Presented by: Dr. Marika Demers 

Technology-enabled approaches to stroke rehabilitation support client-centred care by personalizing upper-limb interventions, monitoring recovery, and enhancing participation in meaningful daily activities after stroke (e.g., Demers et al., 2023; Virani, 2025). This webinar will focus on recent advances in stroke rehabilitation research, such as wearable technology, virtual reality, robotics and art-based approaches, and how they can be incorporated in occupational therapy practice. Low-cost strategies to enhance stroke recovery will also be discussed.

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

1. Describe how evidence-based technologies can be used to deliver and support upper-limb interventions following stroke.
2. Explain how principles of neuroplasticity inform the design and use of technology-based interventions in post-stroke upper-limb rehabilitation. 

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

Area of practice Assistive Technology & Artificial Intelligence, Neurology 

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

Online Workshop
 
Thursday, November 26, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

What time is this for me?

Occupational therapists have a recognized importance in mental health care delivery given their unique strengths for task analysis and assessing function, but can be quite varied in how assessments and interventions are carried out. Four factors that promote positive mental health outcomes and decrease readmission to hospital include psychoeducation to improve well-being (Tyler et al., 2019), medication adherence, decreasing suicide, and ensuring transition of support to community (Tyler et al., 2019 ; Owusu et al., 2022). Having agreed upon core outcomes for mental health maintenance and wellness, as well as a clear description of occupational challenges that the therapy aims to address, will provide structure and transparency to service, and lead to greater understanding of effective therapy (Tyler et al., 2019).

This one-day practical skills workshop will focus on providing a structure for occupational therapy assessment and interventions and clarifying outcomes for mental health maintenance and wellness. The workshop will provide an overview of the following entry points for occupational therapists to assess needs: activation, assess/facilitate function, coping strategy training, and health maintenance. At each of these entry points, case studies will illustrate the content and process to deliver interventions. The benefits of task sessions, functional assessments, and standardized assessments will be overviewed to provide a cognitive functional profile for the client and team. Coping strategies will be organized in four coping categories, with a summary of what each category brings to managing the stress response, participating in valued occupations, and promoting function. Kolb's Adult Learning Model (Kolb, 2014) will be described and illustrated as a tool to teach coping strategy content. Four coping modules will be reviewed specifically to target outcomes for successful transition to the community from acute care OR to maintain wellness in the community. These modules will address healthy and meaningful routines, medication adherence, suicide safety, and communication tools to connect with personal and professional supports.

Small group discussions and practice opportunities in breakout rooms will be utilized to support occupational therapists in gaining efficiencies in clinical reasoning, decision making, and delivering interventions in mental health. By the end of this workshop, occupational therapists will have the tools and language to advocate and illustrate their role with clients experiencing mental health challenges.

Please note: The content and case studies are drawn from occupational therapy practice in acute mental health. There will be discussion of generalization in other settings.

Preliminary workshop agenda

Learning objectives

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

1. Structure mental health interventions based on four levels of needs (activation, assess/facilitate function, coping strategy training, health maintenance).
2. Identify six techniques to activate and empower clients.
3. Name one formal and one informal assessment to aid in determining functional cognitive profiles related to various occupations.
4. Define benefits for four coping categories and name corresponding coping strategies.
5. Demonstrate Kolb's Adult Learning Model (Kolb, 2014) .
6. Justify four coping modules for health maintenance.

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians and educators who are seeking a structured approach for assessment and interventions to ensure greater transparency of service, inform clinical reasoning, and promote efficiencies in mental health service delivery.

Please note: The workshop is tailored to the occupational therapy community. 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

Adolescents (16-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)

Areas of practice

Acute Care, Advocacy, Education & Fieldwork, Mental Health, Psychotherapy

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 specific area of practice.

