Tuesday 21 March 2017

Kids in Harmony Store in Red Deer

We are the Kids In Harmony Store, and we are the only teacher, educational, and special needs resource store in Red Deer. We serve anyone in the Central Alberta region and we have people from southern Alberta order products from us as well. We are the exclusive Western Canada distributor for all Kidsfit Kinesthetic Classroom Equipment, which includes a wide range of movement based learning products and equipment. Aside from all of the educational companies, we also currently distribute product for Flaghouse, Fun & Functions, and FDMT at great prices. We carry a plethora of sensory items and are getting more in stock all the time. All of our classroom equipment can be found on our website at www.kidsinharmonystore.com . 

 Our store location is at #5, 7710 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer
Our phone number is 403-309-0588
 www.kidsinharmonystore.com

Monday 20 March 2017

Developmental Playgroup in Edmonton

Led by a registered Occupational Therapist, this 6-week playgroup offers a place for parents and caregivers of infants and young toddlers (ages 4-18 months) to connect, learn, and have fun. Whether your child has a medical/developmental diagnosis, you have concerns about your child’s development, or you just want to encourage your child’s growth, you are welcome!
Sessions consist of unstructured play between you and your child, but will also include education, screening, and hands-on demonstration tailored to the unique needs of group members, as well as an opportunity to ask the occupational therapist any questions you might have. Caregivers will also receive an individualized information packet at the end of the program with information relevant to their child’s age and milestones.

Thursday mornings from 9:30 – 10:30, starting April 13, 2017
Parkdale-Cromdale Community League: 11335 85 St NW

Cost: $180

For more information or to register, email LittleBirdOT@gmail.com, or call Sarah at 780 246 6062.
Occupational Therapy services may be reimbursed by your health insurance company. Check with your provider to see if they cover OT!
Limited sliding-scale spots are available. If you believe your child would benefit from this group but cost is a barrier, please contact us to see if you are eligible for a discounted rate.

Friday 17 March 2017

Looking for Feeding Therapist

I have a family that is looking for a feeding therapist with experience in oral motor skills and/or oral placement therapy experience. The kiddo is 5 with spastic quadriplegic CP and is on a G-Tube. He receives FSCD specialized services but we are unable to provide the family with feeding specific therapy - but we do practice oral motor skills. There are no issues with feeding preferences - so SOS training will not suffice for this child. The family would eventually like their son to be getting most food from oral feeds and get off the g-tube (long term). Please let me know if you are or know of someone who is trained in the oral motor aspect of feeding and could do in-home therapy. 

daniellemacdougall@renfreweducation.org

Tuesday 14 March 2017

OT in Edmonton looking for shadowing opportunity with school-aged kids

I am an OT in the Edmonton area interested in transitioning into working with kids. Does anyone have some suggestions for relevant courses, readings I could do to better prepare me for this transition? Or know someone who might be willing to have me shadow/meet/ or speak with about it in more details? 

sally.fam@gmail.com 

Monday 6 March 2017

MRNI Postural and Dymanic Reflex Pattern Integration is being hosted in Lethbridge, Alberta May 3-6th.

MRNI Postural and Dymanic Reflex Pattern Integration is being hosted in Lethbridge, Alberta May 3-6th.  

For more information in regards to the course or registration please see the website at www.masgutovamethod.com or email erinstonehocker@gmail.com

The Dynamic & Postural Reflex Integration course provides the foundation for professionals and parents to understand the importance of primary motor reflex pattern maturation, why a reflex might not be integrated, the impact a non-integrated reflex can have, and the MNRI techniques designed to assess and integrate reflexes. Primary motor reflex patterns emerge along a predictable developmental continuum, with each successive reflex emerging to secure a child’s survival and protection as his system matures and advances. When adequately engaged, each reflex anchors neurologically more deeply a physiological, emotional and psychological sense of security, freeing an infant to focus on exploring, learning, and fully advancing through all stages of primary motor reflex maturation.  It is through this complete integration process that primary motor reflex patterns form the foundation for related motor reflex schemes (sitting up, crawling, walking, etc) to mature and for each of us to reach our full potential over time, anchoring emotional and behavioral regulation, and advancing motor, communication, and cognitive learning. Congenital disorders or traumatic events that occur in utero, at birth, or anytime after birth can interrupt the activation, maturation and integration of a primary motor reflex pattern.  Depending upon the number of reflexes impacted and the maturational deficits of each impacted reflex, a broad spectrum of life challenges can occur.

Thursday 2 March 2017

Reminder to vote in ACOT non-confidence vote

Just a reminder to vote in the ACOT non-confidence vote.

Your vote will simply answer one yes or no question: Do you wish to remove council due to non-confidence? Yes or No?

*Please note the vote IS NOT determining whether or not ACOT forms a partnership with Recreational Therapists.

Visual Perception Tools for 3-6 yrs old

Our team is looking at purchasing an assessment for visual perception and we are interested in getting some feedback about which tools OTs prefer for the young age group (3 - 6 yrs old).  Therapists are welcome to comment with their advice or email me at n.ebbesen.rowan@blackgold.ca.