Chronic Pain and Young People Research Study

Do you know a young person with chronic pain and trouble sleeping?  If so, please share this study invitation with them.  

We are recruiting young people with chronic pain who are between 13 and 19 years old for a study to test if hand-self Shiatsu before bed improves sleep.  The study is being carried out by Professor Cary Brown, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.  This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Board, University of Alberta (UofA Ethics Pro number: Pro00070452). For more information please contact Cary at cary.brown@ualberta.ca

Edmonton Catholic Schools OT and TA Positions

Therapeutic Assistant OT (temporary position)

Occupational Therapist (permanent, full time)

10th Annual Autism Conference January 24-26, 2018 featuring Amy Laurent, Ph.D., OTR/L

10th Annual Autism Conference: January 24-26, 2018

Hosted by: Children's Autism Services of Edmonton

Don't miss out on this amazing conference! Check out our new brochure with new speakers and detailed session information!

• Day 1 of conference (Wed Jan 24th) at Rogers Place
• SEAN COVEY and SILKEN LAUMANN as Keynotes 

• Oil Kings Game Wed night included in registration
• Thurs and Fri at Marriott River Cree with all food included
• Amazing speakers touching on a range of topics including challenging behaviour, mental health, AAC, and employment

You will leave this conference not only with a deeper understanding and increased knowledge in autism, but an action plan for implementation of new strategies.

Whether you are a parent, educator, consultant, medical professional, or administrator, this conference will give you the tools you need to meet your goals.

Join us for this event and invest in an opportunity to reflect, develop, and learn.

check out the full conference brochure at: 

http://www.childrensautism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/10th-Annual-Conference-Brochure.pdf

During the conference we will be featuring Amy Laurent, Ph.D., OTR/L!! She will presenting on Emotional Regulation Approach to Challenging Behaviour and Intervention Strategies for Emotional Regulation. Please check out the Conference Brochure for more details on her presentation and other amazing speakers as well.  

Temporary 0.6FTE OT Position with Sturgeon School Division

If you want to work with preschool children in a positive, play-based, Reggio-inspired school environment, and you have pediatric experience, we want you!

We have an amazing OT team, and an excellent multidisciplinary team that supports children in preschool classrooms.

This part-time .6 position is to the end of June 2018, but has potential for an increase in hours and an extension into the following year. Apply online at the Sturgeon Public School Division website (see attachment).

Sturgeon School Division is a small rural school division, directly north of Edmonton, from a town called Rivere Que Barre to the west, and extending north-east to the town of Redwater. Our school division Central Office is in Morinville (9820- 104th Street, Morinville), a town just north of St. Albert on Highway 2. It is a lovely short rural commute!

Don’t hesitate to contact me with questions! More info can be found on the website here.

Warm regards,

Anita  Ferri  

Occupational Therapy Team Lead

Sturgeon School Division

(780) 934-7937

www.sturgeon.ab.ca

Growing Changes Job Opportunity

Growing Changes is an Edmonton based developmental provider specializing in children. Growing Changes believes in a collaborative, family-centered health care environment. Listening, explaining and working together as a team, we help children achieve their optimal health through partnership between physicians, clinicians and families built on mutual respect, support for each other, and personal accountability. We believe in each other. We empower each other. At Growing Changes, we celebrate each other’s successes, and our differences. We recognize those who exemplify excellence, and reward them for contributing to our collective success.

Positions Available

We are currently looking to hire Occupational Therapist Subcontractors. The goal of the position is to provide intervention solutions through assessment and implementation for children with developmental needs. The solutions are meant to help strengthen families’ ability to promote their child’s healthy development and encourage their child’s participation in activities at home and in the community.

Occupational Therapist Subcontractors report to the President and assist in ensuring that the goals and objectives of the company are met with the highest of standards.

Why Work with Growing Changes?

·       Competitive wages depending on experience

·       An opportunity to develop new skills and growth in partnership with the company

·       The opportunity to oversee clients independently within the framework of goals and objectives established

·       Mentorship available

Qualifications

·       Experience working with children with development needs. Minimum of one year experience working in pediatrics.

·       Registration with respective college

·       Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills

·       Ability to work independently and willingness to accept direction from and work in harmony within a team environment

·       Capability to see the “big picture” to execute and complete solutions and invoice as required

·       Supply personal vehicle and able to drive within Edmonton region and outlining communities

·       Ability to flex time as required and work within other schedules

Cover Letter and Resume can be sent to: growingchanges@gmail.com

Attention: Human Resources

Subject: Occupational Therapist Job Posting

OT posting at Sturgeon Public School Division

Job posting can be found here Here

The Sturgeon Public School Division, Central Office, is currently seeking a Part-Time Temporary Occupational Therapist to work as part of the interdisciplinary team and to provide a full range of Occupational Therapy Services under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood Education, Education Services.