Presenter

Theresa Straathof, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Theresa Straathof has worked 32 years as a clinical occupational therapist in acute mental health. She completed her Diploma in Adult Education through St. Francis Xavier University, where she received the Lynn Irlam "Make a Difference Award" for her development of coping strategies modules. She has written two manuals to facilitate teaching a variety of coping strategy content using Kolb's Adult Learning Cycle (Kolb, 2014). She has presented nationally, internationally and is a guest lecturer with three Canadian universities on topics related to behaviour activation, coping strategy training, adult learning, and suicide prevention. She is a member of the CAOT network: Addressing Suicide in Occupational Therapy Practice.

Registration fees

Registration deadline: November 26, 2026 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.  

Registration fee includes:

• Access to the online workshop platform
• Access to the workshop recording for 14 days following the live sessions
• An electronic copy of the presentation slide handouts
• Opportunities to network with other occupational therapists with an interest in this topic
• An 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 November 11, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after November 11, 2026. Substitutions and transfers requests received by November 11, 2026 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 October 16, 2026 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until October 30, 2026. 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.

  Professional Development FAQs

 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 handout 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. 

This workshop will be facilitated in English.

Presented by: Kelly Sward

Occupational therapists have a role in supporting mental health in the workplace with evidence-informed, systems-level approaches, such as assisting employers with the development of processes and procedures, recommending universal design principles, and implementing work disability prevention strategies (CAOT, 2025).  This webinar will present an evidence-informed occupational therapy model for workplace mental health developed through sequential research, pilot implementation, and economic evaluation. Topics include early needs-identification research conducted through occupational therapy student thesis projects, a supported employment occupational therapy bridging pilot, and the use of Social Return on Investment analysis (Marques et al., 2025) to strengthen sustainability and funding pathways. The final section focuses on applied employer consultation, highlighting how occupational therapists can translate evidence into practical, scalable strategies within real-world workplace settings.

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

1. Describe how occupational therapy research and pilot projects can be leveraged to develop and refine workplace mental health service models.
2. Identify key evidence-informed occupational therapy strategies to support employers in building mental health-inclusive workplaces.
3. Apply systems-level and occupation-based reasoning to consider how similar workplace mental health models could be adapted or scaled within their own practice contexts.

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

Area of practice Equity & Justice, Mental Health, Return to Work, Workplace Health & Safety  

Client age group Adults (20-64 years old)

Online Workshop

November 13-19, 2026 (on your own)
November 20 and 27, 2026 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. (ET)

What time is this for me?

Optimal seating for older adults is critical to prevent injury and enhance function. A MAT assessment allows therapists to understand the older adult’s postural tendencies and to build a manual wheelchair prescription that will correct and prevent asymmetrical tendencies, improve comfort and, when possible, enhance the mobility of the client. By understanding the physics of seating and mobility, occupational therapists can prescribe appropriate seating and mobility systems for older adults that facilitate autonomy, safety, restraint reduction, independence, and participation in meaningful occupations.  …not despite, but because of their age!

This online workshop will explore how optimal seated posture impacts pain and the overall capacity of older adults to participate more fully and more comfortably in meaningful occupations.  A prerecorded lecture of a MAT assessment will provide participants an overview of how to complete a MAT assessment and how to recognize asymmetrical postural tendencies. During the synchronous workshop, the presenter will build on this lecture to help participants understand postural tendencies, three-point positioning, and postural/product simulation.  The presenter will review how posterior pelvic and posterior lateral rib cage support assist with thoracic extension for improved posture, breathing, and eating. Participants will be guided through body mechanics and pain/pressure points to understand how seating can make a difference in comfort, pain reduction, and head position to enhance swallowing.  Pain references, body shape, muscle tone, asymmetries, and skin integrity will be addressed. Participants will understand and ultimately be able to suggest appropriate propulsion styles (two-hand, two-feet, one-hand/one-foot) in their own clinic settings.  The impact of wheelchair set up on sliding and restraint use will also be reviewed. Participants will have a chance to utilize the information shared to address client case studies throughout the workshop. By the end of this workshop, participants will be more confident in wheelchair assessment and prescription for older adults. 

