http://otconnections.aota.org/search/?o=DateDescending&tag=play,older+adults,resources,Occupational+Therapy,accessibility,disability&orTags=0Search resultsen-US7.x Productionhttp://otconnections.aota.org/AOTA_Blogs/b/elin/archive/2013/05/21/fitness-to-drive-screening-ftds-measure-for-at-risk-older-drivers-workshop-and-webinar-to-be-held-june-24-2013.aspxTue, 21 May 2013 17:03:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122219elin/AOTA_Blogs/b/elin/archive/2013/05/21/fitness-to-drive-screening-ftds-measure-for-at-risk-older-drivers-workshop-and-webinar-to-be-held-june-24-2013.aspx0 Announcement: Registrations are now being accepted for the  Fitness-to-Drive Screening (FTDS) Measure for At-Risk Older Drivers Workshop and Webinar to be held  June 24, 2013.  This 2.5 hour Webinar/Workshop will be presented by Dr. Sherrilene Classen at the University of Florida from 6:30 - 9:00 pm.  You may attend this session live at the University of Florida, Health Sciences Center, Communicore Building Room C1-3 or remotely via computer.  A total of 2 CEUs will be earned by participating. Presenter: Dr. Sherrilene Classen, PhD, MPH, OTR/L Associate Professor UF Occupational Therapy (352) 273-6062 http://ot.phhp.ufl.edu/about/people/faculty/sherrilene-classen/ sclassen@phhp.ufl.edu Background: The approaching “Gray Tsunami” - the rapidly growing population of aging Baby Boomers - has placed renewed importance on the identification of at-risk older drivers. On-road testing, the gold standard for assessment, is expensive and is often unavailable to drivers in this age group. Additionally, caregivers, friends, or loved ones who share lived experiences with older individuals often have valuable information to contribute regarding fitness-to-drive. To overcome the limitations of on-road testing and to better involve the public in identifying at-risk drivers, researchers, led by Dr. Sherrilene Classen at the University of Florida Institute for Mobility, Activity and Participation, have developed and tested the Fitness-to Drive Screening Measure (FTDS; formerly known as the Safe Driving Behavior Measure). Registration Fees: Early Bird Price (on or before June 10) is $30.00 per person Full Price (after June 10) is $50.00 per person Organizations wishing to broadcast the webinar to multiple staff members, please contact jerishell@ufl.edu to arrange for a group discount. For additional information or to register for the event, please visit http://www.t2events.ce.ufl.edu/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2408 . http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/5265/p/15974/122176.aspx#122176Tue, 21 May 2013 12:02:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122176pjboarman/Public_Forums/f/5265/p/15974/122176.aspx#122176 I have been looking a lot into this as it looks to be a big change in practive, especially with the standardized assessment piece. I supervise an acute OT department who gets part B observation patients frequently. Historically we always used observation for the functional measures and I have had concerns about how valid it will be with the G-Codes. I found an ADL assessment with Boston University the "6 clicks" it is pretty simple and lines up really well with modifiers. I also have a hand therapy department and they use a wide variety of assessments. I found the Mediserve website to be helpful with providing information on assessments and entering in scores to generate the appropriate modifiers. http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/t/16537.aspxTue, 21 May 2013 06:31:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:16537socalOT/Public_Forums/f/1261/t/16537.aspx0 As a student that is headed towards the beginning of my first internship and completing my classroom learning it was interesting to read about the feelings of the some individuals in Andrew Waite's article.All I can think about is the expectations that my fieldwork facilities may have and I ask myself if I have the skills to successfully pass fieldwork. From reading about the transition from student to a new grad and working, it seems apparent that those feelings do not disappear but repeat again. The main key in the article is about the individual being confident about themselves and to know that they are not alone in what they are going through .As the new person in fieldwork or employment it is important that you keep your mind and ears open to learning from the people around you. Other experienced therapists are willing to teach you and take you under their wing. I can honestly say that my feelings are a mixture of nervousness and excitement. After learning from case studies, books, videos, and lectures I get to put it together in real settings and apply it. I believe that the experiences that is awaiting me in the near future will be how I make it. There is a learning opportunity in every experience and I will find it in fieldwork also.  Ryan Vinuya, OTS References: Waite, A. (2013). Joining the workplace: Successfully navigating from student to practitioner.   OT Practice, 18 (4), 8-12. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7138/otp.2013.184f1 http://otconnections.aota.org/more_groups/aota_governance/assembly_of_student_delegates/f/139/p/16522/122174.aspx#122174Mon, 20 May 2013 22:06:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122174slingelbach/more_groups/aota_governance/assembly_of_student_delegates/f/139/p/16522/122174.aspx#122174 Hey Melissa, I also don't know what this "summer vacation" concept is like.  