Upcoming CAOT-BC Practice Network Meeting: Pediatric

We are pleased to announce an upcoming CAOT-BC Practice Network meeting. Meetings are run via webinar and registration is required to participate. 

Cost is free for CAOT-BC members and $20 for non-members. 

Pediatric Practice Network

Ready to play? 
Date: February 13, 2019

Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm Pacific Time

Location: Webinar and in person (Vancouver)

Registration

Description: Through a case study of a young child with autism, participants will gain an understanding of key features of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and social referencing, the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) within this practice model, and strategies for engaging very young children with autism in play-based behavioural therapy. 

Presenters: Andrea Schneider and Emily Lee are occupational therapists working at Nurture Society for Learning and Development in Vancouver, BC. Their practice incorporates the Early Start Denver Model  into their early intervention services for young children with autism.  

Andrea Schneider completed a Masters of Science in Experimental Neuropsychology at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 2012, and a Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia in 2014. Her research at UVic focused on the assessment of executive function, and she directed a research lab focused on improving intervention for school-aged children with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  

Emily Lee completed her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy at the University of Toronto in 2002.  She has spent much of her career in pediatrics, working primarily in community based early intervention services. Emily completed her Masters of Rehabilitation Sciences through the University of British Columbia in 2017, focusing her final directed studies on a scoping review of the research literature regarding early identification of and intervention for Developmental Coordination Disorder.  

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Free English as additional language (EAL) course for parents and caregivers of children and adults with disabilities

An opportunity for families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities to learn about resources, services and support groups. 

What: Parenting and Disability
When: January 17 - March 7, 2019 | Thursday 12:15pm - 2:15pm
Where: Burnaby Neighbourhood House

Registration and more information

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Check out the new DCD Advocacy Toolkit!

Have you seen the new DCD Advocacy Toolkit? Its resources are designed to support occupational therapists in carrying out best practices for DCD management and advocacy. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is very common in children and youth, but often over-looked by the health care community. Our research team of occupational therapists received funding from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research to develop and share a freely accessible DCD Advocacy Toolkit to facilitate evidence-informed assessment, treatment and early intervention for DCD.

The DCD Advocacy Toolkit includes:

• A comprehensive evidence synthesis on the management of DCD (written for clinicians)
• Easy to read information sheets summarizing best practices in DCD, including:
• Assessment methods
• Treatment approaches
• Early intervention
• Advocacy
• Letter templates to support OTs, teachers and parents to advocate for a diagnosis, for funding, and for additional OT services to address the needs of children with DCD and their families
• A webinar highlighting current research, best practices, and the toolkit resources

The toolkit can be accessed at http://www.childdevelopment.ca/DCDAdvocacyToolkit

Ensuring current knowledge in best practice is key as OTs are central to the delivery of evidence-informed DCD assessment and treatment. Toolkit resources will also support your advocacy efforts to help ensure that children and youth receive timely and much needed intervention and support to manage the motor deficits and secondary consequences that affect their quality of life. We thank you in advance for your time and interest, and for sharing these resources broadly.

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Upcoming CAOT-BC Practice Network Meetings: Pediatric and Chronic Pain & OT

We are pleased to announce two upcoming CAOT-BC Practice Network meetings. Registration is required to participate. 

Cost is free for CAOT-BC members and $20 for non-members. 

Pediatric Practice Network

Handwriting Intervention for School-Aged Children using Printing Like a Pro! - Research Findings, Application and Updates 

Date: October 24, 2018
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Presenter: Ivonne Montgomery, BSc.OT, MRSc.
Location: Webinar and in person (Vancouver, BC)
Register by October 23

Chronic Pain & OT Practice Network Meeting

Concussion Management: Case Study Review

Date: October 24, 2018
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Webinar
Presenters: Tara Trethewey and Jill Olson
Register by October 23.

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Resource for your Practice: DCD Advocacy Tookit

Have you seen the new DCD Advocacy Toolkit? Its resources are designed to support occupational therapists in carrying out best practices for DCD management and advocacy. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is very common in children and youth, but often over-looked by the health care community. Our research team of occupational therapists received funding from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research to develop and share a freely accessible DCD Advocacy Toolkit to facilitate evidence-informed assessment, treatment and early intervention for DCD.

