RehabCare

The Student's Point Of View - AOTA National Student Conclave, Part 3

            Sorry it has taken so long for me to come back and tell you all about the student conclave.  My semester is just wrapping up so it’s been busy, busy.  Anyways, the conclave was great!  It was educational and definitely a good networking opportunity. 

            The morning consisted of visiting a few of the companies’ booths that were represented, and then attending the children and youth session.  This session was very informative and reviewed occupational therapy services in an early intervention setting, school based setting, and the sensory integration approach.  I am presently taking an early intervention elective and this part of the lecture coincided nicely with what I have learned throughout my semester.  IDEA was briefly reviewed and how it impacts EI services, as well as the IFSP (individualized family service plan).  In addition, how to create appropriate measurable outcomes for the children who receive this service was also discussed.  The information presented about occupational therapists in schools was mainly aimed at school mental health issues which was not something I have learned a lot about through my schoolwork.  The most interesting thing that I learned during this part of the lecture was about the three-tier model of school supports and how the academic system and behavioral system are more similar than I expected.  Both systems have the same 3 tiers (core instructional interventions, targeted group interventions, and intensive individual interventions) with the only difference being that the academic system is a more intense tier 3/intensive individual intervention and of a longer duration than the behavioral system.  I found the sensory integration part to be less informative because of the background I already have in it from my school curriculum.  It was a nice overview of the SI approach for those who were not familiar with the basics.

PTAs - Need a Refresher?

Are you re-entering the professional world as a Physical Therapist Assistant? Are you getting ready to begin your career as a PTA? What better way to jump start things than with a refresher course offered online through Lake Superior College. Not only will this class give you the basic knowledge needed as a PTA but you will also be able to communicate with teachers and other students via email. Need something flexible? Check out what Lake Superior has to offer at http://blog.lsc.edu/ptarefresher. Next class starts in January 2009 so make sure you sign up soon!

AOTA Student Conclave - Recap

This year, the 2nd annual AOTA Student Conclave was held in suburban Chicago (Wheeling).  With approximately 600 OT and OTA students in attendance, it was more than a success!  We had the opportunity to speak with students from across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  One of the best parts is to hear their stories about why they chose to go into the profession - they had an injury and required therapy at some point in their life; they have a relative with a debilitating disease and were inspired to help others; they want to help the elderly regain their independence...the list goes on and on.   

  Campus Managers Jill FitzGerald and Josh McMikle are ready to meet students at the AOTA Student Conclave!

Campus Managers Jill FitzGerald, Josh McMikle along with Directors of Operation Erik Painter and Angie Sylvan meet with students during exhibit hours.