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  • Contains 8 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/19/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)

    This workshop provides occupational therapists with the knowledge and skills to offer DBT-ST using a neurodivergence-informed approach to promote the occupational participation of adults with ADHD. Live session dates: September 19 & 26, 2025

    • You must log in to register
      • Early bird pricing available!
      • Non-member - $520
      • Members and Associates - $415
      • Student/Provisional/Retured - $365
      • New Practitioner - $415
      • OTA - $415
      • Regular Price after 07/10/2025 2:59 AM
      • Non-member - $570
      • Members and Associates - $465
      • Student/Provisional/Retured - $415
      • New Practitioner - $465
      • OTA - $465
    • More Information
  • Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 09/18/2025

    This one-day workshop will build the competency of occupational therapists regarding what to assess and how, as well as how to overcome physical access barriers by matching home modification solutions to the needs of aging and older adults, and their care partners.

    Thursday, September 18, 2025

    10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Aging in place is defined as the extent to which older adults are able to age in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Supporting Canada’s growing older adult population to age well, in reasonably good health, and to live independently requires a combination of health and social services (Iciaszczyk et al., 2023). Occupational therapists (OTs) have expertise in assessing and addressing the impact of the context on a person’s occupational participation (ACOTRO et al., 2021), including the fit between persons and the built environment (Ainsworth & de Jonge, 2018), as well as the need for personal care and other assistance. Given that the majority of current housing stock is inaccessible or unsafe for people living with physical and/or cognitive impairments (Choi, 2021; Reid, 2022; Statistics Canada, 2022), OTs are often asked to recommend home modifications, including assistive devices and structural adaptations. This requires an in-depth level of knowledge and training that OTs are unlikely to receive during their entry-level occupational therapy education (Meyer & Proganc, 2022).

    This one-day workshop will build the competency of occupational therapists regarding what to assess and how, as well as how to overcome physical access barriers by matching home modification solutions to the needs of aging and older adults, and their care partners. This workshop will begin with an overview of how and where older Canadians typically live, the challenges they face both in terms of overcoming functional limitations and navigating the health care system, and the need for occupational therapy-based aging-in-place services. The presenter will then briefly touch on the collaborative role that occupational therapists (OTs) play relative to others involved in the home health and home modification industries (e.g., supplier-dealers, designers, contractors, builders, funders). Significantly more time and attention will be spent describing areas and methods of assessments, as well as residential design standards and guidelines for improved function, safety, and accessibility. This includes reviewing examples of home modification assessment tools, documentation, and report templates. Case scenarios and images of real-world projects will be used to explore best practices for age-inclusive, health promoting built environments. Small group discussions will be used throughout the workshop to assist participants in applying their knowledge to case scenarios.

    Preliminary workshop agenda

    10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET)Understanding aging in place, home modifications, and the occupational therapy role 
    11:30 - 11:45 a.m. (ET)Break
    11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (ET)Home modification assessments and residential design guidelines Introduction of case scenarios
    1:15 - 1:45 p.m. (ET)Break
    1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET)Accessible exteriors, entrances and exits, and interior circulation. Includes examples, case scenario discussion, and Q&A
    3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET)Break
    3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)Accessible bathrooms, bedrooms, storage areas, and kitchens. Includes examples, case scenario discussion, and Q&A Learning objectives

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1. Define key terminology, including aging in place, home safety, home modifications, accessibility, and universal or inclusive design.
    2. Understand the role of occupational therapists in facilitating aging in place via home modifications.
    3. Identify methods and practices used during occupational therapy-based home modification assessments with older adults.
    4. Describe home modification solutions to remove physical access barriers for aging and older adults.
    5. Describe home modification solutions to promote occupational participation among older adults.
    6. Respond to the individual and societal factors that influence the adoption of home modifications for aging in place.

    Target audience

    Occupational therapist clinicians with a minimum of 3-5 years of clinical experience working in the community with (older) adults. Late-career OTs who are planning ahead for their own aging journey are also welcome to attend

    Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

    Client age group

    Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)

    Areas of practice

    Assistive Technology, Cognition, Dementia, Equipment Assessments, Home Assessment & Modification, Insurance Assessment, Medical-Legal Services, MSK Rehabilitation, MVA Rehabilitation, Older Adults, Role-Emerging, Universal & Inclusive Design, Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces

    Workshop level

    Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)

    Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.

    Presenter

    Margot McWhirter, MA, OT Reg. (Ont.)

    Margot McWhirter is an occupational therapist with a Master's Degree in Gerontology, as well as certifications in Universal Design, Patient Navigation, and the Executive Certificate in Home Modifications (ECHM) from the University of Southern California. She operates her Ontario-based practice, Inclusive Aging, which focuses on family-centred, aging-in-place services. These services include both simple and complex home modifications, equipment and care coordination, and education for clients, family and/or care partners Margot also collaborates with businesses to enable accessible, age-inclusive products, spaces, and services. She is the co-chair of the CAOT's Home Modifications and Inclusive Design Network, a member of an interprofessional Design and Dementia Community of Practice, and a retired member of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)'s B651 Technical Committee on Accessible Design for the Built Environment. Frequently invited as a public speaker and guest lecturer, Margot taught for York University's Faculty of Health - Health Leadership and Learning Network (HLLN) prior to its closure in May 2024. Margot is dedicated to ending one of the last socially acceptable prejudices - ageism - and is committed to empowering others to grow (b)older with purpose.

    Registration fees

      Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by July 23, 2025 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after July 23, 2025
    CAOT Members and Associates $220 $270
    CAOT Student/Provisional Associates & Retired Members $195 $245
    Non-members* $275 $325

    Registration deadline: September 18, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)  

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.

    *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by September 3, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after September 3, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by September 3, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration. 

    CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before August 8, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until August 22, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

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    The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.  

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

    • You must log in to register
      • Early bird pricing available!
      • Non-member - $275
      • Members and Associates - $220
      • Student/Provisional/Retured - $195
      • New Practitioner - $220
      • OTA - $220
      • Regular Price after 07/24/2025 2:55 AM
      • Non-member - $325
      • Members and Associates - $270
      • Student/Provisional/Retured - $245
      • New Practitioner - $270
      • OTA - $270
    • More Information
  • Contains 7 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 08/14/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)

    This two-day interactive workshop explores the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) evidence-based approach to co-create therapy plans with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals that promote occupational participation.

