Pre-Conference Workshop

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Personal Responsibility when Engaging with Your Diverse Workforce

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, occupational therapy practitioners are increasingly called upon to engage effectively with diverse workforces. This session focuses on the critical role of personal responsibility in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. By setting measurable diversity retention goals, practitioners can actively contribute to a culture that values and respects diverse perspectives. This, in turn, enhances team cohesion and improves the quality of care provided to clients from all backgrounds. Participants will explore strategies for improving communication with diverse employees, a key factor in achieving these retention goals. Participants will also be introduced to the RETAIN process, a proven framework designed to empower your team, enhance collaboration, and create a positive work environment. Effective communication is not just about conveying information; it's about understanding and addressing the unique needs and experiences of each team member. By embracing personal responsibility, occupational therapy practitioners can lead by example, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integral to their practice. This session will provide actionable insights on how to create a more inclusive workplace, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both employees and clients. 

Dr. Nelva Lee

Helping refugees build a sense of home and enrich the community through occupational therapy

More than 2,800 refugees arrived in Ohio for resettlement in 2023. Where do they come from and what are their greatest needs? Based on a relationship the Occupational Therapy Program at Cleveland State University with a refugee resettlement agency, U.S. Committee for Refugees and
Immigrants (USCRI) in Cleveland, we will describe how two full-time occupational therapists provide services at this agency and involve OT students. A discussion will follow on how these occupational therapists evaluate the unique occupational needs of their clients and work with the resettlement team to address them. We will describe how these occupational therapists engage clients in individual, family-based, and group sessions in natural settings to facilitate independence, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. The outcomes of this work will be discussed. The multiple ways that students are involved and the benefits to them, the community, and the profession will be highlighted. 

Rachel Rogers, MOT, OTR/L

John Bazyk, MS, OTR/L

Cassandra (Cassie) Mattix, MOT, OTR/L

Ohio Fieldwork and Capstone Coordinators Consortium Meeting

1:10 pm - 2:10 pm

Session 1

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Model Practice Award- Assistive Technology for Employability Skills

This presentation will review the Employability Skills Framework and how assistive technology (AT) can be implemented to achieve these skills. AT solutions will be described for each domain within the framework (effective relationships, workplace skills, and applied knowledge) and attendees will be encouraged to apply this knowledge to their practice setting. Hands-on demonstration and interaction with AT will be provided throughout the session.

Carly Dauch, OTD, OTR/L

Model Practice Award- Community Programming in Under-Resourced Neighborhoods

This presentation will outline two grant funded programs that have been successfully implemented in under-resourced neighborhoods outside of Cleveland, Ohio. First, the Building Resiliency Program, a trauma-informed care program targeted at improving mental health, coping skills, resiliency and social emotional learning for preschool students and their caregivers. The second is the TechBox program, a novel after school program for middle and high school students from Cleveland Metropolitan School District that exposes students to experiential, hands-on learning opportunities with cutting edge technology across the city, with the intention to increase a sense of belonging and agency in tech fields and employment pathways. Strategies for building successful community partnerships and engagement will also be described, and attendees will be provided access to open source materials and resources. 

Dr. Kelle DeBoth Foust

Office of Exceptional Children (OEC): Updates, Resources, and News

Hear about recent updates to Special Education in Ohio. State leaders will share how the state provides federally mandated oversight of the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA), available resources and other statewide initiatives and will share relevant news regarding a few Statewide grants that are making an impact on personnel retention.

Jo Hannah Ward

Ohio Academic Program Directors Meeting

2:20 pm - 3:20 pm

Session 2

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

Best Practice for Seating and Wheeled Mobility Products to improve Daily Living Needs

Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OTP) role in the provision of seating and positioning is a vital component to the consumers success. OTPs are experts in patient/environment/occupational perspective and can easily match the product to the patient. Understanding the patient’s needs, and roles allows OTP to offer insight and guidance on proper equipment. This session will provide an overview of the spectrum of mobility equipment and positioning devices to update clinicians in products available for solutions their patients may need. The session will review coverage criteria and reimbursement guidelines for understanding eligibility of equipment options. The session will also provide practical tools for the OTP to use when assisting in developing letters of justification for the equipment and outline the roles and responsibility of the OTP and complex rehab vendor. 

