Calgary Peds Group - Frozen Meals

As many of you are aware, Anne Robillard, a fellow pediatric O.T., has been dealing

with her son Noel’s significant health issues for several years. Noel is now 8

years old and while he had a successful bone marrow transplant in May 2011, he

continues to need constant care and health advocacy from Anne and his family.

Anne has a very supportive network of friends and family, however her friend who

helps her with meals each week is going away soon until April.

We are wondering if there would be any of you from our amazing group who might

be willing to provide one fresh or frozen meal to Anne and her two boys, aged 13

and 8. We thought that as a group we could set up a schedule, and try to support

them with nourishing meals through these next three months.

If you are able to provide a meal, please contact either Ronalee Cunningham at

ronaleeandbruce@shaw.ca or Susanne Williams at Susanne.williams@shaw.ca or

(403)245-0850, and we will provide you with more details.

Thanks so much!

Ronalee and Susanne

SleepRight: Sleep resources for youth with chronic health conditions.

A team of researchers from the University of Alberta has completed a critical review of the evidence for non-pharmacological sleep interventions for youth with chronic health conditions. The review was supported by the Health Research Transfer Network of Alberta (RTNA) and Alberta Innovates Health Solutions. The full report is available on the website http://www.SleepRight.ualberta.ca .The website contains a collection of evidence-based sleep resources for youth with chronic health conditions, their families, healthcare providers. Downloadable patient education brochures about evidence-based sleep interventions are also provided.

Sleep Right Website

Calgary OT Paediatric Interest Group Meetings

We meet the last Monday of the month in October, November, February, March and April.at 7:30. The location varies around the city. Check the blog for each month's location.

This is very casual where everyone can share information, new toys or books, discuss case studies or any other burning questions people may have. We also try to have one person share information on a specific topic, such as a course they have been to or an interesting book they have read.

We are always looking for someone to share information. If you would be willing to do so, please contact Carol Vickery at kids4ot@gmail.com 

Our next meeting is:

Monday Feb. 27, 2012

Location: IDEAS Therapy Office

Suite 405 Willow Park Centre

10325 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.

Topic: Cathy Schneider OT, has been doing Neuro-feedback training using the NeurOptimal system by Zengar. She has been using the system with good success with many clients with ASD and clients with ADD/ADHD. Cathy will discuss what this is and how she is seeing it work.

Sensory Profile Easy Scoring

I created an excel document to easily calculate the scores for Factors, Sections and Quadrants from the Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire. I thought I would share it on here for anyone who doesn't want to go through the hassle of doing it themselves. Just input the number for the 125 questions in column A with 1 for Always, 2 for Frequently, 3 for Occasionally, 4 for Seldom, and 5 for Never. The spreadsheet will do the rest! The link is on google docs or you can comment on here if you have trouble downloading it and I can email it to you.

Sensory Profile Easy Scoring Spreadsheet

David Suzuki - Surviving :) The Teenage Brain

Check out this video on the development of the teenage brain!

The Nature of Things - Surviving :) The Teenage Brain

Surviving:) The Teenage Brain looks at this critical developmental stage from a scientific and evolutionary point of view. The film combines cutting edge scientific research with YouTube clips of outrageous teen behaviour and a graphic novel approach to challenge conventional thinking about the adolescent years. It illustrates that our teens are doing precisely what they should be doing to finesse the development of their brains and ensure the survival of the human species.

Private Contract Posting for Physiotherapist

Hi all,
 

I am working with a family in Calgary who has a 4 y.o. son with a suspected connective tissue disorder (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). They are looking for a physiotherapist with knowledge and experience working with children with connective tissue disorders, who can provide them with strengthening and joint protection activities suitable for their son. If anyone knows of a physio with experience in this area in Calgary please let me know.

Thank you!

Lisa McBride
lmcbride.ot@hotmail.com

Inspiring Video Link

Hello fellow OTs

Find below a link to a very inspiring video on a severely Autistic girl (non-verbal) who learns to communicate using a computer.  She is able to express how her body feels....why she stims and is answering questions from around the world on her own internet blog. 

Well worth the time to watch....she is writing her own book now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vNZVV4Ciccg

 

Ellen Yack "Utilizing a Sensory Integration Theoretical Framework in the Home, School and Preschool"

Coming April 27-28: "Utilizing a Sensory Integration Theoretical Framework in the Home, School and Preschool" from a Canadian perspective with Ellen Yack, Toronto ON, at Manteo Waterfront Resort, Kelowna, BC!

 

Please see the attached workshop flyer and accommodation information.  Book early.  Accommodation and registration is limited.

Information on the Proposed New Definition of Autism

There has been some recent media coverage regarding proposed changes to the diagnostic criteria for ASD for the DSM V.  Here is a link that may be of interest:

New York Times article: New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests

Dyanmic Core for Kids Course - Update!

To all those who have expressed interest in the Dynamic Core for Kids course, plans are progressing slowly!

Formal approval from Alberta Health Services is anticipated for late February, so as soon as that comes, registration information (including location, cost, etc.) will be sent out.

The course dates have been set for April 20-22, 2012.