Preliminary workshop agenda

Pre-recorded lecture: November 13-19, 2026 (on your own)

Day 1: November 20, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Day 2: November 27, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Learning objectives

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

1. Do a MAT assessment in your own clinical setting.
2. Understand how postural tendencies in older adults affect breathing, swallowing, head position, and bowel evacuation.
3. Conceptualize how to enhance comfort sitting.
4. Demonstrate three-point positioning and forces related to seated posture.
5. Understand the use of secondary supports and tilt.
6. Understand the physics of hand propulsion and methods of foot propulsion in older adults.
7. Review restraint policies and how seating is affected by these policies in order to gain restraint-free positioning.

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist assistants (OTAs), students in occupational therapy programs, and physiotherapists who wish to develop their skills in optimal seating and mobility to facilitate the occupational participation of older adults who use or who would benefit from using a wheelchair.

Please note: Participants who previously attended the workshop “Seated posture, pain reduction, and mobility for older adults: Stop the migration!” will find that the content has been updated with additional case studies to allow participants to apply the information learned to case studies. The video of the MAT assessment was completed on pediatric premise due to ease of recording, but all principles still apply to all ages and body sizes. This workshop is tailored to the occupational therapy community. 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

Older adults (65+ years old)

Areas of practice

Assistive Technology & Artificial Intelligence, Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries, MSK/Ortho/Cardio-Resp, Neurology, Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Older Adults

Workshop leve

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 September 16, 2026

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after September 16, 2026

Registration deadline: November 20, 2026 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.  

Registration fee includes:

• Access to the online workshop platform
• Access to the workshop recording for 14 days following the live sessions
• An electronic copy of the presentation slide handouts
• Opportunities to network with other occupational therapists with an interest in this topic
• An 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 October 28, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. All cancellation/refund requests between November 6 and November 12, 2025 will be given a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after October 28, 2026. Substitutions and transfers requests received by October 28, 2026 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 October 2, 2026 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until October 16, 2026. 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.

  Professional Development FAQs

 

Provide suggestions for Professional Development

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (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.  

Personnes présentatrices : Marika Demers 

Les approches technologiques en la réadaptation de l'AVC peuvent favoriser la personnalisation des interventions ciblant les membres supérieurs, ainsi que la participation à des activités signifiantes après un AVC. Ce webinaire vise à explorer différentes solutions technologiques qui peuvent être utilisées pour la réadaptation du membre supérieur post-AVC.. Ce webinaire portera sur les avancées récentes en recherche sur la réadaptation post-AVC, telles que les technologies portables, la réalité virtuelle, la robotique et les approches basées sur l’art, ainsi que sur leur intégration possible dans la pratique en ergothérapie. Des stratégies à faible coût pour favoriser la récupération après un AVC seront également abordées

Suite à ce webinaire, les personnes participantes pourront : 

1. Décrire comment les technologies fondées sur des données probantes peuvent être utilisées pour offrir et soutenir des interventions pour le membre supérieur après un AVC.
2. Expliquer comment les principes de neuroplasticité guident les décisions cliniques le développement des technologies en réadaptation post-AVC.
3. Identifier des solutions technologiques pouvant être intégrées à la pratique clinique en ergothérapie.

Niveau Intermédiaire (de 3 à 5 ans d’expérience dans ce domaine de pratique)

Pertinence aux domaines de pratique La technologie d'assistance et l'intelligence artificielle, La neurologie 

Pertinence pour les groupes d'âges de clientèle Adultes (20 à 64 ans), Adultes âgés (65 ans et plus) 

Online Workshop

November 5 & 6, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 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 ). Occupational therapists 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 occupational therapists lack foundational knowledge and training that is specifically geared towards occupational therapy.

