Tuesday 26 March 2019

Cup Handles

Are you working with a child on open cup drinking, but they lack the motor control or strength to hold the cup independently? I and some colleagues (in collaboration with Engineering) have been experimenting with 3D printing and silicone molding to create silicone cup handles that can be used on large bottles/ open cups. We have made a small silicone cup handle - see pictures.

 


 This is a larger version of the following commercially available product: https://www.dahdooo.com/store/c2/SHOP_lil%27_grips.html

Our group of OTs would like to collaborate with DahDooo to make larger versions of their product. Our proposed sizing is as follows:


Circumference (inches)
Handle opening (inches)
Small
7
regular juice box
1 ½
Two adult fingers
Medium
9
Ikea-style plastic cup/ Wow cup
2 1/4
Three adult fingers
Large
10
larger coffee mug (e.g. Contigo)
3
Four adult fingers


In order to make a case for larger sizes to the company, we would like to hear from you! 

If you feel this would be a valuable product for your clients, please contact Sarah Krygsman (sarah.krygsman@ahs.ca) with the following:

-          Your name
-          Your email
-          How many cup handles you think you would recommend (per month or year)
-          Preferred sizes
-          Preferred colours

Part-time OT Position with Renfrew in Bighorn, Alberta



Renfrew Educational Services is a not-for-profit, registered charity operating as an independent school.  We are an acknowledged leader in program development for children with special needs and children who are typically developing.  For 45 years Renfrew has offered a wide range of programs and services to children from Calgary and surrounding areas.

 JOB TITLE:                Occupational Therapist

 LOCATION:                Bighorn – Alberta (110 KM from Rocky Mountain House)
                                
CONDITIONS:            0.4 FTE (two days per week)

TERMS:                        One-year term to commence April 2019


Position description
Renfrew Educational Services is seeking candidates for a unique opportunity to work at the Stoney Nakoda Big Horn Health Centre. The Registered Occupational Therapist will work collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members to provide services available to individuals and families. Kilometer expense, food allowance and hotel costs will be covered.

Responsibilities
  • Provide assessments, consultation, education and direct treatment services to individuals and families
  • Recommend interventions and treat primarily pediatric clients
  • Clinical services will be focused on children/group and possibly professional development
  • Demonstrated sensitivity to, and an understanding of the Aboriginal cultural values and Traditions and the ability to work with people with diverse practices, cultures and beliefs

Qualifications
·       Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy;
·       Registered (or eligible for registration) with Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT);
·       Experience working in community settings or Primary Care Network considered and asset;
·       Experience screening for disability in a pediatric population;
·       The ability to successfully manage multiple projects and programs and priorities;
·       The ability to establish and maintain effective reporting systems;
·       Priority will be given to indigenous applicants or those who worked in a reserve setting;
·       Well-developed coordination and organizational skills;
·       Understanding of and/or work experience with Indigenous Peoples;
·       Evidence of liability insurance; and
·       Must have a clean, valid Alberta driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle.

Please submit your letter of interest to;

Human Resources Department


We wish to thank all applicants for their interest only those candidates who have been short listed will be contacted.

Equipment For Sale


Monday 18 March 2019

Ellen Yack and Associates: Agents of Change Professional Workshop

In light of the changes to the OAP and the increase in demand for OTs with knowledge of the challenges affecting those with Autism, Ellen Yack and Associates will be presenting our workshop entitled: 

Occupational Therapists: Agents Of Change For Individuals With Autism. May 5-6, 2019. 2700 Dufferin St. Unit 27, Toronto, Ontario.

This two day workshop provides a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and the challenges experienced by individuals with Autism and how we as occupational therapists can assess and provide strategies to enable this population to achieve their potential. This workshop is geared towards school, community and clinic based OTs. Other disciplines are also welcome. Please find attached the agenda and registration form.  We have limited seating. Please register early to guarantee a seat. 

Please see our website www.ellenyack.com for further details about our introductory and advanced workshops held this fall. 

Weighted Blanket Question

have been asked by a school to provide either a sample letter or direction on what should be contained in a letter to accompany the weighted blanket they (the school) loan,  for families to trial prior to the family making a purchase of their own.  They have been loaning this blanket without OT consultation.  Once I mentioned the risk and need to know pieces- they asked if there was a letter they could avail of for their school's use.
Has anyone had involvement with such a situation before and offer some guidance or direction I could in turn offer the school?

Thursday 14 March 2019

Private Contract in Cambrian Heights - NW Calgary

We are looking for OT support to work with our 6 year old son as soon as possible. He's very positive, friendly, mobile, verbal, and in Grade 1. He's been diagnosed with ASD and requires some supports for social, language, focus and attention, self regulation, and motor skill development.  We have an FSCD contract in place and already have a terrific SLP and Aide on the team.  We're hoping for around 3 hours per month of support on weekends or later afternoons around 3:30-5:00pm.  

Please contact Adrian (adriandday at gmail dot com) or Claudia (cigvillamizar at gmail dot com) if you're interested.

Thanks,

Adrian and Claudia