
Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
We will provide basic introduction to AT, switches, access methods, and AT use with individuals with I/DD. We will explore the intersection of assistive tech with I/DD populations and provide resources for those wanting to learn more about this specialty area.
Acute Care & Post-Acute Care Transitions
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Clients have better outcomes when care transitions are organized and efficient. When Occupational Therapy Practitioners, OTPs, intervene during a patient’s hospital stay, the better the outcomes are for a transition to community living. Clients also move through the continuum of past-acute sites. How can OTPs promote practices that will have better outcomes for clients, better client experiences, and better workforce culture. OTPs can assist in reducing hospital re-admissions.
JEDI, the Force within the Profession
Date: Monday, October 25, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
One of the goals of AOTA’s DEI Strategic Plan Report (June 2021) is to “promote a shared understanding of the dimensions and terminology of DEI among AOTA members, the profession, and with other related professions”. The purpose of this presentation is to engage in conversation to clarify definitions related to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). Participants will have an opportunity to discuss action-based strategies to integrate JEDI principles within OT.
Approach Matters: Ways to Gain Participation from our Patients with Dementia
Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Occupational therapy practitioners have a crucial role in treating individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. The referral to OT for a client with dementia is often related to a diagnosis other than dementia, such as a fall or fracture. However, it is important that the development of a care plan must incorporate proven approaches, interventions and goals that center on the individual's cognitive abilities, behavioral components and any other motivational factors for participation.
Getting Started in Early Intervention
Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
This discussion will guide interested students and practitioners in becoming occupational therapy early intervention providers while providing an overview of what is required of an occupational therapy practitioner to hold and maintain an EI credential. Also, it will cover the EI principles and a general outline of the EI practice setting in Illinois. Resources guiding participants through the EI system will be provided and Q & A will be utilized. Early Intervention (EI) CE credit is approved for this course.
Leadership Development Program Panel Discussion
Date: Thursday, October 28, 2021
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Join us for a panel discussion of the ILOTA Leadership Development Program (LDP) with mentors and mentees of the 2020 - 2021 cohort. These individuals will offer insights about their experiences in the program, including their challenges and successes in the year-long collaborative effort. Members of the LDP committee will also take part in the discussion, addressing the program's accomplishments in the past year as well its plans for the future. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions about the LDP, gaining a better understanding of this important element of ILOTA in developing a strong and growing base of leaders in our profession in Illinois.