    Thursday, August 14 & Friday, August 15, 2025

    10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Occupational therapists need to be knowledgeable of emerging trends in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and feel confident with implementing strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming best practices when working with autistic and other neurodivergent people and their families (e.g., Dallman et al., 2022; Kornblau & Robertson, 2021).

    This two-day interactive workshop explores the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, and Thinking) evidence-based approach to co-create therapy plans with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals that promote occupational participation. These occupations will be explored in depth through a combination of teaching, video presentations, demonstrations, ongoing interactions with workshop participants, case studies, and/or small group work that will explore the lived experiences of neurodivergent children, youth, and adults who present with sensory processing differences* (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions). 

    There will be a strong focus on the use of strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming approaches throughout this workshop.  The following occupations will be addressed to best promote the occupational participation of autistic and other neurodivergent children, youth, and adults: eating, sleep, personal hygiene, play, school, and leisure. Participants will have a chance to consider systemic and individual barriers to occupational participation for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, and will discuss how to address these barriers.  

    *Please note that the presenter’s clinical experience is primarily with autistic persons and that the case studies/videos used will focus on autism and co-occurring conditions).

    Preliminary workshop agenda

    Day 1: Thursday, August 14, 2025

    10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET)
    • Introductions
    • Review of core values underlying this workshop: the importance of practising occupational therapy using strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed approaches
    • Overview of BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory, and Thinking) approach
    • BEST strategies for eating
    11:30 - 11:40 a.m. (ET) Break
    11:40 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. (ET)
    • BEST strategies for eating (Continued)
    1:40 - 2:20 p.m. (ET) Lunch
    2:20 - 3:20 p.m. (ET)
    • BEST for sleep
    3:20 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break
    3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
    • BEST for personal hygiene
    • Case studies (Child, adolescent, adult and/or your own)

    Day 2: Friday, August 15, 2025

    10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET)
    • BEST for play
    11:30 - 11:40 a.m. (ET) Break
    11:40 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. (ET)
    • BEST for school
    1:10 - 2:00 p.m. (ET) Lunch
    2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (ET)
    • BEST for school (continued)
    • BEST for leisure
    3:30 - 3:45 p.m. (ET) Break
    3:45 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
    • Case studies: Play (Young child - toddler or your own), school (Adolescent in high school or your own)

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1. Explain why occupational therapists need to practice using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming evidence-based approaches by addressing, supporting, and advocating for inclusion and identity across the lifespan.
    2. Utilize the presenter’s BEST (Body, Emotional, Sensory and Thinking) approach to support autistic and other neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults in engaging and participating in eating, sleep, and personal hygiene occupations.
    3. Utilize the presenter’s BEST approach to support autistic and other neurodivergent children and adolescents in engaging and participating in meaningful play and school occupations.
    4. Utilize the presenter’s BEST approach to support autistic and other neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults in engaging and participating in meaningful leisure occupations

    Target audience

    Occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and other health professionals who work with neurodivergent children, youth, and adults who present with sensory processing differences* (including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as anxiety and other mental health conditions).

    This workshop builds on the content discussed in the workshop “A comprehensive introduction to sensory processing and autism: Towards the development of a strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy practice” also presented by Moira Peña. Participants of this workshop are expected to be familiar with the core values of strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming ,and trauma-informed approaches.

    Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

    Client age group

    Young children (0-4 years old), Children (5-12 years old), Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)

    Areas of practice

    Autism/Neurodiversity, Caregiver/Family Education, Generalist, Health Promotion & Wellness, Leadership & Change Agency, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Pediatrics, Sensory Integration & Processing

    Workshop level

    Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area) 

    Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with previous knowledge and experience in neurodiversity-affirming practice.

    Presenter

    Moira Peña, BScOT, MOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)

    Moira Peña is an occupational therapist who is passionate about equipping occupational therapy practitioners and other health care and education professionals with neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based practice knowledge & skills that best support autistic people. Moira is the owner of Moira Peña Sensory Workshops and also works at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Ontario with children and youth on the autism spectrum.  Moira is an Expert Hub Team member of the ECHO Ontario Autism Program.

    Moira holds credentials from the STAR (Sensory Therapies and Research) Institute for Sensory Processing and is a certified Solution-Focused Healthcare Facilitator & Coach (C-SFHCF). She is a published author and researcher in The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and is the creator & host of Holland Bloorview’s Autism Summit. Moira is also an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.

    Registration fees

    Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by June 18, 2025 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after June 18, 2025
    CAOT Members and Associates $415 $465
    CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members $365 $415
    Non-member* $520 $570

    Registration deadline: August 14, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.

    *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by July 30, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after July 30, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by July 30, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.  

     CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before July 4, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until July 18, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.


    member icon  Professional Development FAQs

    member icon  Provide suggestions for Professional Development


    The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.    

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

    • You must log in to register
      • Early bird pricing available!
      • Non-member - $520
      • Members and Associates - $415
      • Student/Provisional/Retured - $365
      • New Practitioner - $415
      • OTA - $415
      • Regular Price after 06/20/2025 2:55 AM
      • Non-member - $570
      • Members and Associates - $465
      • Student/Provisional/Retured - $415
      • New Practitioner - $465
      • OTA - $465
    • More Information
  • Contains 11 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 05/29/2025 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

    This online workshop will provide an overview of key considerations of assessing and understanding the impact of postural asymmetries to prepare an equipment prescription for clients of any age. Live session dates: May 29 and 30, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET)

    May 15 – May 28, 2025 (on your own) 

    May 29 and 30, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Seating and mobility assessments are a critical part of all aspects of facilitating participation in occupations of life for those that have limitations in independent mobility (e.g., Gallagher et al., 2022; World Health Organization, 2023). To complete a seating and mobility prescription, therapists must be aware of physical, perceptual, visual, psychosocial, and emotional impacts on the client's mobility and seated posture, as well as consider their context and needs. Occupational therapists provide a critical component in the assessment and provision of assistive technology. An integral part of this assessment is a physical MAT assessment, which requires a hands-on assessment of the client to determine joint range of motion for a functional seated posture. To justify equipment prescriptions to third party payors as well as the client themselves, occupational therapists need to understand posture (normal posture and deviations from normal), as well as the theory and physics behind the use and provision of assistive technology to ensure no harm is done to the client (World Health Organization, 2022).

