CAT and OT

The purpose of this project is to explore the perspectives of Canadian occupational therapists on Cognitive Adaptation Training (CAT) and its potential alignment with occupational therapy values, principles, and models. CAT is an emerging compensatory intervention used with individuals with schizophrenia.

Participation in this study will include completing a 20 minute anonymous online survey. All OTs in Canada who are currently or have previously worked with clients that have mental health issues are eligible to participate. Please feel free to forward this email to other occupational therapists at your facility and across Canada.

The attachment has the invitation letter in full. However, the same information is also on the first page of the online survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8K2MYFD

Please note that your participation in this study is voluntary. Whether or not you participate in this study should have no effect on your relationship with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Handwriting without Tears Materials for sale in Calgary

Large amount of Handwriting without Tears Materials for sale- included is everything you need to get any child started  from PreK to 4th grade! 

All new materials in original packaging and perfect condition. Value of $280 selling for $175. Contact Emma at emma.paynter.ab@gmail.com or 587-575-4081 

Hands on Materials:

Slate chalk board

Little sponge cubes

Stamp and see board

Wood pieces set (capital letters)

Mat for wood pieces

Flip crayons mini set

Pencils for little hands

Touch and flip cards

Blackboard with double lines

Roll a dough letters

Music:

Get set for school sing a long CD

Rock, tap and learn CD

Teacher's Guides:

Readiness and writing PreK teachers guide 

Kindergarten guide

1st Grade guide

2nd Grade guide

3rd Grade cursive guide 

4th Grade cursive guide 

Workbooks:

My first school book

Letters and Numbers for Me

My Printing Book

Printing Power

Cursive Handwriting 

Cursive Success

Can do cursive

Kickstart Cursive" 

KidsAbility OT Job in Caymen Islands

KidsAbility is an established pediatric therapy practice located in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands that provides quality Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Therapy services primarily to children between 0-16 years of age. Our occupational therapists provide standardized assessments, consultations, and treatment for children with a range of disabilities, in collaboration with families and community partners in a variety of settings including home, clinic and schools.

Qualifications and Experience

§  Graduate of a Bachelors or Masters level Occupational Therapy program.

§  Active license to practice under the College of Occupational Therapists of their province, state or country.

§  Minimum two (2) years clinical pediatric experience preferred. Experience and training in Sensory Integration therapy, SOS feeding therapy, working with children in the areas of Autism, motor development, Sensory Processing Disorder and Learning Disabilities preferred.

§  Must register with the Health Practice Commission of the Cayman Islands.  

§  Physical ability to carry out the duties of the program; including heavy lifting and bending.

§  Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

§  Criminal records check.

Key Responsibilities

§  Work with clients and their families to set OT goals which are occupation focused and are targeted, measurable outcomes.

§  Provide direct service, consultation, mediation and education to client, family and community providers with a focus on maximizing a child's function in the areas of self-care; productivity (school and play skills) and leisure (community participation).

§  Utilize research to establish and support evidence-based practice.

§  Provision of in-school consultations to parents and/or teachers as and when needed.

§  Program Development.

§  Ability to facilitate group sessions

§  Manage a caseload of approximately 25-30 direct therapy sessions (55 minute sessions) per week.

Preferences 

We are looking for candidates who:

• §  Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• §  Must work effectively and professionally in a small team environment.
• §  Collaborate cohesively in a multidisciplinary team.
• §  Work independently.
• §  Demonstrate superior organization, time management and planning skills.
• §  Want to be involved in professional development.
• §  Show commitment to innovation in teaching and learning.
• §  Show commitment to evidence based practice and measurable goals.
• §  Must be very comfortable presenting workshops and presentations.

Start Date

§  February 1, 2017

Hours

§  8:00-5:00pm Tuesday- Saturday schedule

Salary

55,000.00- 70,000.00 KYD per year (Equivalent to approximately $88,000.00 CAD – $112,000.00 CAD)

Interested applicants, please email your application and CV to info@kidsability.ky. We thank all applicants, however, only those shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

KidsAbility Ltd.