• The DCD Advocacy Toolkit includes:
• A comprehensive evidence synthesis on the management of DCD (written for clinicians)
• Easy to read information sheets summarizing best practices in DCD, including:
• Assessment methods
• Treatment approaches
• Early intervention
• Advocacy
• Letter templates to support OTs, teachers and parents to advocate for a diagnosis, for funding, and for additional OT services to address the needs of children with DCD and their families
• A webinar highlighting current research, best practices, and the toolkit resources

The toolkit can be accessed at http://www.childdevelopment.ca/DCDAdvocacyToolkit

Ensuring current knowledge in best practice is key as OTs are central to the delivery of evidence-informed DCD assessment and treatment. Toolkit resources will also support your advocacy efforts to help ensure that children and youth receive timely and much needed intervention and support to manage the motor deficits and secondary consequences that affect their quality of life. We thank you in advance for your time and interest, and for sharing these resources broadly.

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Are you a pediatric OT interested in promoting your profession? We need you!

CAOT-BC is seeking volunteers for the following events: 

Autism Speaks Walk & Resource Fair
Date: September 30, 2018

Location: Goodlife Family Fitness Autism Hub, 3688 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC 

Description: Volunteers will represent occupational therapy at the CAOT-BC exhibit booth. This is an opportunity to connect with the public, answer questions and promote the role of occupational therapy for people with Autism.

Available shifts: 

• 8:00am-10:00am (includes booth set up)
• 10:00am-12:00pm (includes booth take down)

CAOT-BC has materials for a number of interactive activities for children and parents. Volunteering include one 30 min teleconference call in September for orientation and planning.

6th Health and Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities Conference: Creating Partnerships
Date: November 8-9, 20188
Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport, Richmond

Description: Volunteers will represent occupational therapy at the CAOT-BC exhibit booth. This is an opportunity to connect with families and other health professionals to promote the role of occupational therapy for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities. 

Please note, volunteers receive an exhibit pass only. To attend sessions, an educational pass needs to be purchased here.

Available shifts: 

• November 8 | 8:00am-12:00pm; 12:00pm – 4:30pm (shift times are flexible)
• November 9 | 8:00am-12:00pm; 12:00pm-4:30pm (shift times are flexible)

Interested? Email scharles@caot.ca with your preferred shift time.

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Early Bird Rates for the 6th Health and Wellbeing in Children, Youth and Adults with Developmental Disabilities Conference

The term developmental disabilities (DD) refers to individuals with intellectual disability, autism spectrum, fetal alcohol spectrum and related neurodevelopmental genetic syndromes. Children, youth, and adults with DD are vulnerable to high rates of general health and mental health concerns. This interactive 2018 conference will focus on practical strategies and partnerships to optimize their potential. Our goal is to help clinicians and caregivers learn effective ways to work with individuals with DD, and their families, in partnership to improve their quality of life experience. The conference will also provide educational and informative psychiatric, behavioural, mental health, and complex physical health updates specific to individuals with DD, and showcase best practices in the field. This conference will engage health care providers and educators from a wide range of professional disciplines in knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary collaboration. Early Bird Registration Open! Early bird registration is now open! Be sure to register before/on September 28, 2018 to save with these rates. See More on Registration Brochure Available Online The brochure is now available online and registration is now open! See Conference Brochure To learn about location and accommodation, featured presenters, bursaries, and more, visit: http://interprofessional.ubc.ca/initiatives/hw2018/

CAOT-BC will have a booth at this event and is seeking volunteers! If interested please send an email to caotbc@caot.ca  #OT365

OT in the News: The first privately run multidisciplinary paediatric therapy clinic for the Sea to Sky Corridor

Image credit: The Squamish Chief

Occupational therapist Tara Cain talks about starting her own clinic, what its like working with kids, and the benefits of practicing in an interdisciplinary setting. 