    This online workshop will provide an overview of key considerations of assessing and understanding the impact of postural asymmetries to prepare an equipment prescription for clients of any age. The prerecorded lectures will review anatomy landmarking critical for assessing seated posture, as well as MAT assessment techniques to determine range of motion, and resultant reducible or non-reducible postures. Components of the MAT assessment, including the pelvis, trunk, hip, knee, foot, and thigh, will be explored with consideration to how they affect postural outcomes for head positioning in midline. Typical asymmetries of the pelvis and spine found in the seated position will be explored and reviewed with an understanding of how these asymmetries and gravitational factors can negatively affect head positioning through fatigue and pain. Participants will then apply the information learned to case studies with the goal of being ability to complete a thorough and justifiable wheeled mobility and seating prescription based on the assessment data gathered.

    Preliminary workshop agenda

    Pre-recorded lecture: May 15 – May 28, 2025 (on your own)

    Approximately 2 hoursLandmarking
    Measuring
    MAT Assessment
    Simulation

    Day 1: May 29, 2025 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    12:00 - 1:45 p.m. (ET)Review of prerecorded lectures/questions 
    Theory, physics, pressure, posture, functional midline posture
    1:45 - 2:00 p.m. (ET)Break
    2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (ET)Asymmetry, forces, gravity, and three-point positioning posture related to mobility, centre of mass, and centre of gravity
    Homework (on your own)Case study: MAT assessment

    Day 2: May 30, 2025 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    12:00 - 1:45 p.m. (ET)Review of homework case study and questions 
    Simulation of forces, shapes, and functional posture 
    Generic product review, materials, and shapes
    1:45 - 2:00 p.m. (ET)Break
    2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (ET)Case studies (breakout rooms)

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1.    Understand the importance of completing a MAT Assessment.
    2.    Recognize the impact of asymmetrical posture on all aspects of seating/wheeled mobility and body function.
    3.    Recognize forces related to three-point positioning.
    4.    Identify pelvic landmarks related to seated posture.
    5.    Apply MAT assessment findings to simulation of corrected or accommodated posture recognize non reducible asymmetrical postures

    Target audience

    Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist assistants (OTAs), physiotherapists, and physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) who wish to develop their skills in optimal seating and mobility through an increased understanding of postural asymmetries.

    Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

    Client age group

    Young children (0-4 years old), Children (5-12 years old), Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)

    Areas of practice

    Assistive Technology, Brain Injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord, Chronic Pain, Developmental Disability, Equipment Assessments, Neurology, Older Adults, Orthopedics, Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Pediatrics

    Workshop level

    Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this area of practice)

    Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience in this area of practice.

    Presenter

    Sheila Buck, OT Reg. (Ont.)

    Sheila is an occupational therapist and the owner of a seating and mobility consulting company, Therapy NOW, in Ontario, Canada. Sheila has spoken extensively in North America, Ireland, Norway and New Zealand on seating and mobility concepts for the very young to the very old. Her audiences have included, but are not limited to, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, doctors, case managers, DME (Durable Medical Equipment) vendors and manufacturers of seating and mobility products.  Her extensive knowledge related to the provision of assistive technology for mobility is reflected in her book More than 4 wheels:  Applying clinical practice to seating, mobility and assistive technology, 3rd edition. This excellent clinical guide is currently being used as a learning tool around the world with over 1200 copies sold. Sheila is also a contributing author in the recently published Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide. Sheila is known for her dynamic sessions which are enhanced by demonstrations of practical suggestions, as well as her compassion for clients and advancing her learning and skills to those with whom she works. 

    Registration fees

    Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by March 26, 2025

    CAOT Members and AssociatesCAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired MembersNon-member*
    $305$270$380

    Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after March 26, 2025

    CAOT Members and AssociatesCAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired MembersNon-member*
    $355$320$430

    Registration deadline: May 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.  

    *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by April 30, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after April 30, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by April 30, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee. 

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the  same workshop if currently open for registration.  CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before April 4, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until April 18, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

    member icon  Professional Development FAQs

    member icon  Provide suggestions for Professional Development

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

    Sheila Buck

    Sheila Buck, OT Reg. (Ont.), Sheila is an occupational therapist and the owner of a seating and mobility consulting company, Therapy NOW, in Ontario, Canada. Sheila has spoken extensively in North America, Ireland, Norway and New Zealand on seating and mobility concepts for the very young to the very old. Her audiences have included, but are not limited to, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, doctors, case managers, DME (Durable Medical Equipment) vendors and manufacturers of seating and mobility products. Her extensive knowledge related to the provision of assistive technology for mobility is reflected in her book More than 4 wheels: Applying clinical practice to seating, mobility and assistive technology, 3rd edition. This excellent clinical guide is currently being used as a learning tool around the world with over 1200 copies sold. Sheila is also a contributing author in the recently published Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide. Sheila is known for her dynamic sessions which are enhanced by demonstrations of practical suggestions, as well as her compassion for clients and advancing her learning and skills to those with whom she works.

  • Contains 7 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 05/23/2025 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

    This experiential and interactive workshop will explore interoception as the sixth sense and its relevance to self-regulation and daily life participation. A variety of evidence-based tools and interventions relevant to the pediatric population will be discussed and experienced. Adults will have the opportunity to participate in the interventions first, and these learning experiences will influence how they apply them to their OT practice.

    Thursday, May 22 & Friday, May 23, 2025 

    12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Interoception is the sixth sense that is at the core of how the internal body environment is regulated (Mahler, 2015). The body was designed with a multitude of interoceptive receptors to give the brain clues regarding how it is feeling and what is needed in order to find balance and comfort. The journey of interoception for clients must start with learning the language of the different body sensations, then moving on to recognize and match the intensity of these body sensations to emotion (Mahler, 2015 & McBride, 2023).  

    Occupational therapy professionals can equip clients to identify body sensations and understand their relationship to emotions. This set of emotional literacy skills empowers clients to be in tune with their bodies, their needs, their authentic selves and, with this knowledge, to advocate for the tools necessary to process stress and to regulate self. Teaching interoception and emotional literacy facilitates occupational therapy practices that are neurodiversity affirming and trauma sensitive (Mahler, 2015 & Endow, 2023).    This experiential and interactive workshop will explore interoception as the sixth sense and its relevance to self-regulation and daily life participation. A variety of evidence-based tools and interventions relevant to the pediatric population will be discussed and experienced. Adults will have the opportunity to participate in the interventions first, and these learning experiences will influence how they apply them to their OT practice.  

