Sessions

10:30am – 12:00pm  Panel Discussion on "Doctorate Degrees: What's it all About" (Open to all PTE Members)

• Concurrent #1 - Clinical Session: Work & Industry
  Room: Delaware CD
  Speaker: Paul A. Fontana, OTR, FAOTA; Center for Work Rehabilitation, Lafayette, LA
  
  Are you interested in utilizing your evaluation and clinical reasoning skills in a completely different model than the traditional medical model of practice? Come and explore the wide range of practice areas industrial occupational therapy has to offer. This presentation will quickly take the attendees through a treasure trove of practice potentials while covering a variety of areas the OT practitioner might work in as the profession branches out in the industrial market. Business and industrial customers are looking for programs that work, programs that reduce or prevent injuries and programs that provide defensible return to work options for those injured on the job. The OT is uniquely qualified to develop and implement these defensible injury prevention and return to work programs. Areas to be covered include: analyzing jobs and developing quantifiable physical job descriptions; implementing realistic post hire assessments; defensible functional capacity evaluations; the OT as the expert in identifying symptom magnification; work conditioning and work hardening programs; and ergonomic programs and on site OT programs.
  
  
• Concurrent #2 - Clinical Session: Children & Youth
  Room: Franklin ABCD
  Speakers: Julie B. Kornbluth, MA, OTR/L; EBS Healthcare, West Chester, PA;
  Susan Bazyk, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH
  
  The first speaker will provide valuable resources for new and future graduates planning to provide educationally-based therapy services within the states and/or overseas. Become prepared and learn efficient and effective strategies to initiate therapy for your students, collaborate, and be a strong member of your team within the school systems to ensure success. Increase cultural awareness and sensitivities to the communities you work with. Explore additional opportunities to volunteer with outreach programs and/or work internationally.
  
  The second speaker will discuss how to apply a public health approach to mental health in school-based practice.  She will provide a description of an Ohio Department of Education (ODE) grant supporting occupational therapy's role in mental health promotion during classroom, lunch, recess, and after-school activities.
  
  
• Concurrent #3 - How to Land Your First Job - from A to Z
  Room: Fairfield
  Speaker: Maureen F. Peterson, MS, OT/L, FAOTA; AOTA, Bethesda, MD
  
  Feel confident that you have the right strategies to make a good impression and find a match for your professional interests and needs after attending this interactive session. The presenter is currently an AOTA chief officer who has hired many employees in a variety of settings, and will discuss basic job-seeking strategies and interview expectations. This will include how to talk about "hot" but sensitive areas you need to assess such as "personal fit," productivity requirements, supervision, organizational culture, and more. The role and occasional perils of social media for job applicants will also be covered. There will also be time to discuss your own questions and concerns as you head out into the job market.
  
  
• Concurrent #4 - Successful Level II Fieldwork Strategies
  Room: Delaware AB
  Speakers: Dennis S. Cleary, MS, OTD, OTR/L, Ohio State University Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Columbus, OH;
  Farida Salhi, OTR/L, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH;
  Laura Mills, College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN;
  Russ Thompson, , Governors State University, University Park, IL;
  Nicole Cortes, Creighton University, Omaha, NE;
  Lyndsey Bigham, Zane State College, Zanesville, OH
  
  The foundation for your success as a future OT practitioner is constructed through your fieldwork experiences. How do you make the most of these experiences? This session will help you to learn about successful strategies for professional development through Level II fieldwork. You will hear from and have opportunities to ask questions of an academic fieldwork coordinator, experienced fieldwork supervisors, and both OT and OTA students currently completing Level II fieldwork. Participants in the panel will represent various practice settings.

4:30-5:15pm - Welcome
Room: Regency Ballroom

Come dressed in your school colors or OT class T-shirts to celebrate your school spirit. You will be welcomed by NBCOT Board Chairperson Barbara Larson and hear opening remarks from AOTA's President-Elect Ginny Stoffel. AOTA's Chief Professional Affairs Officer – Maureen Peterson – will congratulate the schools with the most attendees at Conclave, those whose students came the farthest, and many other announcements. Plus, you'll have the chance to compete for door prizes by answering OT trivia questions; meet the ASD Steering Committee; and more!