Read the full article in the Squamish Chief

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NCCAH Webinar: Culturally Safe Children's Rehabilitation Services

Making steps towards the provision of culturally safe children's rehabilitation services with Indigenous communities, families and children

In the spirit of Jordan's Principle, there is no better time to explore and rethink how children's rehabilitation/early intervention therapy services (occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy) with Indigenous communities, families, and children can be provided in ways that are consistent with the principles of cultural safety.

The webinar will be based on Dr. Gerlach's recent NCCAH publication on this topic and will draw on her 20-year history and extensive experience of providing occupational therapy with families and children in partnership with First Nations, and Indigenous early years programs and organizations in British Columbia.

When: June 7, 2018 | 11:00am-12:30pm PST

Registration

Webinar Goals:

This webinar will provide participants with:

• A critical analysis of the concept of 'children's rehabilitation' in the context of Indigenous families and children in Canada.
• An understanding of how children's rehabilitation programs and practices with Indigenous communities, families and children can be responsive to the historical and ongoing effects of colonization in Canada.
• A review of current practices that are aligned with the principles of cultural safety.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Alison Gerlach, CIHR Banting Postdoctoral Fellow and MSFHR Research Trainee 

Dr. Alison Gerlach is currently a CIHR Banting Postdoctoral Fellow and MSFHR Research Trainee with Dr. Margo Greenwood at the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Alison's research focuses on the development of inclusive and responsive knowledges, and early childhood and family policies and practices that address social justice and health equity issues for families and children who live with various structural forms of social disadvantage. Her work explores questions that are of interest to early childhood, child advocacy, child welfare, and health and social service organizations. Alison will be joining the University of Victoria in the summer of 2018 as an Assistant Professor in the School of Child and Youth Care.

Recommended Readings:

Gerlach, A. (2018). Exploring socially-responsive approaches to children's rehabilitation with Indigenous communities, families, and children. Prince George, BC: National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.

Gerlach, A. J., Browne, A. J., & Greenwood, M. (2017). Engaging Indigenous families in a community-based early childhood program in British Columbia, Canada: A cultural safety perspective. Health & Social Care in the Community, 25(6), 1763-1773. doi: 10.1111/hsc.12450

Gerlach, A. J., Browne, A. J., & Suto, M. J. (2018). Relational approaches to fostering health equity for Indigenous children through early childhood intervention. Health Sociology Review, 27(1), 104-119. doi: 10.1080/14461242.2016.1231582

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Evidence for Practice: Task Training and Hand Dexterity in Kids with Cerebral Palsy

Image credit: iStock

Article for review: 
Moon, J. H., Jung, J. H., Hahm, S. C., & Cho, H. Y. (2017). The effects of task-oriented training on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a preliminary study. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(10), 1800-1802.

This study investigated the effects of task-oriented training (TOT) on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The intervention group received 20 minutes of task- oriented training per session, in addition to conventional occupational therapy (2x/week for 4 weeks). Improved hand dexterity was seen in the intervention group 

Conclusion: Task-oriented training may be used as an intervention to improve hand dexterity in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Read full text article

Resource for your Practice: Fostering positive weight-related conversations - A knowledge translation casebook

This Casebook is a practical guide designed to support healthcare professionals have positive weight related conversations with all children and their families, with some additional information around children with disabilities.

The Casebook is organised around the following five sections:

• Who should participate in weight-related discussions?
• When and how should the topic be raised?
• What should healthcare professionals say?
• How can healthcare professionals enhance family engagement?
• What techniques have been recommended?

Download your free copy of the Casebook

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Childrens Medical Equipment Distribution Service Program Update

The Ministry of Children and Family Development and HME have been fielding questions and are making some changes to CMEDS program effective immediately. These changes are based on client and therapist feedback, with hopes of making the program better for all users.

Changes include (read full list of updates here):

1. A CMEDs equipment listing will  be uploaded on the HME website.
2. Families as well as therapists can now request servicing on equipment over 2 years old
3. HME is going to launch a new exciting "CMEDS newsletter".
4. Therapists can now request to make an appointment to view equipment in lower mainland depot (Richmond).
5. HME is building an online centre to find equipment user manuals.
6. CMEDS equipment may now be returned at our South Surrey depot (in addition to our Richmond location).