    Throughout this workshop, research related to masking, mental health, suicide, trauma, and their relationship to interoception will be discussed. Large and small group discussions, experiential exercises for individuals and in groups will be utilized to facilitate the integration of knowledge into practice.

    Preliminary workshop agenda

    Day 1

    12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (ET)
    • Interoception and its impact on self-regulation 
    1:30 - 1:45 p.m. (ET) Break
    1:45- 3:15 p.m. (ET)
    • Interoception and its impact on self-regulation 
    3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break
    3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
    • Tools/Interventions to teach interoception awareness to clients 
    Homework
    • Some readings of handouts and podcasts regarding interoception and emotions

    Day 2

    12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (ET)
    • The relationship between interoception and emotional literacy to masking, mental health, suicide, and trauma 
    1:30 - 1:45 p.m. (ET) Break
    1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET)
    • The relationship between interoception and emotional literacy relationship to masking, mental health, suicide, and trauma 
    3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET) Break
    3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)
    • Tools/Interventions to teach interoception awareness to clients

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1. Understand interoception and how it relates to daily participation, emotional literacy, and self-regulation.
    2. Discuss the role of interoception when addressing emotional literacy, masking, mental health challenges, suicide, and trauma from a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-sensitive lens.
    3. Learn to implement into practice a variety of evidence-based tools and interventions that address interoception awareness when working with children, youth, and families.

    Target audience

    Understand interoception and how it relates to daily participation, emotional literacy, and self-regulation. Discuss the role of interoception when addressing emotional literacy, masking, mental health challenges, suicide, and trauma from a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-sensitive lens. Learn to implement into practice a variety of evidence-based tools and interventions that address interoception awareness when working with children, youth, and families.

    Areas of practice 

    Autism/Neurodiversity, Caregiver/Family Education, Developmental Disability, Mental Health, Parental Health, Pediatrics, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Sensory Integration & Processing, Self-regulation, Trauma 
     
    Client age group 
    Young children (2-4 years old), Children (5-12 years old), Adolescents (13-19 years old) 
     
    Workshop level 
    Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area) 
     
    Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience.

    Presenter

    Alex Thompson, Reg. OT (BC) 

    Alex Thompson is the executive director and founder of Power for All, a charity that has been offering nature-based occupational therapy services to clients of all ages and abilities in the Fraser Valley for the last 16 years. Alex has a variety of credentials in the areas of early years and school age education, outdoor recreation, adventure therapy, mental health, trauma, yoga, fitness and occupational therapy. She shares her passion for an accessible world by teaching at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies department. She is a speaker at local and international  conferences and offers training at municipal Parks and Recreation departments, private and public-school districts, and community organizations. She has worked in Inuit communities and abroad in a variety of countries as an OT pediatric consultant. She is a published author and researcher in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation. In her spare time, she loves being in nature and volunteering for social justice and inclusive sport causes.

    Registration fees

    Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by March 26, 2025 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after March 26, 2025
    CAOT Members and Associates $305 $355
    CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members $270 $320
    Non-member* $380 $430

    Registration deadline: May 7, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.

    *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by May 7, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after May 7, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by May 7, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.  CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before April 11, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until December 20, 2024. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.


    member icon  Professional Development FAQs

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    The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.    

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

    Alex Thompson,

    Reg. OT (BC)

    Alex Thompson is the executive director and founder of Power for All, a charity that has been offering nature-based occupational therapy services to clients of all ages and abilities in the Fraser Valley for the last 16 years. Alex has a variety of credentials in the areas of early years and school age education, outdoor recreation, adventure therapy, mental health, trauma, yoga, fitness and occupational therapy. She shares her passion for an accessible world by teaching at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Child, Youth, and Family Studies department. She is a speaker at local and international  conferences and offers training at municipal Parks and Recreation departments, private and public-school districts, and community organizations. She has worked in Inuit communities and abroad in a variety of countries as an OT pediatric consultant. She is a published author and researcher in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation. In her spare time, she loves being in nature and volunteering for social justice and inclusive sport causes. 

  • Contains 6 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 04/17/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)

    This one-day workshop will provide occupational therapy professionals the core skills needed to deliver exposure therapy confidently and effectively while incorporating the occupational therapy lens.

    Online workshop

    Thursday, April 17, 2025
    10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition (World Health Organization, 2023), with the Canadian prevalence significantly increasing over the past 10 years (Statistics Canada, 2023). Only 28% of Canadians with a mental health disorder felt that they received counselling or psychotherapy services that met their needs in the past year (Stephenson, 2023). OTs are well suited to deliver the gold standard treatment of exposure therapy for anxiety disorders (e.g., Chowdhury & Khandoker, 2022; McDermott et al., 2023); however, many OTs lack foundational knowledge and training that is specifically geared towards occupational therapy.

    This one-day workshop will provide occupational therapy professionals the core skills needed to deliver exposure therapy confidently and effectively while incorporating the occupational therapy lens. The workshop will begin with an overview of clinical anxiety disorders and discussion of cognitive-behavioural conceptualizations and transdiagnostic maintenance factors. An overview of exposure therapy will be provided, including what it is and how it works (habituation, learning models, values-based models). The therapeutic process when delivering this intervention will be explained, including providing psychoeducation, self-monitoring of behavioural patterns, identifying core fears, cultivating an exposure mindset, developing an exposure menu, designing exposure plans, and implementing exposure exercises with coaching support from the therapist. Finally, common challenges will be explored. Lectures, demonstrations, as well as large and small group discussions will be utilized throughout the workshop to facilitate learning and applying concepts.