OT Position at Advance OT in Medicine Hat

Job posting can be found here.

Our dynamic Advance OT team includes 4 Occupational Therapists, and 4 Occupational Therapy Assistants. The program we deliver to local schools is well developed ensuring consistency and efficiency among therapists. This will be a great opportunity to develop strong assessment, treatment and consultative skills with a specific pediatric population. Mentorship is provided and ongoing education strongly encouraged. We are growing quickly and the successful applicant will have a great opportunity to be involved in the development of numerous projects promoting Occupational Therapy in the community.

Resiliency in the OT workplace- Survey reminder

The Department of Labour, Alberta of Alberta, has provided funding for us to survey occupational therapists and students about experiences in the OT workplace that may affect their resiliency.

The survey is anonymous, at no time will we know your name.  You can withdraw from the survey by closer your browser any time up until your click 'submit'.  Submitting your survey is taken as consent to participate. After you submit your survey we cannot remove your data because we have no way to identify you.  

The study findings may be presented or published, but never in a manner in which you can be identified.  The study has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of the University of Alberta.  If you have any questions about the study please contact Professor Cary Brown, Department of Occupational Therapy (cary.brown@ualberta.ca).  If you have questions about the researcher please contact Professor John Misiaszek, Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta (john.misiaszek@ualberta.ca).  

The survey takes approximately 10-15  minutes to complete.

https://goo.gl/forms/vxQ3bLPxF9CDVuku2

Thank you for your interest and support. 

Cary 

Old Blog Posts

An old blog post from August was accidentally sent out this afternoon. There are no items for sale in Calgary. Occasionally this happens when I delete an old post and I'm working to figure it out so it doesn't cause confusion in the future.

Replacement options for the Snug Vest?

Hello fellow OTs,

Many of the schools I work with have found great success with the Snug Vest (inflatable compression vest).  However, they are no longer in production nor available for purchase.  Does anyone know of any replacement options?  I have found the Squease… anything else?  Back to the old standard life jacket or hug type neoprene vests???

Thanks for any input you may have!

Voon

Voon.YouTen@albertahealthservices.ca

Minutes of Pediatric Interest Group meeting on 20 Oct 2017

Sara Baker, O.T., hosted the Calgary Pediatric Interest Group meeting on October 20, 2017 and described the Launch program at the Ability Hub (www.theabilityhub.org ) which supports transition planning to adulthood. In Launch, both parents and youth make goals, think of their vision for the future, then learn about strategies and resources (such as carrying an i.d. wallet card, circles program, checklists, and skill domains) and develop a transition plan. Group support is available through Launch Into Life! workshops, the next of which will run in Jaunuary. Launch Online is another tool coming soon for individuals to do their planning at their own pace. Launch Online is a free service that will allow families to plan for adulthood from anywhere, reading through information and working through tools and activities. Other resources shared at the meeting included the REAL assessment for ADL’s and IADL’s, the Autism Discussion Page which has specific ADL’s, the Extended Matrix Model (p. 3-4 of the ALERT manual, attached,-  adapted check chart also attached), and the Alberta Health Services algorithm indicating all OT’s should be competent in level 1 driving screen to identify concerns with driving capacity (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281098419_Alberta_algorithm_Driving_occupational_therapy_practice ). 

Hope to see you at the next one. Save the date:
Friday January 19, 2018 at 5:30 pm at New Heights School in the Currie Barracks

Address: 4041 Breskens Dr SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7M1

Hosted by Jen Bodiguel 

Edmonton Catholic Schools OT and TA Positions

Therapeutic Assistant OT (temporary position)

Occupational Therapist (permanent, full time)

Children's Autism Services of Edmonton 10th Annual Conference

Information can be found here.

OT Resources/Products For Sale in Calgary

I have closed my private pediatric practice and am selling a few remaining items. I live in Calgary and am looking for Calgary buyers to avoid shipment costs.  All items are in mint condition. Prices are negotiable.  Please contact me at ashlyblackot@gmail.com or (403) 921-7669  if you are interested.  

1.   A brand new We Thinkers Volume Two set. Asking $195 or best offer.  

2.  Boardmaker version 6 for Mac, official copy purchased directly from Mayer-Johnson.  Asking $400 or best offer.

3.  A set of Julia Cook's books on social skills: Wilma Jean the Worry Machine; I Just Want to Do it My Way; Personal Space Camp; Teamwork Isn't My Thing and I Don't Like to Share!; My Mouth is a Volcano!; I Just Don't Like the Sound of NO!; Decibella and her 6" Voice.  These books are in near mint condition.  Asking $60 for the entire set or best offer.