I'm sure you remember when we met at the conference that I'm in the master's program at USC and we also go straight through all of our summers with coursework and fieldwork.  I'm getting ready to start my level II fieldwork this summer after completing my second year of coursework!  Yay! I understand your desire to get a jump start on all things OT and OTA, but I second Brittany's statement that you definitely need to take time for yourself.  Now, that doesn't mean that I'm suggesting sitting on the couch all summer or laying on the beach (both of which sound great, though it sounds like you may need more stimulation).  Maybe take this opportunity to learn a new occupation or start volunteering with a population you are interested in.  One of the best ways I know to advocate for OT is through my conversations with people outside of an occupational therapy setting, at the gym, in line at the grocery store while I'm buying ingredients to try a new recipe, at a museum when I'm taking a docent-led tour, and who doesn't love giving an OT elevator speech in an actual hotel elevator when on a weekend vacation with some close friends from OT school? As far as being an effective OT and leader, I believe I call on my past experiences a lot from other school work (my undergrad was in theater), from previous jobs (I worked at veterinary office, a bookstore, a dermatology practice, etc.), and from past places I've lived (Northern California, Oregon, Nevada, Los Angeles) to help me communicate with others and keep an open mind to the lives and experiences that they've had.  The more experiences you can have, the better! Another suggestion would be to look into your state association, and if you aren't already a member, you should join your local network and ask to be on a committee.  Many state associations are desperate to recruit people to organize events and they all love students!  You should also look into registering on AOTA's COOL database (Coordinated Online Opportunities for Leadership) and see if there's an ad hoc committee you could join. Of course, I am a self-proclaimed OT junkie and spent many hours researching different practice areas and populations and traveling all over to shadow just like you have set up for yourself.  Just keep it balanced and know that every choice you make will contribute towards making you a great future OTA. Enjoy that time off!  I'm excited to hear what you do with your summer. Best, Susan Lingelbach http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1605/p/11189/122172.aspx#122172Mon, 20 May 2013 19:18:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122172melissamatthew/Public_Forums/f/1605/p/11189/122172.aspx#122172 Dear Lisa, How did your Backpack awareness day go?  I know you wrote way back in September but I am new to this forum.   Melissa http://otconnections.aota.org/more_groups/aota_governance/assembly_of_student_delegates/f/139/p/16522/122171.aspx#122171Mon, 20 May 2013 19:15:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122171melissamatthew/more_groups/aota_governance/assembly_of_student_delegates/f/139/p/16522/122171.aspx#122171 Brittany,  Thank you so much for your advice.  I don't really do well with too much free time on my hands..haha.  I am a structure type of person but I can put "me time" into my schedule this summer.  I will continue to read my OT journals and research the subjects I am passionate about.  It is good to hear your ideas.  Good luck in fieldwork.  I look forward to hearing from you again. Melissa http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16488/122170.aspx#122170Mon, 20 May 2013 17:57:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122170shoule/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16488/122170.aspx#122170 Dr. DiGrado, Thank you for sharing some of your feelings you had as a new practitioner.  Being able to form a connection with my patients was one of the primary reasons I chose OT over other healthcare professions.  I like that to be a great OT you have to get to know the person you are working with.  This type of relationship would definitely present many opportunities to learn from each other - thank you for emphasizing that aspect for me.  I appreciate the advice. Sincerely, Sheila Houle http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16493/122169.aspx#122169Mon, 20 May 2013 17:50:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122169shoule/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16493/122169.aspx#122169 Julie, You always have the most thoughtful things to say.  I appreciate you sharing your fieldwork supervisor's suggestion of using a reflection journal.  I've never been into keeping a journal, but when you mentioned that you were a "verbal processor" I laughed to myself because I think I am too, though I never have considered myself to be.  Instead, I find myself "thinking out loud" when I am processing/reflecting upon a situation.  This journal idea could be an interesting way to accomplish this reflection in a more structured (and less weird!) way.  Thanks for sharing. Sincerely, Sheila Houle http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/7894/p/16478/122166.aspx#122166Mon, 20 May 2013 17:04:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122166communeot/Public_Forums/f/7894/p/16478/122166.aspx#122166 Hi. I’m sorry to hear of your situation. I wonder does the rehab director realize the effect that his/her approach is having on the morale of the team? What are the barriers to being able to communicate effectively with this person?  