4 Smith Road Centre

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

KY1-1112

Please visit our website or facebook page to learn more about our great clinic!

WWW.KIDSABILITY.KY

https://www.facebook.com/kidsabilitycayman/

Calgary Pediatric Interest Group meeting next Monday

Calgary OT Pediatric Interest Group 

Location: 928 Arbour Lake Rd. N.W. 

Date: Monday Dec 11 2016 

Time: at 7 pm

Topic: How we engage with unlicensed health professionals and our reputation as a distinct profession

Please contact Charlene for the room number: Cell Phone: 403 277 8508; Email: Charlene@otyyc

Agenda:

1. Discuss recent information that ACOT is considering changing to include regulation of Recreation Therapists

2. Discuss our relationships with a broad range of unlicensed professionals

3. Discuss what makes us distinct and any challenges in remaining distinct

4. Consider any actions we could take as individuals and as a group

Regulation of Recreation Therapy by ACOT

To the Special Interest Groups:

The Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) has developed a new strategic plan that aims to position ACOT in a “leadership role within the regulation of other activity-based therapies in Alberta; starting with Recreation Therapy”^[1].

Since the announcement was first made, SAOT has received significant feedback from our membership. Strong concerns have been expressed by OTs throughout the province about the potential implications of expanding our college to include other therapies.

SAOT recognizes that occupational therapy provides a distinct approach to the promotion of health and wellness.  The OT profession provides services that enable people to engage in occupations that are the normal activities of life.  It is not "activity therapy" but rather the application of knowledge and clinical reasoning to understand the occupational repertoires and patterns of living for the purpose of constructing solutions to enable engagement and participation of a client at an optimum level that is purposeful and meaningful for the client (Wilson & Landry, 2014).

The SAOT Board of Directors is actively engaged on this issue. A formal letter was directed to ACOT in July of this year, requesting additional information on a potential merger. We have engaged with ACOT by participating in the recent town hall meetings in November and December. We encourage the College to be transparent on these issues, and to demonstrate that the feedback received to date is taken into account in Council’s decision-making process.

In the new year, SAOT is working to organize our own OT forums so that the membership has adequate opportunity to express various views on the multitude of issues currently facing our profession.

This is the time when OTs in Alberta could come together to affect change. To that end, we ask you to consider becoming a member of SAOT so that we can include as many OTs as possible in our discussions. If you are already an SAOT member, thank you. Please watch the SAOT web site for more details as information becomes available.

Robin Telasky

Executive Director, SAOT

Clinical Discussion about Weighted/Pressure Products with Children

Hello OTs,

I am writing to open up a discussion about the use of weighted/pressure products (e.g., vests and blankets) with children. As there are potential safety concerns with their use (e.g., overheating), I am wondering if anyone has been using any specific written consent forms or recommendations for their use? In our practice to date, we have been providing verbal instructions and documentation in visit notes and obtaining verbal consent.

I recently contacted the CAOT to see if there was a current position paper on their use, and they indicated that it is currently undergoing a review, and a summary executive report will be completed within 4-6 months.

I appreciate any and all discussion on this matter.

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Melanie

Melanie Kalmanovitch M.Sc.OT(c)

Occupational Therapist

mkalmanovitch.ot@gmail.com

*Note: You can comment below so that others can benefit from seeing other people's responses

1.0 FTE in Calgary

Pacekids is hiring a 1.0FTE in Calgary. Click here to see the posting.

Occupational Therapist

Pacekids Programs – Calgary, AB

1.0 FTE

Full-time Occupational Therapist – Pacekids Programs is looking for a full-time Occupational Therapist based out of the North Pacekids Location (808 55th Ave NE), working within families’ homes in the Calgary area. The position is 37.5 hours a week, requires availability on weeknight evenings until 6:00pm and would commence ASAP.

Pacekids Programs offers a variety of programs to children in the Calgary area, including our Early Childhood Services (ECS) Preschool and Kindergarten programs funded by Alberta Learning, and our Specialized Services program funded through Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).  We are currently seeking an energetic and dynamic individual to join our team as an Occupational Therapist who would be involved in the home-based FSCD programs.