Since it will be an AHS sanctioned and partially funded course, AHS has made the decision that participation will first be offered to AHS therapists (including casual staff). Any available spots after the predetermined cut-off date will then be offered to other therapists (both in and out of province)

Thank you all for your interest and your patience.

Carolyn Fuss, MScPT
Pediatric Physiotherapist
High River Health Unit
Ph: 403-652-5476
Fax: 403-652-5499

SIPT Regina - Registration Now Open!!

The registration for the SIPT course in Regina is now available.  

You can register through WPS at:

http://portal.wpspublish.com/portal/page?_pageid=53,80507&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Courses run March, May, August and October.

Seden Centre Open House Invitation - Sherwood Park

2012-13

OPEN HOUSE

You’re invited to visit us  Thursday

February 23^rd, 2012

3:00pm-7:30pm

182 Sioux Road, Sherwood Park

780-570-0661

Come and see what we’re all about!

www.sedencentre.ca

Best Regards,

Cheryl

Cheryl Brewer

Executive Director

Seden

Centre for Child

Development and Wellness

www.sedencentre.ca

TEL: 780-570-0661

FAX: 780-570-1779

 

DCD Groups Clarification!

The CoP / Community of Practice on DCD is  Jan 12th but **is** for OTs and PTs (not parents).

The DCD Parent Support Group is on Jan 19th this month, and is only for parents... but we appreciate being able to distribute the notice ** through** OT's.

Because there are a number of Telehealth sites for the OT/PT sessions, you must register if coming, and cancel if not.  Instructions are below.  The next OT/PT session will be Thursday January 12 at 4:30pm.

To get to the registration page, please follow these steps:

• Go to http://insite.albertahealthservices.ca/
• Click on Our Teams/Departments
• Under Administrative/Corporate Services, click on Telehealth
• On the right hand side under Quick Links, click on Calendar of Upcoming Learning Events
• A new pop up window will open and you can search for the session that way
• At the top of the new window, there is a drop down list in which you can select the month or you can search for the session title/keywords
• A new pop up window will open; please double check it is the correct session
• Once you have verified you have the correct session, you can now register for your desired site/room.

If you are unable to attend the session closer to the session date, please let us know as we have a limited number of videoconferencing rooms.

For technical assistance during your session please call (Within Alberta – no area code needed, dial 9 if needed to reach outside line): 310-8822; (Outside Alberta): 1-647-788-0430 or 1-647-788-0431.

DCD CoPs Meeting for Parents January 12!

The next meeting for the DCD CoPs Parent group is this coming Thursday January 12, 2012 at 4:30pm at ACH Room B4-011.  All Telehealth sites still apply.  But remember we were asked to RSVP for Telehealth (there was a glitch before, but it should be working now with the instructions sent out before the break).

Our Topic:

Showing of the DVD "Daniel Can Do! The story of a boy with DCD" produced by Sheila Henderson in the UK in 2005. Discussion points --
-- is this DVD useful as an introduction to DCD?
-- is it still relevant 7 years later?
-- is it as relevant in Canada as in the UK?
-- do the recommendation for intervention work in the 'here and now'?
-- does this DVD give us some ideas for the digital story that Anne Gallagher is working on?

Thank you all for your interest in the group!  Please feel free to contact me if needed.

Tammy Nighswander PT  BScKin, MScPT

Physiotherapist

Renfrew Educational Services

Phone: (403) 291-5038, extension 1284

OT Positions available with Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services is looking for OTs! 

Check out this information if you're interested.

Looking to Borrow or Rent BOT-2

I am looking to borrow or rent a BOT-2 (second edition Bruinicks) both fine and gross motor portions for the week of Jan 16th. I am located in the Calgary area and will pick up, or pay shipping to the Calgary area.


Thanks.

Please contact Elizabeth Beaugrand at beaugrand.e@shaw.ca if you can help.

Office Partner Wanted - Clinic Space

Office Partner Wanted

Children Achieving More, Inc. is a privately owned and operated pediatric therapy clinic with a unique set up as follows:

• 2 private offices, larger office is available, can double as a Meeting Room
• Desk & attached Meeting Table provided if needed, computer & phone jacks pre-installed
• Separate area for copying, faxing, laminating, etc.
• 2 storage areas for therapy equipment, 1 dedicated to suspended equipment
• Large gym area with floor mats, wall mats, and wall/ceiling hooks for suspended equipment
• Private entrance with waiting area
• Latch-key operation to clinic space, lockable office door
• Rent of $525/month for office, waiting room & work areas inclusive of fax, photocopier, laminator
• $30/hr for use of CAM gym space and CAM suspension equipment

I am looking for an occupational or physical therapist with private clientele to share office costs with me as outlined above.

Please contact Bonnie if you would like to view the space or if you would like to discuss further options.  This is a time-limited offer as I am also currently considering other options.

Bonnie

w. 780 463-7065

h. 780 437-7460

c. 780 938-7460

bonnie@childrenachievingmore.com

_____________________________________________________

Bonnie Halstead Robson, M.C.P.T.A., M.C.P.A., S.I.P.T.* certified