In the meantime how might you be able to ensure that every member of the team feels individually heard and understood during this difficult time? Would there be a way of taking some time out with the team to find creative ways to build a sense of ‘togetherness’ and an atmosphere mutual support? What strengths/achievements could you acknowledge and celebrate with your team to bolster morale right now? What about yourself, do you have good support and a ‘safe space’ to untangle the underlying issues and explore all the options? I wish you and your team well. Good luck Alice OT coach -www.CommuneOT.com http://otconnections.aota.org/community_blogs/user_blogs/b/empoweringots/archive/2013/05/20/spotting-our-blind-spots.aspxMon, 20 May 2013 16:39:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122218communeot/community_blogs/user_blogs/b/empoweringots/archive/2013/05/20/spotting-our-blind-spots.aspx0 Imagine this.  You are sitting at your desk at work, worrying about a difficult client issue.  Suddenly, the door opens and a familiar looking person walks in.  You stare at this newcomer as you recognize the hair, the face and even the shoes.  In a heart stopping moment, you realize that this person is YOU!   Have you ever wondered what would it be like if you could meet yourself in person?  What would you say?  How would advise yourself about your difficult client issue? They say knowledge is power, and this is so true.  Even in the context of personal insight , the greater knowledge we have of what makes us tick, the more empowered we become.  The more consciously aware we are of our own values, beliefs, fears, strengths, weaknesses and passions, the more we are able to make the right choices for ourselves and our patients.  Imagine how your practice might change if you could see yourself from another person's perspective .  Sometimes looking in the mirror is not enough.  Writing a journal can help, or we can ask our friends, family or colleagues for their valuable insights (if we dare).  Alternatively, coaching can be a really great 'safe space' to receive gentle, honest feedback to discover our blind spots so that we can move forward with greater insight and clarity . http://otconnections.aota.org/community_blogs/user_blogs/b/empoweringots/default.aspxMon, 20 May 2013 15:16:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:8594/community_blogs/user_blogs/b/empoweringots/default.aspxhttp://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/4346/p/11552/122161.aspx#122161Mon, 20 May 2013 11:47:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122161communeot/Public_Forums/f/4346/p/11552/122161.aspx#122161 Hello I really feel for you -' wits end' is not a place that you want to stay for too long!   Sometimes it is really hard to 'see the wood from the trees' when life changes so much.  I am wondering how you have got on with your research into your options?   It sounds like you are keen to keep your choices in tune are keep with your fundamental values..to be.happy in your work, your passions for little ones...etc  Are you keeping a good balance in the rest of your life?  If you still feel that you need a safe space to explore all the underlying issues and all your options then a coach may be a great option to offer a sounding board and heaps of encouragement to get you where you deserve to be...  I would be happy to help if you feel that you still need it. : (my website is www.communeot.com) Warm wishes Alice http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16499/122160.aspx#122160Mon, 20 May 2013 08:26:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122160hearngchoy/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16499/122160.aspx#122160 Tiffany, I feel that we could never truly leave the role of student behind if we want to continually be the type of practitioner we desire ourselves to one day be. We chose to enter into this profession knowing well that we would have to take continuing education courses along the way to stay up to date with our practice, just as any other medical profession does. By doing so, I do not see how we could ever leave the role of student behind. Not only by taking continuing education classes do I feel we maintain the role of student, but also by eventually taking on the role of clinical instructor as we will be learning from fieldwork students just as much if not more than they would be learning from us one day. Hearng Choy, OTS http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/t/16536.aspxMon, 20 May 2013 08:16:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:16536hearngchoy/Public_Forums/f/1261/t/16536.aspx0 For the past year and a half, I have sat through lecture after lecture, taken countless exams, and typed up what has felt like a never ending book of reports. Now with only 3 weeks left before I enter my Level IIA Fieldwork, I find myself staring down a very frightening yet exciting path. Before reading Waite’s article, I had unrealistic ideas of what is expected of students going into their Level II affiliations. Even though my instructors have reassured me countless times that our clinical instructors do not expect us to have all of the answers coming directly out from the classroom, it was not until after reading those words in a published magazine article that it finally sank in. After reading the accounts of Carrie Beals, OTR/L, especially her passage where she says “I think that just asking questions and admitting