5:30-6:30pm – Career Sessions (Choose ONE from the following 3)

• The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Academia
  Room: Delaware CD
  Speaker: Melinda Rybski, PhD, OTR/L; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  
  This presentation will provide a description of the roles of a faculty member. The presentation will discuss qualification needed for different types of academic programs and what to consider when thinking about becoming a faculty member. Since much of what we do as Occupational Therapists involves teaching and learning, this is a logical next step for many clinicians looking for a creative and challenging practice area.
  
  
• Do I Want to Become a Researcher?
  Room: Fairfield
  Speaker: Jane Case-Smith, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  
  This presentation will provide a description of the roles of a researcher and the culture of academia. It will define reasons for becoming a researcher and describe some of the benefits. The educational tracks for becoming a researcher will be described, with examples of different PhD programs for occupational therapists. The session will conclude with a discussion on ways to learn more about research while a professional student.
  
  
• Mock Interview and Resume Critiques - preregistration required
  Room: Regency Ballroom

8:30-9:15am - NBCOT's Competency Paradigm
Room: Regency Ballroom
Speaker: Paul Grace, MA, CAE; NBCOT, Gaithersburg, MD

Do you know what steps you need to take for obtaining and maintaining YOUR essential credential? Everything is spelled out in one concise session, from early determination and prescreening for initial certification to what to expect at the testing center. This session will include an overview of the value of the NBCOT credential and steps you need to take to maintain your certification.

9:15-10:15am - NBCOT Sessions (Choose ONE from the following 2)

• Realities & Myths of the OTR® Examination
  Room: Regency Ballroom
  Speaker: Margaret Bent, PhD, OTR; NBCOT, Gaithersburg, MD
  
  What can you do to prepare for the NBCOT certification examination? Everything is spelled out in one concise session, from the examination blueprint to examination preparation tools and tips. Learn realities and myths about how the OTR examination is constructed and administered, and hear tips on preparing for the exam. The session will include an overview of the format of the examination illustrated with sample practice items.
  
  
• Realities & Myths of the COTA® Examination
  Room: Delaware CD
  Speaker: Marissa Gayle, MOT, OTR/L; NBCOT, Gaithersburg, MD
  
  What can you do to prepare for the NBCOT certification examination? Everything is spelled out in one concise session, from the examination blueprint to examination preparation tools and tips. Learn realities and myths about how the COTA examination is constructed and administered, and hear tips on preparing for the exam. The session will include an overview of the format of the examination—including sample multiple choice practice items.

• Concurrent #5 - Clinical Session: Productive Aging
  Room: Franklin ABCD
  Speakers: Jean M. Gill, MSOT, OTR/L; Elms Care Center, Ponca, NE;
  Kate Thomas; Animal Assisted Therapy; OT and PT Pups, Ann Arbor, MI;
  Theresa F. Berner, MOT, OTR/L, ATP; Assistive Technology Center, Columbus, OH
  
  Almost everyone knows how to utilize therapy dogs for pet visitations but have you thought about how a therapy dog could enhance your OT treatments? Learn how to optimize the use of therapy dog teams to increase the progress you see with your patients and suggestions to help you get therapy dogs in your facility.
  
  

  The second speaker will provide an overview of service delivery related to seating and position for the occupational therapy practitioner. Information shared will provide an up to date over view of policy, eligibility and product information. The session will also review  how to properly bill for clinician time so maximum reimbursement can be obtained. Highlights of the evaluation process will be reviewed. By the end of the session the audience will be aware of key issues of best practice for seating and positioning  service delivery.

