The Chef's Table in Michigan
Well, I am back from another trip, this time to the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association's fall conference. Attendance was great and there were many vendors. It was nice to see Fred Sammons exhibiting again, only now he was showing his Ambucs Trykes, special tricycles adapted for children with various diagnoses, like spina bifada or cerebral palsy. What a great charity to make sure children with disabilities have access to these specially designed bikes.
When I arrived at the Conference this past Saturday, I was in for a special treat. The Conference Committee reserved the chef's table at a great Italian restaurant where the chef prepared a variety of courses from various regions of Italy. He cooked several of the dishes in front of us, explaining the ingredients and the best method of preparation. Watching him use his special equipment and kitchen appliances made me aware of how the right tools are so important. Technique is essential as well as I watched him deftly and quickly slice the poached apples for the dessert tart he created. I couldn't help but go into occupational therapy activity analysis mode to assess the occupational performance resulting from the chef's capacity, skills, the task demands, and the environment. The food was fabulous!
I gave the keynote the next morning, on Sunday. I had a little trouble sleeping the night before due to eating so late and eating such a rich menu. Gastric distress aside, I was able to focus the next morning and relate the important progress AOTA is making in terms of advocating for client access to occupational therapy as a part of healthcare reform. This time I did not have to rush off after my presentation like I did after the MD conference and could hang out with the students from Western Michigan University. They were ambassadors to the conference in that they were assisting the conference committee. I got to talk to them as a group in more depth during the evening's reception. I loved hearing about their successes, their concerns, and their plans for their careers. They were so energizing.
Well, I have only a couple of days to rest and then I am off again, this time to the Student Conclave in Baltimore. I can't wait to lobby on the Hill with the many students from all over the country and see their passion at work. I will let you know how it goes when I get back. With the Thanksgiving Holiday coming up, I can tell you that I am so thankful for all the practitioners and students out there who work together to take us steadily toward the Centennial Vision.
Penny Moyers Cleveland
AOTA President