The successful candidate will work on an interdisciplinary team and will be responsible for the planning and implementation of occupational therapy programming that meets the unique needs of the children and families with whom they work.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

·   Coaching and consulting with families’ in the home setting and providing appropriate strategies and recommendations  for a child’s programming

·   Conducting screenings and assessments of preschool and school-aged children using formal and informal assessments

·   Developing functional, multidisciplinary Individual Service Plan (ISP) goals that promote parent education and empowerment

·   Monitoring and updating program plans and participating in meetings with the interdisciplinary team and families

·   Collaborating with families, interdisciplinary team members, teachers and Child Development Assistants to target goals in a variety of settings

·   Providing regular assessment and treatment update reports

·   Providing education and training to Pacekids’ staff and Child Development Assistants

REQUIREMENTS

·         A Degree/Master (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy

·         Registered member, in good standing, with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)

·         Experience working with preschool and school-aged children

·         Current Alberta driver’s license. Must have access to a full-time personal vehicle. The successful candidate will be compensated for mileage.

·         Clearance from a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check. Must be current within the last six months.

·         Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently, with an emphasis on self-initiative, patience, maturity and tact

·         Demonstrated ability to communicate and liaise with families and other professionals in fostering a team atmosphere

·         Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, families and staff

·         Flexibility is essential given the variety of children’s abilities, family needs and conditions

We are looking to fill this position immediately.  Please direct your resume and cover letter to: Rini Penner, Supervisor, Specialized Services at, rini.penner@pacekids.ca.

Pacekids Programs understands the importance of the right person for the right job, and appreciates a diverse workforce. Pacekids Programs encourages all candidates with the required qualifications to apply for this position, and is committed to working collaboratively on determining appropriate accommodations. 

Kim Barthel in Calgary, March 3-4.

Kim Barthel is coming to Calgary on March 3-4, 2017 for the course
Putting the Pieces Together: Integrating Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Processing Intervention.

Cost: $375 early bird rate (deadline: January 15, 2017), $425 regular rate (deadline February 10, 2017).

Please contact Kendra at ot4lifecalgary@gmail.com for more information and to register-----------------------------------------------

To access the brochure click here.

Discussion about OT salaries in Alberta school systems

Hello colleagues,

I would like to open up a discussion about OT salaries in the school system in Alberta.

Specifically, I was recently reminded that a teacher with the CBE (Calgary), who has fewer years of experience teaching than I do as an OT in the school system, is making $100,000.00/year (and I am making considerably less).  I was under the impressions that our salaries were comparable and I felt this was reasonable.  I work for a non-profit agency funded by Alberta Education.  I would like to understand why there is such discrepancy between professions when we have equal or greater education and have equal or greater responsibilities?  Is this an issue with Alberta Education, the agency I work for, the individual school boards etc.?

I negotiated my salary based on the HSAA grid.  This seems to be the most common way of setting an OT salary.  Would other pediatric OTs be willing to share their experience with salary negotiation with the school boards in the province?

I appreciate any and all discussion on this matter.

Sincerely,

Susan K. Brown, B.Sc., OT (C)

Occupational Therapist

susanbrownot@shaw.ca

Office:  403-277-0425

Cell:  403-616-0235

Handmade lap pillows in Calgary

Lap pillows made in Calgary. They are all handmade.  They weigh just under 4lbs and are filled with rice.  They can be purchased without a cover for $35 or  with a patterned cover that can be laundered for $45. Without the cover, they can be spot cleaned.

I can also make to order if you would like a different weight or fabric or print.  They are are reversible.  Dimensions are 12" x 18"

I live in Royal Oak NW Calgary.  Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

Gail Loos
Nay & Me Baby Company
403-991-5434

Interest in Marsha Klein Dunn Get Permission Approach to Pediatric Feeding Challenges?

Potential Upcoming Course:

We are looking at what the interested would be if we brought in Marsha Klein Dunn for the ‘Get Permission Approach to Pediatric Feeding Challenges’ .  As well, would people prefer spring (i.e. March) or fall (i.e. Sept/Oct)?