    Preliminary workshop agenda

    10:00 - 11:15 a.m. (ET)

    Core features of clinical anxiety disordes
    Cognitive and behavioural maintenance factors and implications for exposure therapy
    Identifying core fears

    11:15 - 11:30 a.m. (ET)

    Break

    11:30 to 1:00 p.m. (ET)

    Overview of exposure therapy - what it is and how it works (habituation, learning models, values-based models)
    Psychoeducation
    Demonstration
    Different types of exposures
    Outlining exposure therapy process, session agendas

    1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (ET)

    Lunch

    2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (ET)

    Cultivating an exposure mindset
    Developing an exposure menu
    Group activity: Designing exposure plans
    Exposure therapy role play

    3:30 - 3:45 p.m. (ET)

    Break

    3:45 to 5:00 p.m. (ET)

    Exposure therapy coaching tips
    Experiential practice
    Troubleshooting when things don't go as planned
    Common challenges Conclusion

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1. Identify core features of clinical anxiety disorders. 

    2. Understand cognitive and behavioural maintenance factors and implications for exposure therapy. 

    3. Develop session agendas and create an exposure therapy treatment plan for their clients. 

    4. Explain different types of exposures (in vivo, interoceptive, imaginal). 

    5. Leverage occupational therapy models and skills in the delivery of services. 

    6. Develop practical exposure therapy coaching skills through observing demonstrations and small group experiential practice.

    7. Identify common challenges encountered in the delivery of this intervention and troubleshoot accordingly.

    Target audience

    Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist assistants, students in occupational therapy programs, and students in OTA/PTA programs who wish to help their clients face their fears and reclaim their lives by learning about the first line treatment for anxiety disorders - exposure therapy! Social workers, nurses, and psychotherapists are also welcome to attend.

    Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

    Areas of practice

    Autism/Neurodiversity, Caregiver/Family Education, Case Management, Education & Fieldwork, Generalist, Mental Health, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Parental Health, Primary Care, Psychotherapy, Return to Work, Role-Emerging

    Client age group

    Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)

    Workshop level

    Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

    Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience.

    Presenters

    Aliza Ladak, OT Reg. (Ont.)

    Aliza Ladak (she/her) is an occupational therapist practicing in the area of psychotherapy. She currently provides assessment and treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders through her private practice. She has 12 years of mental health experience and has worked in several hospitals. Aliza currently works part-time at Sunnybrook's Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre in their intensive OCD program. Aliza is very passionate about exposure-based interventions and provides educational initiatives to build capacity in community clinicians in this area.

    Nathania Lukman, OT Reg. (Ont.), Psychotherapist

    Nathania Lukman is an occupational therapist (OT) practicing in mental health. Nathania has extensive experience in the treatment of OCD and their common comorbidities. She was a member of the Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre’s Intensive OCD Treatment Program as their OT•Psychotherapist and Team Lead until late 2024. Nathania has since joined Altum Health - University Health Network as an OT•Psychotherapist in their Ajax & Oshawa locations. Outside of Altum Health, Nathania operates Valued Living Therapy Services, a private practice where she provides virtual occupational therapy and psychotherapy services. Across her diverse work experience Nathania utilizes a variety of evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities including CBT/ERP and Inference-based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD, ACT, CFT and Motivational Interviewing. Nathania holds an Adjunct Faculty appointment at the Temerty Faculty of Education’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Nathania has a special interest and passion in working with neurodivergent and perinatal populations. 

    Registration fees

    Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by February 19, 2025

    CAOT Members and Associates

    CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members

    Non-member*

    $220

    $195

    $275

    Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after February 19, 2025

    CAOT Members and Associates

    CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members

    Non-member*

    $270

    $245

    $325
    Registration deadline: April 17, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees. Pending sufficient space, CAOT offers late registration for workshops at the regular rate plus a $50 administration fee.  *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.  

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by April 2, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after April 2, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by April 2, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.

    CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before March 7, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until March 21, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

    member icon  Professional Development FAQs

    member icon  Provide suggestions for Professional Development


    The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.    

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

  • Contains 7 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 04/10/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)

    In the first, basic “Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy” workshop, an overview was provided of sensory modulation concepts, assessments and applications for self-regulation in mental health and illness. This workshop will provide an opportunity for occupational therapy professionals to apply their prior knowledge to clients with mental illness. Five diagnoses that are commonly seen in community and return-to-work mental health settings were chosen - ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression and PTSD. For each illness, the typical symptoms and functional difficulties will be reviewed, what and how to assess, and how to assist such a client to self-regulate their emotions and arousal levels sustainably for optimal participation in their daily occupations. Workshop participants will participate actively by completing a pre-workshop assignment and readings on a case study, and work in small groups to present their findings on a case study with a specific diagnosis, and an occupational therapy plan to other participants, while the workshop facilitators will provide examples, guidance, facilitate discussion and answer questions. Workshop participants are also asked to bring a case study from their own practice for discussion.

    March 27 to April 9th, 2025 (on your own) 

    Thursday, April 10th, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Occupational therapists in Canada must facilitate clients’ use of their strengths and resources to sustain occupational participation (ACOTRO et al., 2021). Occupational therapists can use sensory modulation interventions successfully to assist people with various mental illnesses to regulate emotional and physiological arousal (Kandlur et al., 2023), while keeping their clients’ occupation at the centre of practice. Sensory modulation is an effective approach for the self-management of anxiety (Wallis et al., 2018), depression (Canbeyli, 2022), adult ADHD symptoms (Adamou et al., 2021), and sensory processing difficulty in autism spectrum disorder (Lin et al., 2019), as well as other mental illnesses.
    In the first, basic “Sensory intelligence and occupational therapy” workshop, an overview was provided of sensory modulation concepts, assessments and applications for self-regulation in mental health and illness. This workshop will provide an opportunity for occupational therapy professionals to apply their prior knowledge to clients with mental illness. Five diagnoses that are commonly seen in community and return-to-work mental health settings were chosen - ADHD, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression and PTSD. For each illness, the typical symptoms and functional difficulties will be reviewed, what and how to assess, and how to assist such a client to self-regulate their emotions and arousal levels sustainably for optimal participation in their daily occupations. Workshop participants will participate actively by completing a pre-workshop assignment and readings on a case study, and work in small groups to present their findings on a case study with a specific diagnosis, and an occupational therapy plan to other participants, while the workshop facilitators will provide examples, guidance, facilitate discussion and answer questions. Workshop participants are also asked to bring a case study from their own practice for discussion.