For current and up to date information on the program:

• Visit our website: www.hmebc.com and click on the CMEDS tab
• Email admin@hmebc.com to sign up for the monthly CMEDS Newsletter

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OT needed to join Paediatric Update Symposium planning committee for 2019

It’s time to start the planning process for the 2019 Paediatric Update Symposium, a conference for rehabilitation therapists working with children and youth with developmental disabilities!

Planning consists of one 60-minute teleconference a month starting in January 2018 and progressing through to the Spring of 2019. There is also a bit of homework between teleconferences such as reviewing potential topics and speakers for the conference.

The BC Association for Child Development and Intervention will facilitate the planning of the conference, but is looking for front line clinicians from across BC to drive the process via the planning committee.

This is your opportunity to contribute to the themes and topics presented at the conference! If interested please forward your name, profession, and contact information to jason@bcacdi.org.

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Provide Input on the TherapyBC website

TherapyBC is looking for your help in revamping the existing TherapyBC website. 

The intention of the TherapyBC website is to provide clinicians and employers with resources that will support their ability to provide services to the children and families served through MCFD funded therapy programs. You are invited to provide feedback on the current site and suggestions for improvement. Please take the survey that is most appropriate to your current position:

Survey for clinicians

Survey for employers  

Deadline is February 1, 2018 

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CAOT-BC Pediatric Practice Network Meeting: January 30, 2018

Topic: Trauma Informed Practice

Presenter: Kim Barthel is a world-renowned teacher and occupational therapist, actively supporting multi-disciplinary function and healing in many cultures internationally. Kim’s specialties include Attachment, Sensory Processing Intervention, Mental Health and Neuroscience. www.kimbarthel.ca

Description: This presentation will provide practitioners with the connection and neurological interplay between attachment, developmental trauma and sensory processing issues. Participants will develop an elementary understanding of the use of relational attunement as a regulatory influence that supports and stabilizes the arousal and sensory processing systems as treatment for trauma. 

Please note that during this meeting Kim Barthel will also be selling her book “Conversations with a Rattlesnake”. Please bring cash with you if you are interested in purchasing a copy. 

This meeting will take place by teleconference and in person. Registration is required to participate.

Date: January 30, 2018

Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm Pacific Time

Location: Teleconference & in person
Registration: https://www.caot.ca/viewEvent.html?productId=9868

Cost:

Free for CAOT-BC members

$20 for non-members

If you have any questions about registration please contact CAOT-BC.

If you have questions about the Pediatric 

Practice Network and upcoming meeting, please contact Hina Mahmood.

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Interested in learning more about a new DCD Advocacy Toolkit?

Are you interested in attending an interactive educational webinar in the spring of 2018 to learn more about a new DCD Advocacy Toolkit?

This toolkit has been developed for Occupational therapists (OTs), as we play a key role in DCD assessment and treatment. Recent research has shown that OTs in BC report a lack of knowledge about best practices in DCD assessment and treatment, and an interest in developing advocacy skills to support children and families. The DCD Advocacy Toolkit was developed to target these gaps.

The DCD Advocacy Toolkit webinar will include:

• A review of DCD and its implications
• A thorough overview of the Toolkit, including resources and best practice guidelines.

The webinar will increase participants' understanding and knowledge both of current evidence-based guidelines for DCD diagnosis and intervention. OTs will learn how to apply this evidence in the assessment and treatment of clients with suspected DCD, and to more effectively advocate for diagnoses when appropriate. After attending this webinar, OTs will have new awareness of tools and resources to support best practice and enhanced knowledge of advocacy opportunities in BC.

Send an email to imontgomery@cw.bc.ca by Jan 22nd, 2018 to let us know if you and/or your colleagues are interested in attending a webinar.

We thank you in advance for your time and interest on behalf of the DCD Advocacy Toolkit Team:

Dr. Jill Zwicker

Stephanie Glegg

Giovanna Boniface

Ivonne Montgomery

This research is funded by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.

Pediatric Therapy Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development funding is available for occupational therapists working in MCFD funded agencies.