4.  The Incredible 5-Point Scale: Improved and Expanded Second Edition in near mint condition.  Asking $15 or best offer.

5.  The Zones of Regulation curriculum (including CD).  Asking $50 or best offer.

6. 70 Play Activities for Better Thinking, Self-Regulation, Learning and Behaviour by Lynne Kenney.  Asking $25 or best offer.

LEVERS for Growth and Development: A workshop for Parents

L.E.V.E.R.S. for Growth & Development: A Workshop for Parents

A 3-session workshop to support parents in:

•    Learning a simple, 6 step process to engage in emotionally focused ways

•    Understanding and communicating empathy for their child’s perspective

•    Helping their child understand, express and regulate their emotions

•    Helping their child understand and express their needs and engage in effective problem solving

•    Engaging children in establishing and setting effective limits

•    Helping their child empathize with the experience of others

•    Building a healthy, supportive parent-child relationship

When:

Saturday November 18, 25 and December 2, 2017 (attending all 3 sessions)

Time:  9 am to 11:30 am.

Where:

St. John’s Institute Boardroom

11024 - 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Free parking available

To register:

Call or Text: 780-289-3871

Email: judith.occth@gmail.com

Cost:

$225* per participant for all three sessions.  Receipts issued for Occupational Therapy Services at workshop.  Payments by e-transfer or cheque.

*   Fees may be eligible for reimbursement through some extended health programs and health spending accounts.  Please check with your insurer for options for Occupational Therapy coverage.

OT Networking Event following Calgary Meeting this Friday

October is OT Month, and it’s the perfect time to promote the OT profession and network with your associates. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for OTs, students and other practitioners to spend time and share clinical/practicing interests and experience and build networks and relationships.  Join hosts on the SAOT Board of Directors for some complimentary appetizers and informal conversations at one of the following networking events planned in several locations across Alberta.

Calgary – Hosted by Robyn Scott, SAOT Director Date: Friday, October 20, 2017 Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Location: The Joyce Pub on 4th, 506 – 24 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB This is immediately following the Calgary Pediatric Interest Group meeting this Friday.

OT Assessments, Resources, Tools, and Equipment for Sale in Calgary

OT ASSESSMENTS, RESOURCES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

FOR SALE

I closed my Kids Can… Clinic/Office in July of 2016 and officially retired earlier this year. I still have some assessments, protocol sheets, resources, tools and equipment that I either did not sell or donate previously, or I used until I retired; I also have some home office items for sale. I have listed the items below with a suggested selling price, but am open to offers. What ever is not sold by October 24^th, goes to re-cycle! First come, first served!

If you are interested in any of the items below, please phone me at 403-818-8483 and make arrangements to pick them up before October 24, 2017.

Colleen Basaraba,

Occupational Therapy & Educational Consulting Services, Inc.

A.  ASSESSMENTS:

1.  SPM – P: Sensory Processing Measure – Pre-School – Home Form only. Standardized for ages 2.0 – 5.11 years old. 101 Home Forms @ $.50 each; will sell all 101 forms for $45.00 OBO.

2.  SIPT: Sensory Integration & Praxis Test:

·       Manual. Used but in good condition. $30.00.

·       15 Sets of complete Test Protocol Scoring Sheets. $15.00/set OBO.

·       $1.00 each for the following test forms; buy all of them for a total reduced price!

o   50 Motor Accuracy Tests

o   28 Design Copying Test Booklets

o   20 Kinesthesia Tests

3.  BOTMP: Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency – in original metal assessment box, but also with fabric carrying case, both good for travelling to various sites. Complete test with manual, 16 Individual Record Forms, and 27 Student Booklets. $30.00 for complete set.

4.  TVPS-R: Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (Non-Motor) – Revised, by Morrison Gardner. Standardized for ages 4.0 – 12.5 years old. Protocol Sheets, Two unopened packages of 25 test protocols for $10.00/package. Nine test protocols from an opened package left: $.50 each.

5.  TVPS – UL: Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (Non-Motor) – Upper Level by Morrison Gardner. Standardized for ages 12-17 years old. Like new condition. Book of Test Plates ($25.00) and Manual ($10.00), or $30.00 for both, including one remaining protocol sheet.