If you are interested, please email kids4ot@gmail.com

Thanks,

Carol & Krista

Group for Sensory Integration and Trauma Course

Wanting to put together a group of 5 to register for the sensory integration and trauma course, ...gets us a 25% discount.... if anyone is interested please email me at cabscot@Shaw.ca.   Or text at 780-908-6322.
Thanks

Candace Achtymichuk 

OT Subcontract Work with Growing Changes in Edmonton

 Job Description: Occupational Therapist Subcontract Work

Growing Changes - Occupational Therapy Services for Children is seeking an Occupational Therapist to provide assessment and implementation of Occupational Therapy interventions to children with developmental needs in a community setting.

Requirements:

·         Registration with Alberta College of Occupational Therapists

·         Commitment to working with children and their families

·         Experience working with children with special needs

·         Ability to work independently

·         Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills

·         Personal vehicle and must be able to drive within Edmonton region and outlining communities

Growing Changes offers mentoring and flexible hours.

If interested please email resume to growingchanges@gmail.com

Growing Changes

Occupational Therapy Services for Children                                                                     

Edmonton, Alberta

growingchanges@gmail.com

Part-time temporary (.5) Occupational Therapist - immediate to June 2017

 Part-time temporary (.5) Occupational Therapist - immediate to June 2017

Are you interested in:
• an Occupational Therapy opportunity that focuses on community pediatrics?
• working for a supportive, flexible employer in a dynamic multi-disciplinary team context, in a small local school division.
•great job satisfaction and the opportunity to make an important difference in a child’s life?


The Sturgeon School Division is currently seeking a part time Occupational Therapist (.5 position is available), beginning immediately and continuing to the end of the school year in 2017.
 The position is primarily with the Early Childhood Education program, providing direct and consultative Occupational Therapy services in school, home and community settings to children with disabilities who are between 2½ and 6 years of age.

This position has tremendous job satisfaction, a supportive multidisciplinary team to work with and scheduling flexibility. Working connected with a small school division allows for the opportunity to really make a difference!

The ideal candidate we are searching for will have a background in Pediatrics. The successful candidate must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy and must be registered with ACOT. Candidates must have own transportation as travel is required throughout the school division. Competitive wages.
The Sturgeon School Division’s Central Office is in Morinville, approximately 15 minutes drive north of Edmonton. This school division covers a small
geographical region immediately north of the Edmonton/ St. Albert /Fort Saskatchewan area.

If you are interested, please forward your resume to hr@sturgeon.ab.ca or visit the Sturgeon website www.sturgeon.ab.ca.

Warm Regards,
Anita Ferri
Occupational Therapy Team Lead
Sturgeon School Division
780-934-7937

Looking to rent M-FUN and PDMS in Edmonton area

I am wondering if anyone in the Edmonton area rents out assessment tools, specially the PDMS or M-FUN. If so, please contact me.

Thanks!
Laura Raspier
Lraspier@hotmail.com
587 984 1982

Seeking OT in SW Calgary

A family in Signature Heights, Calgary is looking for an OT to join their specialised services FSCD team. Their daughter is a lovely 10 year old girl who is recovering from a brain injury resulting from the removal of a cancerous brain tumour on the left side of her brain. The family is looking for an OT who ideally has experience in neuro rehab /physmed to help her develop and maintain upper extremity function and fine motor skills. If you can provide OT to this child (2 hours per month, after school) please contact the family at dr.imaneg@yahoo.fr

Clinical Question about Toileting

I am looking for suggestions and resources with regards to supporting a boy with ASD, about 8 years old, who continues to struggle with BM accidents (roughly once a week) in his underwear. He is fully toilet trained otherwise. His family and myself are unclear whether he is not feeling the cues that he needs to go to the bathroom or if he is choosing to go in his underwear occasionally. Most of the time he successfully has BM’s in the toilet. When he has an accident his mom will find him hiding in his room.  He is also quite disturbed about wiping himself afterwards and refuses to do so. Cognitively, he knows that pee and poo go in the toilet, it is not due to a lack of understanding or anything communication wise.