This two-day workshop will provide occupational therapy professionals the core skills needed to deliver exposure therapy confidently and effectively while incorporating the occupational therapy lens. Day 1 will provide 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, developing an exposure menu, designing exposure plans, and implementing exposure exercises with coaching support from the therapist. Day 2 will focus on assessing willingness and readiness to engage in therapy, practical coaching strategies for the therapist, and applying the learning from Day 1 through experiential practice. 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/Workshop topics

Day 1

Day 2

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 therapy 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. Improve your exposure therapy coaching skills.
7. Identify common challenges encountered in the delivery of this intervention and troubleshoot accordingly.
8. Assess willingness and readiness to engage in therapy as well as helping clients to strengthen their commitment for change.

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 therapy for anxiety disorders - exposure therapy! Social workers, nurses, and psychotherapists are also welcome to participate.

Please note: This workshop is tailored for the occupational therapy community. 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

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

Areas of practice

Care Partnership, Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Psychotherapy, Return to Work

Workshop level

Beginner (0-5 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 0-5 years of experience.

Presenter

Aliza Ladak, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Aliza Ladak (she/her) is an occupational therapist practising in the area of psychotherapy. She currently provides assessment and therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders through her private practice. She has 13 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 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 (she/her) is an occupational therapist (OT) practising psychotherapy. She is currently employed by Altum Health – University Health Network to provide psychotherapy services to individuals suffering from workplace injuries. Additionally, Nathania operates Valued Living Therapy Services, a private practice where she provides virtual and in-person psychotherapy services, focusing on OCD, trauma, and perinatal mental health challenges as they intersect with neurodivergent identities. In her clinical practice, Nathania utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies including CBT/ERP and Inference-based CBT (I-CBT) for OCD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto. Nathania is passionate about building community capacity and providing the best evidence-based care to clients with OCD through professional development, supervision and consultation with student OTs and community clinicians.

Registration fees

Registration deadline: November 5, 2026 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. 

Registration fee includes:

• Access to the online workshop platform
• Access to the workshop recording for 14 days following the live sessions
• An electronic copy of the presentation slide handouts
• Opportunities to network with other occupational therapists with an interest in this topic
• An 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 October 21, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after October 21, 2026. Substitutions and transfers requests received by October 21, 2026 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 September 25, 2026 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until October 9, 2026. 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.

  Professional Development FAQs

 

Provide suggestions for Professional Development
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (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.  

This workshop is facilitated in English. 

Presented by: Ali Heighton Lamb  

Up to 50% of private practice involves workplace recovery interventions. Whether addressing injuries from motor vehicle accidents, personal or workplace injuries, or illness, work is a central occupation for adults and returning to work is essential for well-being. Yet, many occupational therapists receive limited education on supporting clients through this process (Désiron et al., 2011; Long et al., 2024). The webinar will provide a brief overview of workers’ compensation, including its history, background, and influence on current compensation models. It will review the impact of prolonged work disability on adults’ health and well-being. The majority of the webinar will focus on practical strategies for helping injured or ill adults return to work safely and in a timely manner. Ethical challenges clinicians may encounter while working within or alongside the compensation system will also be discussed, providing a comprehensive perspective on return-to-work practice for occupational therapists.

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

1. Describe the foundations of the workers' compensation model in Canada.
2. Identify common psychosocial barriers faced by injured or ill workers and appropriate interventions to address them.
3. Lay out a basic return-to-work program for an injured adult that can be adjusted to meet the needs of different individuals.

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

Area of practice Automobile Insurance, Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Ergonomics, MSK/Ortho/Cardio-Resp, Return to Work

Client age group Adults (20-64 years old)

Online

October 2 to 15, 2026 (on your own)
Fridays, October 16 & 23, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

What time is this for me?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects around 3-5% of the population in adults ( Barkley, 2018). There is emerging evidence that supports the efficacy of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training (DBT-ST) for adults with ADHD in coping with ADHD-related challenges ( Fullen at al., 2020; Nimmo-Smith et al., 2020; Ulusoy et al., 2024). DBT-ST, originally developed by Linehan (2017), focuses on the principles of acceptance and change. DBT-ST teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. In an adapted neurodivergence-informed approach, DBT-ST can help adults living with ADHD develop awareness and foster self-acceptance, as well as empower them to cope with ADHD-related challenges while living in a neurotypical world. Occupational therapists can contextualize DBT-ST, delivered through group or individual therapy, using neurodiversity-affirming principles to promote the occupational participation of adults ADHDers.