• Concurrent #6 - Army OT: The Wounded Warrior and the Art of Independence
  Room: Delaware CD
  Speaker: CPT Erik S. Johnson, MS, OTR/L; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
  
  This session will provide an overview of what it is to be an army occupational therapist and how it differs from civilian settings. The presenter will share personal experiences serving as the first OT to be deployed to an Airborne Brigade Combat Team charged to stand up the first dedicated medical facility to screen and treat mTBI in combat. Additionally, he will discuss his experience as the officer in charge of the amputee center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the typical daily operations for an OT serving our soldiers at medical treatment facilities across the United States. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear about the opportunities to serve the Wounded Warrior in treatment settings such as polytrauma, burns, amputees, and TBI.
  
  
• Concurrent #7 -New Practitioner Panel: Transition to the First Year of Practice
  Room: Delaware AB
  Speakers: Samantha M. Rigsby MOTR/L, OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus, Westerville, OH;
  Rachel Yontz, OTR/L, OhioHealth, Columbus, OH;
  Kelly Tanner, MOT, OTR/L, The Nisonger Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
  Adam Loechler, OTR/L Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH;
  Jamie Morris, OTR/L, Every Child Achieves, Los Angeles, CA;
  Sara Androynas, COTA/L, Developing Connections Pediatric Clinic, Shelby Township, MI
  
  The light at the end of the tunnel is employment. Fortunately, occupational therapy is a rewarding profession that is in high demand. After you complete fieldwork and graduate, how do you decide what job you should take? When do you start to look for a job?  Learn about strategies new graduates used to pass the NBCOT examination. New OT and OTA graduates will share their personal journeys from student to occupational therapy practitioner.  Participants in the panel will represent various practice settings.
  
  
• Concurrent #8 - Clinical Session: Mental Health
  Room: Fairfield
  Speaker: Lindy L. Weaver, MOT, OTR/L; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  
  For occupational therapists and occupational therapy students practicing in mental health, it is often difficult to identify appropriate interventions and to measure outcomes. Having a defined approach and guideline can assist with this and can make therapy in the mental health setting more meaningful and fun! This presentation will introduce and explore strategies for systematic treatment planning in mental health. A data-driven intervention process will be explained and applied to the mental health setting. This process will serve as a guide to help students effectively plan both group and one-on-one treatment sessions for individuals of all ages. Activity and technology resources for mental health practice will also be provided.

12:00pm-1:00pm - Sponsored Lunch/Networking with Fellow Students

1:45-2:30pm – Ready, Willing, and Able: Becoming an Occupational Therapy Leader
Room: Regency Ballroom
Speakers: Ginny C. Stoffel, PhD, OT, BCMH, FAOTA; AOTA President-Elect, Milwaukee, WI;
Debi Hinerfeld, MS, OTR/L; Chair of the AOTA Emerging Leaders Committee, Gainesville, GA

Every member as a leader is vital to the achievement of the Centennial Vision and beyond, and students are vital to promoting this energy and culture. The profession of occupational therapy needs more than just great practitioners; we need strong leaders! Hear how the presenters formed themselves as leaders and learn ways to launch your own leadership journey by becoming engaged at the local, national, even international level. Preparing yourself to be Ready, Willing, and Able to accept leadership opportunities and challenges is the next step in your professional development!

2:30-3:15pm – Policy, Advocacy, & the Future of Occupational Therapy
Room: Regency Ballroom
Speakers: Christina Metzler; AOTA, Bethesda, MD;
Gail Fisher, MPA, OTR/L, FAOTA; University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

Health care reform, critical elections, student loans, fieldwork: all of the hotly debated policy issues are influencing the prospects and possibilities for occupational therapy. What will these issues mean to the job market and your career? How can you participate to make the voice of occupational therapy heard loud and clear? Learn how you can join the debate and become an effective advocate for occupational therapy. Empower yourself and your profession to ensure that occupational therapy thrives as you begin your career. Get Informed, Get Involved!