Case studies will be used to help the audience easily apply the information to take back to the clinic. Resources for evidence based proactive will also be provided so clinicians have tools readily available to support their decisions. 

Theresa Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP

Emma Smith, MOT, OTR/L, ATP

Updates from the Ohio OTPTAT Licensure Board

The session will include an overview of the regulatory board’s functions, a review of the practice act, and updates on emerging issues from the Board’s perspective. This session will count toward the one hour of required ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence continuing education that is needed for licensure renewal.

Missy Anthony 

Nichole Dearth

Anissa Siefert

Marnie Renda

Exhibit and Vendor Hall

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Awards Ceremony 

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Welcome

8:00 am - 8:15 am

Keynote

8:15 am - 9:30 am

What If? Translating Your Occupational Therapy Practice & Research for Civic Engagement

This session explores the powerful question of "What If?" by challenging occupational therapy practioners to think beyond traditional practice settings and consider how their work can influence broader civic engagement. Attendees will learn strategies for translating their practice and research into actionable insights that can impact public policy, community initiatives, and societal change. By bridging the gap between clinical expertise and civic involvement, occupational therapy practitioners can play a vital role in advocating for inclusive and equitable communities, ultimately expanding the reach and impact of the profession.

Dr. Victoria Wilburn

Exhibit and Vendor Hall

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Session 1

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Mothering with a disability: The intersection of Disability Studies & Occupational Therapy 

This short course will integrate disability studies and occupational therapy scholarship to explore mothering with a disability through an interdisciplinary lens. It will examine the historical context of mothering from a feminist perspective, address healthcare access implications, and explore innovative approaches to support maternal well-being and the occupation of parenting. Additionally, the course will discuss the future trajectory of occupational therapy scholarship to improve support for mothers with disabilities.

Cassandra Winters, OTR/L, MOT

Clinical Capstone Manual 

The Clinical Capstone Manual addresses the pressing need for structured guidance in facilitating occupational therapy capstone experiences within an inpatient rehabilitation hospital setting. Developed to facilitate capstone placements within a large corporate hospital system and aligned with the University of Cincinnati's curriculum, this manual equips clinicians and site mentors with essential resources to navigate the complexities of capstone placements effectively.

 Kelly Neal, MOT, OTR/L, c/NDT, CBIS

Enhancing Water Competency in Children on the Autism Spectrum through Community-Focused Occupational Therapy

There is a critical need for evidence-based interventions targeting water competency to meet the needs of autistic children, a group at high risk for drowning.  This session will discuss the assessments and therapeutic tenets of AquOTic, a 10 week group based therapeutic swim intervention as well as present the data from the most recent research study.

 Erika Kemp OTD, OTR/L, BCP

Dr. Jewel Crasta

Mequeil Howard, OTR/L

Savanna Yates

Living with Purpose: IADL Programming for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

This session focuses on the development of an instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) program for patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Occupational therapy practitioners understand the benefits of occupational participation in relation to overall well-being, and the importance of holistic care for this population. The advantages of multi-disciplinary care for patients with PD will be explored, and an explanation of IADL program materials and information will be provided.

Addison Ackerman, OTD

 ALS: A Medical and Patient Perspective

This course will provide attendees with improved awareness of the considerations required for best management of patients with ALS and their caregivers, including the benefit of multidisciplinary clinics, treatment considerations, and resources.  A review of the general disease features and progression will be provided, as well as a brief overview of symptom management and medication options.  The "thinkALS" early diagnosis and referral tool for clinicians will be introduced to help OT professionals identify signs of the disease to aid with earlier diagnosis.  Lastly, a patient with ALS will share her perspective on important considerations for OT professionals.