    **Please note this a Level 2 workshop and participants must have completed the Level 1 offering in April or November 2024**

    Preliminary agenda

    November 14 to 20, 2024 (on your own)
    Approximately 1 hourPre-workshop reading and assignment Review key research articles and prepare for case studies (one case study assigned to each participant) Bring a case study from your own practice for discussion, around one of the following:        
    1) Autism   2) ADHD   3) Anxiety   4) Depression

    Friday, November 22, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    Introduction and context of the workshop Review of assessments Diagnostic applications for breakout groups:            1) autism, 2) ADHD, 3) anxiety, 4) depression Review of sensory modulation interventions - sensory snacks, sensory diets, sensory ergonomics PEO Framework expansion

    Example case study: PTSD
    Problems and symptoms Assessments and results Sensory modulation intervention PEO Framework expansion

    Breakout case study groups
    Discuss case study assessment according to the template

    Presentations of case studies assessment 

    10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (ET)

    11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (ET)

    Break

    10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (ET)

    Breakout case study groups 2  

     Discuss case study symptoms, assessment, interventions and goals Summary and closure - Next steps for me?

    11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (ET)

    Sensory assessments for adolescents and adults

    Please note that this section includes a 10-minute breakout room.


    Learning objectives

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1. Identify which symptoms and occupational barriers may be present
    2. Identify what assessments to complete with regards to the sensory modulation and why
    3. Consider elements of person, occupation and environment in assessment and intervention
    4. Consider sensory snacks, diet and ergonomics and how to help your client choose and implement them
    5. Understand how the sensory modulation interventions fit into the total occupational therapy plan and goals

    Target Audience

    Occupational therapist clinicians, Occupational therapist educators, and Students in occupational therapy programs who wish to assist people with various mental illnesses with optimal everyday occupational participation by implementing sensory modulation interventions to regulate their emotional and physiological arousal.

    Client age group

    Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old)

    Areas of practice

    Autism/Neurodiversity Chronic Pain Dementia Mental Health Return to Work Sensory Integration & Processing Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces

    Workshop level

    Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area)  - Please note that this is a Level 2 workshop and participants must have completed the Level 1 Sensory intelligence workshop from April or November 2024. Please note: Participants with more or less than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop if they have attended the Level 1 workshop prior. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 3-5 years of experience. 

    Presenters

    Tia Steyn

    Tia Steyn Consulting, located in Vernon, British Columbia, is led by Tia Steyn, an occupational therapist with a 25-year career spanning public, private, military, and academic sectors in South Africa and Canada. Her expertise now focuses on mental health. Since 2017, she has specialized in sensory modulation for adults, recognizing its significant impact in helping clients manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. Tia offers personalized approaches for individuals to help them achieve their goals. she holds a B. Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University, a PG Dip in Hand Therapy from the University of Pretoria, and license with COTBC (College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia) as Martha Steyn. She is a member of CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) and holds certifications in various therapeutic techniques and professional development. 

     Dr. Annemarie Lombard 

    Dr. Annemarie Lombard, Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting, is a registered Occupational Therapist with Health Professions Council of South Africa with a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy (University of Cape Town) with 33 years of international experience in sensory integration and sensory processing. She authored "Sensory Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than IQ and EQ" in 2007 and a chapter on Sensory Play to "Rethinking Learning through Play" in 2020 and has made substantial contributions to academia, reviewing articles, and sharing her insights through various media outlets. Passionate about expanding sensory processing's applications, her focus shifted towards making sensory modulation more accessible in schools, families, and workplaces, since early 2000. She emphasizes the role of Occupational Therapists in promoting mental health and rehabilitation. She designed a CPD-accredited adult/adolescent sensory processing course, training over 500 practitioners since 2012. 


    Registration fees

    Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by February 5, 2025
    CAOT Members and AssociatesCAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired MembersNon-member*
    $130$105$165
    Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after February 5, 2025
    CAOT Members and AssociatesCAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired MembersNon-member*
    $180$155$215
    Registration deadline: April 9, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. (Pacific Time)

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.  *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.   

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received prior to March 15, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after March 15, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by March 15,2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop due to personal or family health issues, please reach out to  education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the  same workshop if currently open for registration.  CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before February 21, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until March 7, 2025.

    CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

    member icon  Professional Development FAQs
    member icon  Provide suggestions for Professional Development

    The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.    

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

    Tia Steyn

    Tia Steyn Consulting, located in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, is led by Tia Steyn, an occupational therapist with a 25-year career spanning public, private, military, and academic sectors in South Africa and Canada. Her expertise now focuses on mental health and wellness. Since 2017, she has specialized in sensory modulation for adults, recognizing its significant impact in helping clients manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. Tia conducts assessments and interventions that consider the individual, activity, and environment, offering personalized approaches for both individuals and organizations to help them achieve their goals. Her qualifications include a B. Occupational Therapy from Stellenbosch University, a PG Dip in Hand Therapy from the University of Pretoria, and licenses with COTBC (College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia) as Martha Steyn. She is also a member of CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) and holds certifications in various therapeutic techniques and professional development.

    Annemarie Lombard

    Dr. Annemarie Lombard, Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence Consulting, earned her Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Cape Town in 2012. She is a registered Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and has 33 years of national and international experience in sensory integration and sensory processing. As a renowned thought leader in Sensory Intelligence, she authored "Sensory Intelligence: Why It Matters More Than IQ and EQ" in 2007 and contributed a chapter on Sensory Play to the textbook "Rethinking Learning through Play" in 2020. Dr. Lombard has also made substantial contributions to academia, reviewing articles, and sharing her insights through various media outlets. Passionate about expanding sensory processing's applications, her focus shifted towards making sensory modulation more accessible in schools, families, and workplaces, since early 2000. Dr. Lombard emphasizes the role of Occupational Therapists in promoting mental health and rehabilitation. She designed a CPD-accredited adult/adolescent sensory processing course, training over 500 practitioners since 2012.

  • Contains 11 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 04/04/2025 at 10:00 AM (EDT)

    This workshop will provide occupational therapy professionals with a foundation of knowledge and skills in cognitive rehabilitation based on the publication Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation: Systematic review of the literature from 2009 through 2014 (Cicerone et al., 2019). Live session dates: Fridays, April 4 & 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    March 21 to April 3, 2025 (on your own) 

    Fridays, April 4 & 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    What time is this for me?

