Confronting Oppression in Occupational Therapy

Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Shannon Vogel, OTR/L, QMHP; Dalmina Arias, OTD, OTR/L; Jenna Zander, MS OTR/L

Course Description: Addressing issues of justice in OT literature and practice is increasing; however, the concept of oppression is rarely used in the field. This conversation will provide an overview of oppression and how it intersects with occupations and OT. We will address the importance of naming and confronting oppression and discuss how to implement strategies into practice. Identifying oppression within OT may help practitioners attend to the root causes of injustice and facilitate meaningful change.

Content areas(s): Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, General

OT Definition and Scope of Practice in Early Intervention

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Christine Doyle Morrison, MS, OTR/L; Nisha Sanghvi, OTR/L; Caren Schranz DrOT, MS, OTR/L; Ashley Stoffel, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Cheryl Michalesko, OTS; Jenny Collins, OTS

Course Description: Members of the ILOTA EI SIS have worked with ILOTA to propose and update the definition of OT in the EI Handbook, Join a conversation about the definition and explore how to use the definition during evaluation, IFSP participation, ongoing EI sessions and advocacy.

Content areas(s): Early Intervention, Pediatrics

Note: Early Intervention Credit has been approved

Assistive Technology and Right to Repair: Come Join the Conversation!

Date: Wednesday, October, 12, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Joy Hyzny, M.S., OTR/L; Kathleen Ellis, M.S., OTR/L

Course Description: Once a consumer makes a purchase of something such as a product, tool, or software, it is considered that the consumer owned the item. Given the ever-changing technology landscape, that is not necessarily the case today. We live in a disposable society and often the “next” new version of a product is out before we discovered all the features in the previous model. Some companies make it more difficult or impossible for consumers to obtain replacement parts for equipment even though the consumer technically owns the item. For individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs, they are forced to go directly through the supplier to make even basic repairs for their wheelchairs. This often leads to unrealistic time delays which can interrupt the consumer’s daily life for quite some time. Furthermore, suppliers do not make equipment or parts available for consumers, so a consumer cannot simply request a part for their wheelchair to be sent directly to them. The suppliers who obtain wheelchairs may be less quick to respond to repair needs because financially it does not provide the revenue that occurs from purchasing a new product. This “Conversations that Matter” presentation will engage participants to provide their perspective about this developing topic.

Content areas(s): Assistive Technology, General

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation: Advancing the Science of OT, Improving Both Practice and Health

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Lawrence Liff, Master of Public Policy, Fundraising Professional

Course Description: AOTF is the nation's leading non-profit investing in new OT research and the future OT workforce. Through our mission we are building evidence in demand, supporting OT students and disseminating information to the profession. This session will provide attendees with information on the current work of AOTF, events and resources for OTs as well philanthropic and volunteer roles with the Foundation.

Content areas(s): General, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Rotator Cuff Tears & Repairs: Assessment to Treatment

Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Asheesh Bedi, MD

Course Description: Rotator cuff tears are a common orthopedic injury, impacting nearly 2 million Americans each year. Surgical repair is usually reserved for the most severe cases. This presentation focuses on the benefits of nonoperative and surgical interventions and the successful outcomes of structured rehabilitation programs, including those involving occupational therapy in restoring normal kinematics and dynamic stability for an improved quality of life with this potentially debilitating injury.

Content areas(s): Orthopedic & Upper Extremity Rehab, Early Intervention

Making Every day Work Matter - OT Leaders’, Managers’ and Administrators’ Perspectives

Date: Thursday, October 20, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Panelists:

Ashlie Broadhurst, MOTR/L. Clinical Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitation, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab at Silver Cross,

Marla R. Robinson, MSc., OTR/L, BCPR, BT-C, FAOTA Assistant Director Inpatient Therapy Services, The University of Chicago Medicine

Kay Rudnitsky, OTD, OTR/L, CLT Assistant Director, Inpatient Therapy Services, Clinical Instructor, University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Occupational Therapy

Prem Mony, OTR/L, PhD, FACHE Director, IP PMR Services, Legacy NorthShore

Jennifer Richert, OTR/L Associate Director, Internal Staff Development, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Meredith Burd, MBA, OTR/L Director, Rehabilitation Center of Expertise, OSF HealthCare

Course Description: Expert OT leaders, managers and administrators will explore the current state of affairs within the healthcare industry for OT practitioners. Panelists will share their personal insights and experiences about fostering a healthy work environment; providing authentic leadership and communication; identifying strategies to address staffing issues such as: retention, scheduling, registry vs. full time, and meeting workload demands effectively; and developing a work culture that provides recognition, rewards and meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders.