Thanks in advance for any ideas/suggestions!

kpopowich@leadfoundation.ca

Occupational Therapy Recovery Conference 2016: Expressive Approaches in Occupational Therapy

The Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone Occupational Therapy Practice Council is pleased to present a two-day evidence-informed workshop on October 20 and 21, 2016. Join your colleagues to gain knowledge of and skills in Expressive Approaches to support individuals affected by addictions and mental health concerns.

 

The principles and skills which will be covered in the Expressive Approaches in Occupational Therapy relate to adolescent and adult clients experiencing psychosocial issues such as difficulties in communicating their experience due to illness and/or stigma and/or resisting patienthood; complex and unclear mental health profiles, or functional issues related to emotional dysregulation regardless of initial diagnosis. This workshop presumes a grasp and application of the core occupational science concepts of doing, being, becoming and belonging as well as occupational therapy conceptual models for practice, background knowledge in psychiatry, and an awareness of the Mental Health Strategy of Canada.

 

For more information or to register, go to http://www.cvent.com/d/kfqyq5

 

Fall Printing Programs in Calgary

FALL PROGRAMS 2016

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATIONAL AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES INC.

Get a GREAT start to the school year with Occupational Therapy!

Developing Pre-printing Skills

Pre-school/Kindergarten

Offered Weekdays after school or evening

• Fall Session: October & November 2016, dates to be determined

• Cost: $450 *$400 (Early Bird Rate)

The development of muscle strength and dexterity in hands and fingers, eye-hand coordination, visual-motor control and visual perceptual skills is essential for the acquisition of pre-writing skills. This is a therapeutic program for students to improve pre-writing skills.

The Skills of Printing

Grade 1-3

Offered Weekdays after school or evening

• Fall Session: October & November 2016, dates to be determined

• Cost: $450 *$400 (Early Bird Rate)

Children who experience difficulties with fine motor and visual motor skills often struggle in acquiring the skills of printing. This struggle can lead to frustration, poor motivation and reduced work output. This is a therapeutic program for students to improve printing skills, legibility and speed.

The Skills of Handwriting

Grade 3-6

Offered Weekdays after school or evening

• Fall Session: October & November 2016, dates to be determined

• Cost: $450 *$400 (Early Bird Rate)

Studies have shown that increased legibility of handwriting can result in improved self-esteem, greater proficiency and stronger grades. This is a therapeutic program for students to improve cursive writing, focusing on the fundamentals of handwriting and lower case letters.

v  Initial consultation is required for new clients v  All programs are comprised of 5 weekly sessions v  Each program will include an evaluation of skill level and practical recommendations for home and school use if required v  Parents will have a chance to discuss their child’s progress, any concerns regarding their child and implementation of the therapist’s recommendations during a private consultation meeting

Self-Regulation Programs

(Alert/Zones of Regulation)

Grade 3-6

• Fall Session (+ Parent Session included): October & November 2016, dates to be determined

• Cost: $500 *$450 (Early Bird Rate)

The Alert Program uses the analogy of a car engine to introduce the concepts of self-regulation, a key component in focus, attention, concentration and therefore learning. “If your body is like a car engine, sometimes it runs on high, sometimes it runs on low and sometimes it runs just right.” Parents and students will increase their awareness of levels of “alertness” in themselves & others. They will also learn sensorimotor strategies or “engine tools” to adjust their engine speed.

* Early Bird Deadline: *

Fall Session: September 30th, 2016

Space is Limited to 5 Children per Group *Please contact us for more information*

Karen McIntosh B.Sc.O.T.(C), Paula Martin M.Sc.O.T.(C),

& Jigna Bhatt B.Sc.O.T., OTR are offering the above programs for preschool & elementary students. Their extensive experience in developmental and educational occupational therapy has helped hundreds of children improve their abilities to learn and communicate.

Visit us at www.ideascalgary.ca

Suite 405 Willow Park Centre

10325 Bonaventure Drive

Calgary, AB T2J 7E4

Ph: (403) 271-9020 OR (403) 680-8108