    Cognition is a functional domain that can be impacted by an injury, condition, disability, or significant changes in contextual demands. Cognitive difficulties can be difficult to navigate for occupational therapists due to the multi-factorial determinants of cognitive abilities. These difficulties, which can be modulated by contextual factors, can affect the occupational participation of clients, as expressed by the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP; Egan & Restall, 2022). Occupational therapy professionals can be leaders on the health care team in assessing function cognition and providing cognitive rehabilitation that includes interventions to improve cognitive functioning, to change the activity demands, or to change the social or physical environment (Giles et al., 2019).

    This workshop will provide occupational therapy professionals with a foundation of knowledge and skills in cognitive rehabilitation based on the publication Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation: Systematic review of the literature from 2009 through 2014 (Cicerone et al., 2019). A pre-recorded lecture (approximately 2 hours) will review principles, theories, and models of practice in cognitive rehabilitation. During the two-day workshop, participants will learn the principles of cognitive rehabilitation assessment and intervention strategies to increase occupational participation for adults experiencing deficits in meta-cognition, awareness, memory, attention, and executive functioning. To consolidate learning, participants will have a chance to apply these strategies to case study examples and will complete a quiz at the end of each workshop day

    Preliminary workshop agenda

    Pre-recorded lecture: March 21 to April 3, 2025

    Approximately 2 hoursPrinciples, theories, and models of practice rehabilitation

    April 4, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET)Introduction
    Functional cognition and the role of occupational therapy
    Overview of Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation: Systematic review of the literature from 2009 through 2014 (Cicerone et al., 2019).
    Cognitive rehabilitation and mental health
    11:30 - 11:45 a.m. (ET)Break
    11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (ET)Overview of cognitive assessments
    Developing the occupational therapy plan
    1:15 - 1:45 p.m. (ET)Break
    1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET)Meta-cognition and awareness training
    3:15 - 3:30 p.m. (ET)Break
    3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)Attention intervention strategies

    April 11, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

    10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (ET)Memory intervention strategies
    11:30 - 11:45 a.m. (ET)Break
    11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. (ET)Executive functioning intervention strategies
    1:15 - 1:45 p.m. (ET)Break
    1:45 - 3:15 p.m. (ET)Cognitive work hardening and return to work
    3:15 -3:30 p.m. (ET)Break
    3:30 - 5:00 p.m. (ET)Case study discussions* (small group discussions; optional).

    *Timelines may vary depending on progression of workshop content and questions. Specific breakout room time will be provided on Day 2.

    Learning objectives

    After watching the pre-recorded lecture, you will be able to:

    1. Understand the principles, theories, and models of practice in cognitive rehabilitation.

    By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

    1. Identify current cognitive assessment tools for attention, memory, executive functioning, and awareness impairments.
    2. Apply bottom-up and top-down intervention strategies within occupational therapy practice to improve attention, memory, executive functioning, and awareness impairments that impact occupational participation.
    3. Understand common recommendations and accommodations linked to assessment findings to support a return-to-work process.
    4. Consider how to apply the evidence from Evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation: Systematic review of the literature from 2009 through 2014 (Cicerone et al., 2019) in a functional context with various client populations living with cognitive deficits.

    Target audience

    Occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and students in occupational therapy programs working with adults living with cognitive deficits that impact occupational participation. Participants are expected to have watched the pre-recorded webinar (approximately 2 hours, available by October 27, 2023) prior to attending the two-day workshop.

    Cognitive rehabilitation by occupational therapists has been researched with people who sustained a brain injury (e.g., Dougherty & Radomski, 1987), people with schizophrenia (e.g., Wykes et al., 2011), people who sustained a stroke (e.g., Wolf, 2011), people with depression (e.g., Motter et al., 2015), people who have a substance use disorder (e.g., Rezapour et al., 2019), people with multiple sclerosis (e.g., Chen et al., 2021). There is also preliminary support for cognitive rehabilitation for people experiencing long COVID-19 (e.g., Watters et al., 2021) and for adults with Parkinson’s disease (e.g., Foster et al., 2021).

    Please note: Both the presenters' clinical experience is primarily in private practice with people with a mild traumatic brain injury and/or mood disorders who are off work or having difficulty at work (ages 18-65 predominantly). Therefore, case studies, assessment tools, and evidence-based guidelines are developed from these populations. 

    Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

    Client age group 

    Adults (20-64 years old)

    Areas of practice 

    Brain Injury/Concussion, Cognition, Generalist, Mental Health, MVA Rehabilitation, Return to Work

    Workshop level 

    Beginner (0-2 years of experience in cognitive rehabilitation)

    Language 

    English

    Presenters

    Adam Ly, OT Reg. (Ont.)  

    Adam Ly has been practising as a Registered Occupational Therapist since 2016. He completed his Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Degree at Western University. He works at an outpatient clinic assessing and treating clients from car accidents, workplace injuries, long-term disability, and privately paying clients. He works alongside physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and psychotherapists. His practice focuses on concussions, mental health, chronic pain, and cognitive rehabilitation. He primarily sees the following conditions: ADHD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, brain injuries, PTSD, and adjustment disorder. He is also an adjunct lecturer at Western University and trainer at CBI Health teaching cognitive rehabilitation. He is passionate about understanding and treating the complexity of cognitive performance and hopes that occupational therapists with their unique skill set and lens will be the seen as one of the experts in cognitive performance and function among the health care team.

    Amandeep (Aman) Bains, OT Reg. (Ont.)

    Aman Bains graduated from Western University in 2004. He started his career working in community mental health, prior to joining CBI Health in 2007. He has practised in many roles at CBI Health including as an outpatient OT, Senior Regional OT, Provincial Practice Lead for Complex Care, and currently as the Senior Manager of National Training & Development. He is also the National Lead for Physical and Cognitive Functional Capacity Evaluations at CBI Health. Aman has extensive occupational rehabilitation experience working on an interdisciplinary team assisting clients with physical, cognitive and psychosocial barriers in return to function. Over the years, Aman has facilitated a number of courses related to functional capacity evaluation, ergonomics, occupational rehabilitation, physical & cognitive job demands analysis, risk assessment & intervention, and cognitive rehabilitation. He is passionate about best practice in complex care, mental health, cognitive rehabilitation and assisting in the development journey of others.    

    Registration fees

    Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by January 22, 2025 Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after January 22, 2025
    CAOT Members and Associates $415 $465
    CAOT Student/ Provisional Associates & Retired Members $365 $415
    Non-member* $520 $570

    Registration deadline: April 4, 2025 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time) 

    Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees. 