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. A pre-recorded lecture will provide an overview of DBT-ST for adult ADHD. During the two-day workshop, each DBT-ST skill will be explored in depth in the context of adult ADHD: mindfulness skills training, distress tolerance skills, emotional regulation skills, and interpersonal effectiveness. Throughout the workshop, modalities such as lecture and theory, case studies, role play, small group discussions in breakout rooms, and large group discussions may be utilized to assist participants in applying and practicing DBT-ST.

Preliminary workshop agenda

Pre-recorded lecture:  October 2 to October 15, 2026

Day 1: Friday, October 16, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Day 2: Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

*Rough timeline. Break and lunch breaks are fixed. Topic timelines may vary depending on progression.

Learning objectives

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

1. Understand the current state of research evidence and theoretical basis for applying DBT-ST for adults with ADHD.
2. Apply DBT-ST principles in a neurodivergence-informed approach.
3. Adapt the core DBT skills of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to be neurodiversity-affirming for adults with ADHD.
4. Teach these DBT skills to neurodivergent clients.
5. Facilitate and empower clients to consider safety and trust in self-disclosure considerations in building a social support system. 

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians who are seeking a neurodivergence-informed approach to promote the occupational participation of adults with ADHD. Social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and case managers are also welcome to participate.

Prior to registering for this workshop, participants must have previously completed the CAOT workshop “Assessment and neurodiversity-affirming support strategies for adults with ADHD in occupational therapy practice - Level 1”, an equivalent training providing foundational knowledge on neurodiversity-affirming practice for adults with ADHD, or have at least 1 year of clinical experience of working with adults with ADHD. Previous experience and education in DBT is highly recommended (e.g., coursework, online training, on-the-job training).

Please note: The workshop is tailored to the occupational therapy community. 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
Neurodiversity, Psychotherapy  

Client age group
Adults (20-64 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, who have completed foundational training on neurodiversity-affirming practice for adults with ADHD, and who have previous knowledge and experience in DBT.

Presenters

Adam Ly, OT Reg. (Ont.)  

Adam Ly, OT Reg. (Ont.), is an occupational therapist in London, Ontario, Canada with a focus on supporting adults who experience mild-moderate cognitive impairments, mental health, and return to work due to various conditions including mild traumatic brain injury, mood disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He is a seasonal lecturer and clinical preceptor at Western University at the School of Occupational Therapy, an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto in the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department, a workshop instructor through the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), and a trainer/mentor at CBI Health. He has several ADHD-related publications and conference presentations. He is a member of Neurodivergent Insights, a neurodiversity-affirming clinician support group. He has completed coursework and is currently under supervision at The Beck Institute in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the Multi-Context approach by Dr. Joan Toglia.

Dr. Maryna Mammoliti, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Maryna Mammoliti (she/her) is a psychiatrist who splits her time between London and Toronto, Ontario, practising comprehensive psychiatry (diagnosis, advocacy, therapy) with focus on psychotherapy, physician health, ADHD, developmental trauma and PTSD, as well as ER psychiatry at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). She has completed her medical school training at University of Ottawa, followed by her 5-year Psychiatry residency at Western University. She was a former Psychiatry Section Chair at Ontario Medical Association (OMA). She currently holds an Adjunct Professor position at Western University, supervising residents and medical students for their psychiatry rotations. She has provided presentations on physician health and has co-presented on adult ADHD at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). She also has two co-published articles in the Canadian Journal of Physician Leadership (CJPL), one of which addresses ADHD in physicians.

Registration fees

Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by July 29, 2026

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after July 29, 2026 

Registration deadline: October 16, 2026 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.  