Jennie Thompson, MOT, OTR/L

Dr. John Novak

Elizabeth Them

Session 2

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Characterizing occupational therapy practice patterns and standard care for stroke survivors-

The purpose of this presentation is to define and characterize current standard of care for stroke patients within the United States, using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System. We will describe two research studies: a cross-sectional nationwide survey to describe current practice patterns of OTPs working with stroke survivors, and an exploratory video-observation study of OTPs and their clients with stroke to characterize OT interventions and use of active ingredients. Our results suggest that therapists are using a mix of both exercise-based and task-oriented activities to target upper extremity recovery, and the number of repetitions used across OT interventions has significantly increased in recent years. These findings should inform OT ‘standard care’ in stroke research and help elucidate the black box of post-stroke rehabilitation.

Sarah Anderson, PhD, OTD, OTR/L

Jenna Norris, S/OT

Ella Cressy, S/OT 

Abby Halsey, S/OT 

Kayla Hildebrand, S/OT

Brooke Craynon, S/OT

Allison Nelson, S/OT

& Lauren Wengerd, PhD, MS, OTR/L

Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award- The occupational therapy research-to-practice gap: What is it and how do we close it?

It takes an estimated 17 years for research-related findings to be used in the real world. This means that there is a significant time lag between when research findings (such as effective interventions) are discovered and when they are implemented in routine practice. Certainly, this “research-to-practice gap” calls into question the extent to which our client populations are receiving the most beneficial and up-to-date care. In this presentation, we will further define the research-to-practice gap that plagues the healthcare field, including the occupational therapy profession. We will also describe the most common barriers to implementing effective practices in real-world settings and discuss evidence-based solutions to overcome these barriers to better serve our clients.

The presenter will also share one project conducted in partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to support OT practitioners’ implementation of standardized assessments in neurorehabilitation. Attendees will be encouraged to share their own challenges and successes with implementing effective practices in different occupational therapy settings.

Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT

Centering neurodivergent perspectives in occupational therapy for young autistic children 

In this session, presenters will challenge practitioners who work with young autistic children (ages 0-5) to connect for change by shifting from a deficit-based model toward a neurodiversity-affirming model that leverages strengths and supports patients through challenges presented by a world that centers the needs of neurotypical individuals. This short course will describe foundations of neurodiversity and the social model of disability and discuss the responsibilities that practitioners have in centering the perspectives of autistic people to build community through occupational therapy.

We will apply these foundations to provide attendees with the tools to assess research through a neurodiversity-affirming care lens and discuss concrete ways to apply this lens to current practice with young autistic children, using both direct teaching and an interactive case study.

Jules Houk, OTD, OTR/L

Kelly Tanner, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA

Get Oriented to the Situation: Introduction to OTP's Role in Delirium Utilizing a Novel Cognitive Tool

This short course will provide an overview of hospital-associated delirium and introduce a novel, clinician-developed cognitive tool. Education will be provided on how this tool can be applied to demonstrate occupational therapy’s distinct value in delirium management.

Kirsten Weaver OTD, OTR/L

Virginia Sullivan, OTD, OTR/L

Heather Kravitz, OTD, OTR/L, CNS

& Mary Katzenstein, MOT, OTR/L

Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award- Journey to Independence: Enhancing Life Skills Through a Collaborative Weekend Retreat

Adults with Down syndrome are living longer and fuller lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their community. However, many still lack fundamental independent living skills as they vary in their ability to complete activities of self-care and other independent living skills. In reality, approximately 85% of people with intellectual disabilities, including Ds, are only mildly impaired and are capable of a wide range of self-help and independent living skills but may not be given the necessary opportunities to develop these skills. Action needs to be taken to increase the awareness of the potential for functional independence among adults with Ds and specific interventions should be taken to improve the ability of adults with Ds to carry out their ADLs and IADLs.