    *It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.  

    Included in your registration fee:

    Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

    Cancellation/refund policy

    All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by March 5, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after March 5, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by March 5, 2025 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

    If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration.  

     CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before February 7, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until February 21, 2025. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

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    The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is committed to accessibility as expressed in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We provide an electronic copy of the handouts approximately one week ahead of time in multiple slide layouts, auto-generated closed captioning through Zoom (excluding breakout rooms), as well as access to the recording for two weeks following the workshop. If you require additional special arrangements for accessibility, please contact education@caot.ca or 1-800-434-2268.    

    Please note that workshop is offered in English.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 03/25/2025

    This webinar will cover the definition of coregulation and the foundational science base behind it. The importance of this topic relating to occupational therapy practice and strategies for implementation will also be discussed.

    Presented by: Daphne Boucher MSc. OT, OTD, OT Reg. (AB) 

    Coregulation is a foundational skill necessary for all pediatric occupational therapists to truly be effective at supporting children and families (Koomar, 2009). However, this skill is often misunderstood or blurred with the concept of self-regulation. A clearer understanding of coregulation and its implications for occupational therapy practice is key to delivering effective coregulation strategies. 

    This webinar will cover the definition of coregulation and the foundational science base behind it. The importance of this topic relating to occupational therapy practice and strategies for implementation will also be discussed. 

    After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to:

    1. Define coregulation
    2. Understand its implications for pediatric occupational therapy practice
    3. Utilize 1-3 strategies in practice 

    Level  Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

  • Contains 37 Component(s), Includes Credits

    This online course will help Canadian occupational therapists develop an understanding and beginning skills in establishing the therapeutic relationship, conceptualizing clients using CBT techniques, and utilizing CBT psychotherapy in the context of their occupational therapy clinical practice.

    Cognitive behavioural therapy: Level 1 for occupational therapy 

    Canadian occupational therapists (OTs) complete their occupational therapy program with the general knowledge, skill, and judgement to provide mental health services. However, it is known that areas such as psychotherapy are not considered to be an entry-level skill and require additional education and supervision to maintain competency in practice (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), n.d.). To support their clinical reasoning and interventions, OTs may choose to obtain additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but many trainings are largely global and geared towards the broader mental health practitioner audience (Beck, 2021).

    Course overview

    This online course will help Canadian occupational therapists develop an understanding and beginning skills in establishing the therapeutic relationship, conceptualizing clients using CBT techniques, and utilizing CBT psychotherapy in the context of their occupational therapy clinical practice. This 9-part online course includes a combination of videos, audio clips, handouts, homework assignments, and quizzes covering the following topics:

    • Part 1 (approximately 1 hour): Introduction - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and how it can be used by occupational therapists (OTs). Counselling vs. psychotherapy. 
    • Part 2 (approximately 1.5 hours): Understanding and developing the therapeutic relationship. 
    • Part 3 (approximately 2 hours): CBT evidence, principles, minimal requirements. Target of CBT. The CBT Session format. 
    • Part 4 (approximately 1.25 hours): CBT framework. The “Four bubble”. The coping card (case scenario). 
    • Part 5 (approximately 1.5 hours): Cognitive distortions/unhelpful thinking styles. In-session activities to support client understanding. 
    • Part 6 (approximately 1 hour): The CBT group. CBT for chronic pain. CBT and values work. 
    • Part 7 (approximately 1. 5 hours): The thought record (case scenario). 
    • Part 8 (approximately 1 hour): Activity scheduling (case scenario). 
    • Part 9 (approximately 1 hour): Summary: Review, self-reflection and supervision.

    By the end of this online course, you will be able to: 

    1. Understand how CBT psychotherapy approaches may be used in your occupational therapy practice. 
    2. Understand the therapeutic relationship, including its significance and how to promote development of the therapeutic relationship. 
    3. Identify client cognitive distortions/unhelpful thinking styles and in-session approaches to support client understanding. 
    4. Understand how to use specific CBT interventions including the “Four bubble”, coping card, thought record and activity scheduling in your occupational therapy practice. 
    5. Understand the application of CBT interventions in your occupational therapy practice to support your clinical reasoning. 

    Target audience 

    Occupational therapist clinicians who are interested in increasing their familiarity with cognitive behavioural therapy approaches and techniques to assist one-on-one clients or groups in facilitating occupational participation. 

    Note* This course was developed based on >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW246646367 BCX0">CAOT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Level One for Occupational Therapy workshops previously offered in 2021 and 2022 

    Client age groups 
    Adults (20-64 years old) 
     
    Areas of practice 
    Acute Care, Chronic Pain, Forensic Mental Health, Generalist, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Role-Emerging, Substance Use/Addictions 
     
    Experience Level 
    Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area) 
     
    Time commitment 
    Approximately 11 hours for course content. Additional homework activities are provided 

    Language 
    English 
     
    Presenters 
    Gord Hirano M.Sc., B.H.Sc.O.T., OT Reg. (Ont.) 

    Gord is an Occupational therapist (OT) with over 35 years experience. He additionally holds a masters of rehabilitation counselling degree. Gord is the Executive Director at the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia. He maintains a clinical practice in occupational therapy and psychotherapy using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and motivational interviewing approaches with adult individuals who live with schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Further, Gord provides psychotherapy supervision to individual OTs and groups of OTs and has provided a multitude of education and trainings in CBT psychotherapy specifically for OTs. 

    This purchase provides individual access to this online course for 90 days following purchase. Access the online course immediately following purchase by selecting this online course on My Dashboard on CAOT's learning management system (LMS), using your CAOT My Account login information.

    No cancellations/refunds will be provided once the purchase is completed. Please visit the Professional Development FAQ for additional information. Please note that the terminology used in this online course is reflective of the CAOT Style Guide at time of recording. If you have any questions, please contact CAOT's Professional Development team at education@caot.ca

    Gord Hirano

    OT Reg. (ON)

    Gord is an Occupational therapist (OT) with over 35 years experience. He as well holds a masters of rehabilitation counselling degree. Gord is the Executive Director at the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia. He maintains a clinical practice in OT and psychotherapy using Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Motivational interviewing approaches with adult individuals who live with schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Further, Gord provides psychotherapy supervision to individual OTs and groups of OTs and has provided a multitude of education and trainings in CBT psychotherapy specifically for OTs.