UOTA Participation and Reflection
Keynote Address (8:00-9:00 am)
This address by Chad Hymas was one of the most inspiring I have ever heard. I first had feelings of great sympathy for him because of the experience that caused his disability. However, as I listened to all he learned from his experience, my feelings changed to admiration for the courage he has displayed throughout his life and how he hasn’t allowed his disability to define him. He has risen above what he’s gone through to travel around the country to motivate and encourage others. I also love that he attributed his success to his OT therapist and said that OTs are the real heroes in rehabilitation. This was very inspiring to me.
NBCOT National Certification Exam: Information you need to know (9:10-10:10 am)
Although I am still in my first year of the OTA program, I thought it would be helpful to get a head start on the procedures, exams, study tool resources, and test day information so I am aware of what I need to do in my second year. I found the information very valuable and was grateful for the vast knowledge Beth Cardell furnished us with as students. I left the session feeling better about the various aspects of the national certification exam and confident that I would succeed.
Hands-on with Hands-Free Technology Access: High-Efficiency Technology use for those with limited hand function (10:20-11:20 am)
This was one of the most interesting technology workshops I have attended. I learned about all the amazing technology we have on our computers, phones, and other devices. I found out that Apple phones, laptops, iPads, and iMacs have eye-tracking, head-tracking, and voice commands that allow a person with limited or no hand function to operate these devices as a fully functional hand user would. The highlight of this workshop was the MouthPad. When James Gardner demonstrated how it worked, I couldn’t believe that such technology could be put into something that you put in your mouth. Once the MouthPad was inserted (like a retainer), he used his tongue to scroll on the tracking pad, which was on the roof of the mouth. He then demonstrated how the technology in the device tracks the wearer’s head movements to zone in on the computer or phone icons to open them. I was in awe of all the technology I learned about, which I never knew existed on all my Apple devices. I feel that knowing this information will be very useful in my future career as an OTA to offer options to clients with limited or no hand use to increase their independence in their daily activities.
Specialty Practice Areas, Poster Presentations, and Vendors (11:30-12:00 pm)
I attended the Rehab/Adults Specialty Practice Area with Jon Farrington. This is the practice area I am most interested in. I learned about the different aspects involved in adult rehab settings. What I learned is how adult rehab settings focus on helping patients regain or improve their independence and function in activities of daily living. This is done through therapeutic activities, which include ADL retraining, craft groups, and activities that challenge patients while addressing deficits. Assistive technology was also addressed, where OTs will assess and train patients on how to use assistive technology. Other aspects of adult rehab are education, home safety, discharge planning, cognitive skill development, and community reintegration. These are all things I am looking forward to using as an OTA to aid patients in regaining their independence and doing what is most meaningful to them.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an OTP or Student: Strategies for Success (1:40-3:40)
I had heard of imposter syndrome but wanted to know more about it. Imposter syndrome is a behavioral phenomenon that causes people to doubt their abilities, skills, or accomplishments, even when they have evidence of their success. I learned that this behavioral phenomenon is common among professionals in many different vocations. I discovered that there are five imposter types: 1. The Perfectionist 2. The Natural Genius 3. The Expert 4. The Rugged Individualist (soloist) 5. The Superhuman. My imposter type is “The Perfectionist.” There are some rules and reframes that each type needs to apply to their lives. I need to remember that not everything I do deserves 100% as I have other things besides my academics that require my time. I need to prioritize and do the most important things first and remember that perfectionism can inhibit my success as an OTA and that non-perfection should be embraced. This workshop helped me to understand things I need to be aware of about myself to help me be the best OTA practitioner I can be. Knowing my flaws as a person can help me be a lifelong learner and be open to correction and different ways of doing things. This will be valuable in my journey to becoming an OTA.
How I Started a Postpartum Acute/Outpatient Program (4:00-5:00)
Royce Porter (OTR/L) told us of the challenges and successes he’s experienced in the process of starting up the postpartum acute/outpatient program. He said he’s gotten a lot of backlash from women due to being a male in a female-dominated environment. However, he was so passionate about the work he does, which is wonderful to see. I didn’t realize how much is available to women for postpartum health, which is a lot more than in earlier years. He told us that he helps women with pelvic health, sexual dysfunction issues, breastfeeding, weight loss, depression and anxiety, sleep deprivation, and more. After attending this workshop, I felt I knew more about postpartum assistance than I’ve ever known before – it was very informative. Hearing how much Mr. Porter loves his job as an OT made me even more excited for my future as an OTA and to interact with and assist individuals in getting the help they need to become more independent.
The knowledge and information I gained from the workshops I attended will stand me in good stead in my future career as an OTA. I feel more empowered and confident in my ability as a student to become a certified OTA and to make a difference in the lives of my future clients/patients. I also feel certain now that this is the right career choice for me.