Current opportunities include: 

• Funding to attend the 2018 CAOT Conference
  Deadline for application: January 12, 2018

• Funding for professional development course registration fees 

Visit the Therapy BC webpage for more information

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Pediatric Therapy Recruitment and Retention Strategy Webinar

We are pleased to announce the first in a series of pediatric webinars, available to therapists (OTs, PTs, and SLPs), as part of the targeted pediatric therapy recruitment and retention strategy initiated and funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

This initiative was created to address recruitment and retention challenges facing the occupational therapy (OT), physiotherapy (PT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) professions. CAOT-BC is a member of the advisory committee for this MCFD initiative.

As part of this initiative, MCFD is providing webinars for therapists to access. They will be available live and through recording. These webinars will inform therapists on clinical topics and are meant to relate to broad topics that will be of value to broad populations of therapists. 

Please find the registration link for the first webinar, It’s the Little Things that Count: Intro to Dynamic Core for Kids and Application to Baby Treatment below:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pediatric-webinar-its-the-little-things-that-count-intro-to-dynamic-core-for-kids-and-application-tickets-39555848608

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Resource for your Practice: Jumpstart Charity

Since 2005, Jumpstart has been assisting Canadian families overcome the financial barriers to accessing play and sport with the generous support of the Canadian Tire family of companies. Now, with an additional five-year $50 million commitment from Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart is expanding its mandate to help remove barriers for kids with disabilities. 

• Parasport Jumpstart Fund: A partnership between Jumpstart and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), the fund helps families whose children have physical disabilities gain access to funds so they can participate in a variety of parasport activities. Learn more.

• Jumpstart Community Accessibility Grants: Grants support capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving physical accessibility to recreation facilities in Canadian communities. Learn more.

• Jumpstart Inclusive Playground Project: Jumpstart will work with selected municipalities in every province and territory to design and build inclusive playgrounds for kids of all abilities. Jumpstart’s goal is to ensure that these playgrounds become the standard for inclusive play, and create community spaces where kids of all abilities can play side-by-side. Learn more.

Learn more about Jumpstart here

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CAOT-BC Pediatric Practice Network Meeting: December 6, 2017

Topic: Motivational Interviewing

Presenter:  Nina Giuliani, OT and Intake Coordinator for the Early Intervention Therapy Program at Centre for Ability (CFA) in Vancouver

Description: 
Nina Giuliani is an OT and the Intake Coordinator for the Early Intervention Therapy Program at Centre for Ability (CFA) in Vancouver. She will be joining the Pediatric Practice Network on Wednesday December 6th to discuss how to use Motivational Interviewing with our clients and their families. 


Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based communication style that draws out individual reasons for change, decreases discord, builds readiness, and strengthens commitment to change. Motivational Interviewing has been proven to improve engagement, retention and treatment outcomes. Many OTs in diverse practice areas (mental health, vocational rehab, and pediatrics) have adopted using Motivational Interviewing over the years to engage their clients and enhance their treatments. CAOT has hosted workshops for level 1 and level 2 based on adult populations over recent years.  BC-CFA has also invited Cristine Urquart, of Change Talk Associates, to present on Motivational Interviewing and the therapeutic context of working with parents and caregivers of children.

Nina will present examples of how BC-CFA therapists have used Motivational Interviewing with their pediatric population, and we will attempt a live practice example, to see it in action. As the Motivational Interviewing approach changes our traditional OT practice style, it is essential for ongoing practice in order to be successful. Therefore, Nina's presentation will be followed by a discussion around how to set up practice groups and an opportunity for Pediatric Practice Network members to stay to arrange setting up their own practice groups in their communities. The meeting starts at 6:00pm and the presentation will go until 7:30pm. For those who want to stay and discuss practice groups, we will stay until 8:00pm.

This meeting will take place by teleconference and in person. Registration is required to participate.

Date: December 6, 2017

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Pacific Time

Location: Teleconference & in person
Registration: https://www.caot.ca/viewEvent.html?productId=9844

Cost:

Free for CAOT-BC members

$20 for non-members

If you have any questions about registration please contact CAOT-BC.

If you have questions about the Pediatric 

Practice Network and upcoming meeting, please contact Hina Mahmood.

#OT365