6.  TVMS-UL: Test of Visual-Motor Skills – Upper Level by Morrison Gardner. Standardized for ages 12-39 years old (Yes, 39 years old, so let your colleagues in adult rehab know!). Like new condition. Manual ($30.00). Test Booklets: 12 @ $3.00 each or $30.00 for all 12 test booklets, including score sheets for each test booklet. $50.00 for complete set.

7.  TVMI: Test of Visual Motor Integration by Hammill, Pearson & Votes. Standardized for ages 4.0 – 17.11 years. New, never used; manual and 50 test response booklets still in box. New costs CDN $260.00, but will sell for $100.00 OBO.

B.  RESOURCE BOOKS:

1.  OT Henry / Diana Henry Products:

·       “Tool Chest: For Teachers, Parents & Students” – ‘A Handbook to Facilitate Self-Regulation’ that supports “Tools for Teachers” and “Tools for Students” DVDs. Two copies, new. $10.00 each.

·       “Tools for Students” DVD – ‘Tool Chest Activities for Home and School’. One copy, $12.00.

·       “Tools for Teachers” DVD – ‘Sensory Integration in the Schools’. One copy, $12.00.

2.  “Practical Considerations for School – Based Occupational Therapists” by Pape, Ryba with Jane Case-smith. Includes a DVD. Like new condition. $20.00.

3.  “Handwriting Without Tears” ‘Cursive Teacher’s Guide’ and the accompanying ‘Cursive Handwriting’ student workbook (Grade Three), by Jan Olsen. $15.00 for both books.

4.  “Handwriting Program for Print” by Bertin & Perlman. Like new condition. $15.00. “Handwriting Program for Numerals” by Bertin & Perlman. Like new condition. $5.00. Buy both books for $15.00.

5.  “Let’s Do It – Write!” by Kushnir. Two workbooks in like new condition:

·       “Writing Readiness”. $10.00.

·       “Copying From the board”. $10.00

·       Buy both for $15.00.

6.  Zaner-Bloser’s “Fun with Handwriting – Over 101 Ways to improve students’ handwriting”. Like new condition. $8.00.

7.  “Manuscript Handwriting Practice” workbook for Grades 1-2. Like new condition. $3.00.

8.  “Advanced Manuscript Handwriting” workbook for Grades 1-3. Like new condition. $7.00.

9.  “Basics First Alphabet” teachers’ guide and idea for teaching letter recognition and manuscript handwriting for Pre-school – Grade 1. Like new condition. $3.00.

10.  “Drill It Workbook: Handwriting – Beginning Manuscript” child / student workbook for Pre-school – Grade 1. Like new condition. $7.00.

11.  “Fluent Handwriting” by Barchowsky. Combines teaching guide for manuscript to D’Nealian script with a CD with teaching ideas, fonts, etc. Like new condition. $8.00.

12.  “D’Nealian Home/School Activities – Cursive Practice for Grades 4-6”, by Gregorich. While the title refers to D’Nealian, it is the cursive handwriting style/font that has been and is taught in Alberta schools. A teaching guide full of ideas. Like new condition. $8.00.

13.  Various editions and booklets to explain Sensory Integration to parents. $1.00 each.

14.  “Sourcebook for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder – A Management Guide for Early Childhood Professionals and Parents”, published by Communication Skill Builders. Like new condition. $10.00.

15.  “Sensory Defensiveness in Children Aged 2-12 – An Intervention Guide for Parents and Other Caretakers”, by Patricia and Julia Wilbarger. A great resource for OTs using the Wilbarger Protocol, but also useful to lend out to parents and caregivers who will administer the Wilbarger Protocol. $3.00.

C.  OTHER:

1.  Variety of pens, pencils, mechanical pencils and leads, and other handwriting tools, some more re-hab than the majority. Priced to sell, some free!

2.  A variety of fidgets and ‘squishes’. From free to $2.00 each.

3.  NexXTech Stop Watch. Great for assessing! Has several modes, including ‘split-reset’ and alarm clock. Water resistant. $8.00.

4.  Variety of Office Supplies: Letter size hanging files, legal size on-desk/counter top open file containers, legal size alphabet file dividers for filing drawers/cabinets, Banker’s boxes for storing files, etc. etc. All priced to sell.

5.  ‘Sunar’ File Cabinets: Two very heavy commercial grade letter size five drawer file cabinets; each drawer is fitted with a hanging file frame. Easy glide opening drawers. Each is 15” wide X 28” deep X 58” high. Dark olive green in color. Very good condition. $100.00 each.

6.  Two two-line corded telephones in very good working order; $15.00 each. One four-mail box digital answering machine; $10.00 each.

7.  Variety of briefcases, computer bags and backpacks; some new and others ‘gently used’; various sizes. Various prices from free to $30.00.