• Concurrent #9 - Clinical Session: Rehabilitation, Disability, & Participation
  Room: Delaware AB
  Speakers: Jennie Thompson, MOT, OTR/L; Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH;
  C. Steve Childress, OT/L, NDT/C; OhioHealth Neighborhood Care, Columbus, OH
  
  In this session, the environmental and therapy-centered tactics for management of patients along the Ranchos Scale in an inpatient rehab setting and beyond will be reviewed. Real clinical examples of behaviors and deficits noted with the Traumatic Brain Injury population and implications for treatment will be discussed.
  
  

  The second presenter will discuss developing reach and functional upper extremity movement in a patient with moderate to severe hemiplegia after stroke. The shoulder complex represents a vital foundation for movement of the upper extremity in all patient populations, but the stroke patient presents many additional challenges due the disruption in the central nervous system. Impairments in trunk and postural skills, disturbances to normal movement synergies, compensatory movement patterns, and imbalances in normal muscle tone al affect development of shoulder movement post stroke. This session will discuss key biomechanical movement concepts important to the shoulder and scapula for efficient shoulder movement and how using movement analysis can assist the occupational therapist in identifying key maladaptive movement strategies that challenge development of functional shoulder movement. This is intended to assist the entry level clinician with the skill of observing movement in function as an assessment tool and a biomechanical review of shoulder movement to assist in organizing effective treatment plans.

• Concurrent #10 – Occupational Therapy and iPads: What Every Student Should Know
  Room: Franklin ABCD
  Speaker: Dennis S. Cleary, MS, OTD, OTR/L; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  
  The iPads, the iPod touch, and similar touch screen devices have great potential to help clients with disabilities learn, develop and participate more fully in their lives. There are 550,000 applications you can download from the Apps store, but how do you know which ones might be useful for your clients? A rubric will be presented to help occupational therapy students decide if iTechnology and various apps is as engaging, as efficient and as effective as traditional occupational therapy interventions.
  
  
• Concurrent #11 - Introduction to Documentation & Reimbursement for the New Graduate
  Room: Fairfield
  Speaker: Monica Robinson, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
  
  As a new practitioner, navigating the waters of reimbursement (private insurance, Medicare/Medicaid) can be tricky. Learning new payment systems, while being a good clinician, is challenging It becomes even more so when you include understanding documentation requirements and proper billing codes, while gaining overall knowledge of reimbursement policies and procedures. This session will give new practitioners resources and strategies that can lead to successful reimbursement.
  
  
• Concurrent #12 - Clinical Session: Health & Wellness
  Room: Delaware CD
  Speakers: Roger I. Ideishi, JD, OT/L, FAOTA; University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA;
  Ingrid Kanics, OTR/L; Kanics Inclusive Design Services, LLC, New Castle, PA
  
  OT's can serve as clinical consultants, designers, and evaluators in community venues such as airports & performing arts centers. This presentation will describe programming to integrate home, school, and the above community venues promoting inclusion, life routines & social continuity for children with social-cognitive challenges and their families.
  
  

  The second presentation will take students through the fascinating journey that one occupational therapist has taken from a classroom project to an out-of-the-box career. The trip includes lots of play experiences in the field of universal design to create amazing play spaces for children of all abilities around the country. Work experience includes nonprofit settings, museums, and playgrounds, to name a few.

4:45-5:30pm – Closing
Room: Regency Ballroom

Back by popular demand – join in a great interactive Q&A session, hosted by the ASD Steering Committee, where you will have the chance to ask questions of the AOTA and NBCOT leaders that represent their Boards of Directors, advocacy, policy, and practice. AOTA President-elect Ginny Stoffel will offer some final closing remarks before you head out to an evening of fun in Columbus and the AOTPAC Night at the Hyatt.

7:30-9:30pm - AOTPAC Social
Room: Delaware

Let's celebrate! Another federal election year is over and a new Congress will convene in January. Let's take this time to relax and enjoy an evening of dancing and mingling. We'll provide a quick overview of the election outcome – and we mean quick. Then dance and mingle your night away with old friends and new friends before you go out on the town for the Columbus nightlife! We'll supply the music and snacks and a cash bar will be on hand for your beverage of choice!