Content areas(s): Administration and Management Special Interest Section (AMSIS)

The Relationship of Evidence Based Assessments to Intervention for Sensory Processing Challenges/Disorders in Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood (EC)

Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Clare Giuffrida, Angelica Barraza, Jessica Kronberg, Michelle Hanawalt, and members of Early Intervention (EI) SIS and Sensory Integration and Processing (SIP) SIS

Course Description: Specific recommendations from the AOTA Choosing Wisely campaign impact the assessment and treatment of sensory processing challenges in all individuals. In addition, the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood, DC: 0-5, has identified both Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) as distinct early childhood disorders. This conversation will include current practice in Early Intervention (EI) in identifying children with sensory motor challenges and how such challenges impact young children’s participation in valued occupations, routines and family life. We will briefly review the Sensory Profile - 2 (SP-2) and the Sensory Processing Measure - 2 (SPM-2). Participants will discuss how and when to administer these measures throughout the EI evaluation and treatment process of young children with sensory processing, behavioral and/or participation challenges.

Content areas(s): Early Intervention, Sensory Processing, Sensory Integration, Pediatrics

Note: Early Intervention Credit has been approved.

Community Changemakers: Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Non-profit Leadership

Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Evguenia Popova, PhD, OTR/L; Vivian Villegas, OTD, OTR/L; MiKayla Mix, OTS; Marissa Iacullo, OTD; Jessica Jarosz, OTD

Course Description: Occupational therapy practitioners excel in working within organizations and systems to advocate and empower change. In this session, we share the experiences of occupational therapy practitioners and students in non-profit leadership roles. We discuss opportunities for professional service and share resources for getting started on non-profit committees and boards of managers.

Content areas(s): Advocacy, Administration & Management

Leadership Development Program Panel Discussion

Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 7:00-8:00 pm

Conversation Description: Join us for a panel discussion of the ILOTA Leadership Development Program (LDP) with mentors and mentees of the 2021 - 2022 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, from local to national to international exposure, 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.

Current Issues Affecting Home and Community-based Practices--Identifying Solutions

Date: Thursday, November 3, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Monika Robinson, DrOT, OTR/L, Andrea LeFlore, OTD, OTR/L, Dalmina Arias, OTD, OTR/L, Shannon Vogel, OTR/L, QMHP

Course Description: As there is a narrow range of literature on non-traditional home and community-based occupational therapy services at the Illinois state level, it is difficult to highlight what is working well and what is not and where professional working groups might target policy efforts. Federal policy reimbursement changes have affected home health practices that are impacting access to OT services and are further complicated by agency procedures and lack of OT staffing. Changes are also occurring for other areas of practice at the state level impacting community-based services such as people with serious mental illness transitioning out of skilled nursing facilities into the community and access to OT services for people experiencing homelessness. Therefore, this Conversation that Matters will brainstorm to collect participant recommendations and priorities for OT home and community practice in the state to be used to recommend and support licensure change. This session will also highlight some of the factors contributing to practice challenges in home and community-based services and identify existing grass roots efforts that have been undertaken at the state level through the ILOTA HCH SIS group

Content areas(s): Home and Community Health Special Interest Section (HCH SIS)

Sensory Integration and Processing Terminology: Similarities, Differences and Why it All Matters

Date: Monday, November 7, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Caren Schranz DrOT, MS, OTR/L; Kyra Barillier MOT, OTR/L; Samantha Holzschu MSOT, OTR/L

Course Description: Following the first quarterly Sensory Integration and processing special interest section meeting, it became apparent to us that terminology revolving around sensory processing, sensory integration, and the merging of the two is a complex discussion and interweaving of definitions. The terms of the sensory system's appeared to be consistent across all participants in the meeting, with underlying and underpinnings of various term's having continued difficulty and confusion for both practitioners and participants, and their families, in occupational therapy services. This discussion aims to continue the conversation on terminology of both aspects of sensory rehabilitation and the impact terminology has on daily occupational therapy practice.