An annual weekend retreat for young adults with Down syndrome has been implemented to improve these life skills. The retreat is a collaborative effort between Cleveland State University’s OT Program and Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio. In this weekend retreat, young adults with Ds were paired with a "college buddy" (OT students of similar age) and stayed in a college dorm for a weekend of learning and practicing independent living skills.

Kristen Pataki, OTD, OTR/L, ATRIC

Annual Meeting | Town Hall | Lunch

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm  

Exhibit and Vendor Hall

2:30 pm - 3:00pm

Session 3

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Non-Pharmacological Behavior Management of Delirium in the Acute Care Setting

This session explores occupational therapy's crucial role in the management of delirium, covering causes, symptoms, implications, and tailored interventions. Case studies highlight effective strategies, aiding practitioners in optimizing patient outcomes in acute care.

Marley Kalata, OTD, OTR/L

Virginia Sullivan, OTD, OTR/L

Connecting people and resources for the neuromuscular population

We will share how our team meets patients’ needs by linking with resources including outpatient and school-based practitioners. We will highlight how integration of community connections and resources improves outcomes. This topic highlights OT practitioners as key members of multidisciplinary teams, working to develop individualized care plans for occupational performance deficits through targeted assessments and assistive technology. 

Case studies will provide real-world examples of the interdisciplinary team's strategies and the role of occupational therapy in their care. Participants can analyze the cases, identify key issues, and discuss appropriate interventions, promoting critical thinking and application of knowledge.

Karen Adams, OTR/L, ATP

Megan Huffman MSW, LSW

HOT TOPIC -

#1 AOTF

AOTF is the nation’s leading non-profit investing in new OT research and the future OT workforce. Through the power of philanthropy AOTF is strengthening evidence-based practice with a variety of research grant programs, mentorship and research support for early-career and future scientists, scholarships for students at all degree levels, and resources available to our diverse community of occupational therapy professionals. This session will provide attendees with information on the scope of AOTF work, mission activities, the impact of philanthropy and how everyone can engage with us.

#2 NBCOT

During this session, an NBCOT Ambassador will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams.Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, and advice from other students and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience.

Dr. Jewel Crasta

Samantha Jensen, OTD, OTR/L

HOT TOPIC

#1 Development of a Dating Violence Prevention Program for Adolescents

Millions of adolescents in the United States live in households where intimate partner violence (IPV) has been reported. Adolescents exposed to IPV are at risk for long-term mental and physical health issues, as well as disruptions in social-emotional development. This session will introduce the issue of dating violence amongst adolescents and explore the unique perspective and role that OTP’s have in addressing its impact on daily life and occupations. The session will describe a capstone project completed at the Occupational Therapy Program at Cleveland State University in collaboration with Journey Center for Safety and Healing. This capstone developed an eight-session intervention program integrating Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed principles with leisure-based activities tailored to address IPV in adolescents, ultimately working to reduce instances of IPV. The speaker will share her challenges and recommendations for future work in this emerging topic. 

#2 Bridging Gaps of Care in the Spinal Cord Injury Community

Cleveland State University students will briefly present three innovative Capstone projects that address emerging and underexplored areas in occupational therapy (OT) for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Their client-centered work fills critical gaps in OT practice, specifically targeting the often-overlooked areas of sexual activity, chronic pain management, and mental wellness for the SCI population—areas crucial to improving their quality of life. Following the presentations, we will open the floor for discussion on how to apply this new knowledge to better serve the SCI population within OT.