that I was new and willing to learn broke down that barrier,” I finally realized that the expectations I had in mind of what clinical instructors have for their students were utterly ridiculous (Waite, 2013, p. 9). Upon fully grasping the concept that it is perfectly fine to not have all of the answers, and that clinical instructors and the surrounding staff are there to be asked for help when it is needed, some of the fears that I have as I near the beginning of being a practicing clinician have been alleviated. My other fears are the commonly experienced ones by students all around the world, such as making repeated mistakes, feeling overwhelmed in a new environment, not knowing what to do with certain clients, and other similar thoughts. At least I now feel that I can be comfortable with going to my clinical instructors and admit that I need help because I only have as much knowledge as I have and nothing more and that is perfectly acceptable as a brand new fieldwork student. Even with all of my concerns heading out into the world of occupational therapy practice, I am excited to finally be able to step foot out into a much larger world. After all of the countless hours spent seated in a classroom, or at a desk in the library or at home preparing for the next classroom meeting, I am ready to make the jump from classroom student to fieldwork student. The next step after that would of course be to become a licensed practitioner, and then after that, who knows. The next great adventure with this profession is just like the next great adventure in life: it is waiting just around the corner. Reference Waite, A. (2013). Joining the workplace: Successfully navigating from student to practitioner.   OT Practice, 18 (4), 8-12. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7138/otp.2013.184f1 Hearng Choy, OTS The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, San Marcos h.choy@usa.edu http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/81/t/16535.aspxMon, 20 May 2013 05:09:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:16535suzannemartin/Public_Forums/f/81/t/16535.aspx0 Which one should I choose? I would love to hear from CLTs regarding which certification course they would recommend.  From researching online, three companies in particular offering these courses all meet AOTA CEU requirements, LANA requirements, and are roughly equivalent in time and cost. Before investing so much time and money, I would greatly appreciate hearing from personal experience with certification courses. Any input welcome! Thanks! Suzanne, OTR/L http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/t/16534.aspxMon, 20 May 2013 04:34:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:16534SanDiegoOT/Public_Forums/f/1261/t/16534.aspx0 I am a current Master's of Occupational Therapy student finishing up my last couple of weeks of coursework before I go out to my level II A fieldwork assignment. I am very excited, but yet, at the same time very nerous. I found Mr. Waite's article, Joining the Workplace: Successfully Navigating from Student to Practitioner , to be very informative. It was reassuring and calming to hear the perspectives from new practitioners in the field on the common obstacles and challenges faced when entering a new phase of their career. The common feelings of excitement and anxiousness, coupled with the questions of “will my patient like me?”, or “will I know what I’m doing?” are the same feelings and questions that I have found to be asking myself more frequently the closer I get to graduation and begin practicing on my own. I am still comfortable however, in my skills as a future occupational therapist. I feel confident in treating and providing patients with the best quality of care that I am capable of providing. I am also looking forward to improving upon the skills that I have learned in school, as well as learning new skills on the job that will improve my overall abilities as an occupational therapist. One of the areas that I am happy that Mr. Waite covered in his article was pushing for new graduates, and even fieldwork students, to ask for help whenever they do not know the answer or solution to a question. I know personally, I struggle with asking for help from my superiors and classmates in times that I need it as I view it as a sign of weakness. My fear is that I will be looked upon as incompetent in my skills as a therapist and therefore will be treated differently. I know that I I need to improve upon putting my ego aside and to not be so engulfed and worried about what others might think of me if I do not know the answer or solution to a problem. The fear that asking a co-worker a question will create doubts on my ability or skill to be a good therapist is an inaccurate perception that I had going into this article. In the end, the most important thing is that whatever is done is done so in the best interest of the patient, not the therapist. The practitioners in the article who gave their testimonies were encouraging in prompting new graduates to ask their co-workers for help whenever they need it. Not only does this show that you are open to learning new things, but according to the practitioners in the article this was also a good way to "acclimate yourself to the culture of your work setting, which can also provide you with the opportunity to find your place within your co-workers and begin to fit in" ( Waite, 2013, p. 10). I appreciate Mr. Waite writing this article as I feel it is something that every