Content areas(s): Sensory Processing, Sensory Integration, Pediatrics, Adult Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities

JEDI the Conversations Behind Our Force

Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 7:00PM-8:00PM

Presenter(s): Samantha Wallenberg, MS, OTD, OTR/L & Lillian Chen-Byerley, MS, OTR/L,R/NDT, RCTC

Course Description: 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 have an ongoing conversation to clarify definitions related to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). In collaboration with the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD) connections subcommittee, we will provide the most recent updates of current work being done. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss action-based strategies to integrate JEDI principles within OT

Content areas(s): Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Motor Planning Interventions for Rett syndrome: A Convenience Sample at an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Rita Moore, MS, OTR/L, Matthew Medick, OTD, OTR/L

Course Description: This presentation will discuss a doctoral Capstone project conducted by the presenters at an intermediate care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD). Participants will learn about Rett syndrome and the variable presentations associated with this condition, as well as the findings of the research and the implications for practice. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussion regarding individual experiences in working with this population. Additionally, participants will learn about the use of the Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework as a tool for disseminating research, providing quality improvement and establishing a foundation for future research.

Content areas(s): Developmental Disabilities

Unprecedented Times: Challenges and Considerations for School-Based Practitioners

Date: Monday, November 14, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Michelle Mays, MS, OTR/L, Moira Bushell, OTD., MEd., OTR/L, BCP

Course Description: School-based occupational therapy practitioners are challenged with defining their unique role and delivering services in a system facing unprecedented times: Fallout from the covid-19 pandemic, ongoing school shootings, and historical personnel shortages. Federal and state mandates call for integrated supports for every child with a focus on student and community mental health. Please join us as we reflect on the current school climate and discuss opportunities for authentic occupational therapy service delivery aligned with best-practices and whole-school, whole-child approaches to health and wellness.

Content areas(s): School-based SIS

Occupational therapy as one of the solutions to the mental health challenges post pandemic: Dipping into our generalist training to support each other and those we serve

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

Presenter(s): Lisa Mahaffey, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

Course Description: This conversation will focus on the potential of the occupational therapy workforce to be part of the solution to the mental health challenges that have come to light since the start of the pandemic. There are occupational therapy practitioners in a wide variety of settings, and everyone has had some training in mental health occupational therapy. This conversation will focus on the role we could have, not just in mental health settings, but in higher education, schools, and settings focused on physical disabilities, to be part of the solution. Participants will be asked to brainstorm ways practitioners might tap into past training, development of opportunities to re-familiarize practitioners in different settings on mental health supports, brainstorm ideas for how to be a part of the solution, as well as how we might approach our settings to get involved.

Content areas(s): General, Mental Health

Looking Forward and Backward in EI: Issues and Updates in Early Intervention. Panel discussion with Question and Answer period led by new EI Bureau Chief, Benny Delgado Jr. and EI Partners

Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7:00pm-8:00pm

EI Partners:

• Provider Connections (Credentialing): Amy Betz/Director

• Monitoring and Technical Assistance: Gary Reed/Director and Jessica Coonrod/Program Manager,

• Early Intervention Training Program: Chelsea Guillen/Ombudsman

• Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (Lending Library): Sarah Isaacs/Project, Coordinator and Librarian

• Early Intervention Central Billing Office: Ryan Pulver

Sponsored by EI SIS Co-Coordinators and Members (Clare Giuffrida PhD., MS, OTR/L, C/NDT, FAOTA, Maureen Karwowski, OTR/L and Ashley Stoffel, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA)

Course Description: The new Bureau chief, Benny Delgado and his team of EI partners will describe their different roles in the system, as well as, current changes and issues within their respective departments. A question and answer period will follow allowing participants to clarify issues raised and to ask questions about the Illinois EI system as it moves forward with new leadership and direction in the years ahead.

Content areas(s): Early Intervention, Pediatrics

Note: Early Intervention Credit Pending