Melissa Arellano, OTR/L

Gina Kubec, OTD, OTR/L

Hanna Bush, OTD, OTR/L

Ashley Giffen, OTD, OTR/L

Helen Saul, OTD, OTR/L

Rachael Vance, OTD, OTR/L

What's in the PIDA? How to use a power mobility assessment to guide intervention in residential care

A minimum standard for power mobility device (PMD) use in residential care facilities is warranted to ensure the user and other residents in the facility are safe. This short course will provide applicable strategies to use the Power-mobility Indoor Driving Assessment (PIDA) both as an assessment and intervention tool for individuals who use PMDs in residential care settings. The course aims to provide participants with guidance on how to use the PIDA to support PMD procurement or cessation and to facilitate goal-writing and intervention plans for functional mobility. Other common PMD assessments will also be reviewed.

Richelle Gray, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, CDP

Session 4

4:15 pm - 5:15 pm

Supporting All Students Through MTSS and a Workload Model

Occupational therapy's role in the educational system is evolving. We are no longer just the fine motor or sensory people who whisk kids away to a therapy room only to return them to a classroom 30 minutes later with a quick wave to the teacher. Occupational therapy practitioners unique skills make us valuable members of the MTSS team as specialized instructional support personnel to help all children succeed. In this session, you will hear from OTP’s and a classroom teacher on the ways we have collaborated to provide all tiers of instruction to increase outcomes for all children. We are connecting with teachers, staff, and administrators in the school community to change how OTP’s and our role is viewed and utilized.

Nichole Dearth, MOT, OTR/L,

Ashley Evans, COTA/L,

Lisa Closson,

Kelsey Goubeaux,

& Alexis Davis

Eating the Elephant: Trauma-Informed Educational Practices in OT 

Trauma-informed higher education is an emerging area of research. This presentation applies the tenets of trauma-informed care to occupational therapy education, for educators interested in implementing changes within their occupational therapy program. This information is relevant to all educators including core faculty members, adjunct faculty members, and fieldwork educators. The 2024 OOTA Conference theme is highlighting opportunities to build community and collaboration. Trauma affects 65-85% of students in higher education and impacts every area of occupation. It is imperative to promote optimal learning environments to shape the future of our profession.

 Kristin Blackham, OTD, OTR/L, CLT

Hallie Foy, S/OT

Valerie Miller PhD., M.S. OTR/L

School-Based Interventions for Adolescent Emotional Regulation Post-COVID 19 within the Scope of Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review

This presentation serves as a catalyst for practitioners to recognize their distinct value as experts and advocates for school-based mental health needs to inform mental health care for students and educational staff at all levels. Attendees will engage in meaningful conversations that explore systems-level thinking and walk away with resources to create a realistic framework for program implementation and both large and small scale funding opportunities. 

Richelle Cameron, S/OT

Breanna Lynch, MOT, OTR/L

Nicole Pfirman, M.Ed., OTR/L

Barbara Elleman OTD, MHS, OTR/L 

HOT TOPIC-

#1 Occupational therapy practitioners: a discourse about professional identity

The purpose of this presentation is to characterize OTPs across the nation and open the floor for thoughtful discussion about key topics related to the OT profession. This presentation is informed by the literature and describes the results from a cross-sectional nationwide survey among OTPs. The findings from this survey describe OTPs across the nation, helping us understand ourselves and our community. These findings also highlight the burdens OTPs bear and the need to improve clinical and research supports for OTPs. With the recent expansion of OTD programs across the country, more research is needed to understand how this degree will change the people and practice of OT.

Sarah Anderson, PhD, OTD, OTR/L

Grace Gawrych, S/OT

Ariana Story, S/OT

Lauren Rhoads, S/OT

Emily Borchers, S/OT

& Lauren Wengerd, PhD, MS, OTR/L

Say What You Mean and Mean What you Say: Giving and Receiving Feedback; Therapist, Client, Student

Giving and receiving feedback happens during each treatment session between therapist and client. Feedback is also critical to the growth of a fieldwork student throughout their clinical experiences. Often, cues are missed between therapist/client or therapist/student that if caught could lead to better outcomes. Self-reflection is key in the collaborative process within feedback.

Stacia Galey, OTD, OTR/L

Kelly Kennedy, OTD, OTR/L, NTMTC, FNAP