occupational thearpy student, and even new graduates should read as whatever worries there maybe about entering the workforce are mostly likely shared amongst your classmates and future collegues. I am excited about beginning my first fieldwork experience and look forward to implementing the skills brought forth by the article  in my fieldwork experience and as an future practitioner in order to be the best that I can be. Waite, A. (2013). Joining the workplace: Successfully navigating from student to practitioner. OT Practice, 18 (4), 8-12. http://dx.doi.org/10/7138/otp.2013.184f1 Ryan Whyte, OTS, ATC   http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16493/122159.aspx#122159Mon, 20 May 2013 02:31:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122159jkercher/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16493/122159.aspx#122159 Casey, Thanks for that book recommendation. It sounds very interesting to me because I love to hear people's stories. I did get some guidance on keeping a reflective journal from one of my fieldwork supervisors, so I thought I would share it with you. It suggested reflecting on the following in order to develop your clinical reasoning skills: what you did, how you feel about it, and what you could have done differently. Then develop ideas of what you would like to try in the future. This seems like a good outline to start with and it did help me identify how my personality was influencing my reactions to and interactions with patients. I'd would love to hear more about your ideas. Maybe I will see you at the next SOTA meeting! http://otconnections.aota.org/more_groups/aota_governance/assembly_of_student_delegates/f/139/p/16522/122157.aspx#122157Mon, 20 May 2013 01:40:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122157bnorthov/more_groups/aota_governance/assembly_of_student_delegates/f/139/p/16522/122157.aspx#122157 Hi Melissa! Many of the OT programs go through the summer or at least half. As a 2nd year MOT student heading into fieldwork, I am envious of this beautiful thing you called "summer vacation." I think it is great that you have some shadowing opportunities! However, my opinion is that you should definitely take some time for yourself somewhere in there so you can return to class in the fall well rested to absorb everything you need to be a great OTA. After-all, being knowledgeable and effective professionally is one of the best ways we can advocate for our profession. As far as studying, I was advised NOT to until closer to my testing date. So on my days off I don't study for my test, but use it as an opportunity to learn more about related topics in general. That is to say that I don't have my nose in an NBCOT book but I read OT journals and books that both interest me and prepare me for my upcoming courses or clinical experiences. Good luck finishing your program. Enjoy your break!! http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16493/122155.aspx#122155Sun, 19 May 2013 21:19:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122155Cgranstedt/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16493/122155.aspx#122155 Julie, I, likewise, am in a similar situation. I am currently utilizing self-reflection as a coping strategy to finish up my Graduate Occupational Therapy Program, as well. The article by Wait does offer some helpful strategies, however he does remains quite broad, not providing specific details on how to implement many of the strategies he recommends. Additionally, I found the most helpful portions of this article to be the short stories of the various practicing OTs. These stories reminded me of a book that I found during  the AOTA conference in San Diego, called "For the Love of Occupation". This book describes one OT's experiences, in hopes to share inspiring stories, offer helpful tips, and remind both practicing therapists and the general public of the importance of the occupational therapy field. You can find more about this book here, www.aota.org/.../2013Catalog.aspx . I definitely plan on purchasing this book and using it as a guide for exactly how to reflect on my experiences and what I can take from those experiences in order to facilitate learning so that I will grow as a practitioner. I hope you find this helpful! Casey Granstedt, OTS University of St. Augustine, San Marcos cgranstedt@usa.edu Waite, A. (2013). Joining the Workplace: Successfully Navigating From Student to Practitioner. OT Practice, 18(4), 8–12. http://otconnections.aota.org/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16530/122154.aspx#122154Sun, 19 May 2013 05:27:00 GMT9079418d-4ee6-4590-87f3-c0cc4c3814cd:122154sergiopaz21/Public_Forums/f/1261/p/16530/122154.aspx#122154 Great post Jen.  I believe that I truly understand how you are feeling considering that I to am experiencing a little nervousness about my skill set and my ability to provide the best care possible.  I agree, I do believe that you know more than you really think and through your knowledge and coursework you have been provided with the skills necessary to be a successful OT.  I believe that being confident in yourself and preparing properly will allow you to ease your nervousness.  There is nothing wrong with not knowing all the answers but it is important to ask those who have experience and find the answer you need.  You should not be worried about your skill set and just allow yourself to learn as much as possible and make the most of your fieldwork and the new opportunities available to you. Sergio Paz