Registration fee includes:

• Access to the online workshop platform
• Access to the workshop recording for 14 days following the live sessions
• An electronic copy of the presentation slide handouts
• Opportunities to network with other occupational therapists with an interest in this topic
• An 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 16, 2026 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after September 16, 2026. Substitutions and transfers requests received by September 16, 2026 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 21, 2026 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until September 4, 2026. 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.

  Professional Development FAQs

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The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (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.    

Personnes présentatrices : Ariane Grenier et Chantal Viscogliosi 

La réadaptation cognitive est une approche probante qui s'appuie sur l'analyse d'activités et utilise les capacités préservées pour compenser les déficits touchant la mémoire (Kudlicka et al., 2023). Les stratégies d'apprentissage sans erreur, de récupération espacée, d'encodage moteur et d'estompage permettent le maintien ou l'acquisition de séquences d'activités favorisant le maintien de l'autonomie et la participation occupationnelle. Le fonctionnement cognitif, allant des déficits aux capacités cognitives préservées, sera d'abord présenté pour expliquer comment il sous-tend l'approche et l'efficacité des stratégies cognitives. Les quatre stratégies cognitives seront présentées à travers des exemples cliniques pertinents à une variété de milieux de pratique et de niveaux d'atteintes cognitives. Les facteurs à prendre en compte (facilitateurs et obstacles) influençant la mise en place des stratégies cognitives seront abordées. Le webinaire sera appuyé par des données probantes démontrant l'efficacité des stratégies cognitives.

Suite à ce webinaire, les personnes participantes pourront : 

1. Reconnaître les personnes pouvant bénéficier de la réadaptation cognitive.
2. Comprendre comment opérationnaliser les quatre stratégies cognitives afin de soutenir la participation occupationnelle.
3. Identifier les facteurs favorables ou pouvant entrer l'implantation dans la pratique des ergothérapeutes.

Niveau Avancé (plus de 5 ans d’expérience dans ce domaine de pratique)

Pertinence aux domaines de pratique La cognition et la cognition fonctionnelle, Les lésions cérébraux et médullaires, La neurologie, Les personnes âgées

Pertinence pour les groupes d'âges de clientèle Personnes âgées (65 ans et +)

Atelier virtuel

Les 24 et 25 septembre 2026
10 h à 17 h (Heure de l’Est)

À quelle heure est-ce pour moi ?

Les personnes vivant avec un trouble neurocognitif majeur (TNCM) expérimentent dans une large proportion des symptômes comportementaux et psychologiques de la démences (SCPD). Selon Gauthier et al. dans le  « World Alzheimer Report 2022: Life after diagnosis: Navigating treatment, care and support », autour de 9 personnes sur 10 vivant avec un TNCM expérimenteront des symptômes comportementaux (p. ex. agressivité, résistance aux soins, errance) et/ou psychologiques (p. ex. anxiété, dépression, hallucination), la prévalence augmentant  au cours de la maladie. Les SCPD entrainent de nombreux défis occupationnels et représentent un enjeu de taille tant pour les personnes proches aidantes que pour le système de santé. Les approches non pharmacologiques sont recommandées en priorité car elles sont efficaces et entrainent peu d’effets secondaires ( Coalition canadienne pour la santé mentale des personnes âgées, 2024 ; Ministre de la Santé et des Services sociaux, 2014). En misant sur l’occupation, l’ergothérapie est une profession de choix pour collaborer avec les personnes vivant avec un TNCM et leurs partenaires de soins afin de gérer les impacts fonctionnels des SCPD.

Cet atelier vise à outiller les ergothérapeutes aux évaluations et aux interventions dans les situations complexes de SCPD (p. ex. agressivité aux soins d’hygiène). Il permettra d'acquérir des savoirs théoriques, mais surtout pratiques dans la gestion des SCPD. Cet atelier permettra d'élargir les compétences et les réflexions professionnelles via des vignettes cliniques concrètes. Entre autres, les problématiques suivantes seront abordées : anxiété, errance, soins d'hygiène complexe, agressivité, désinhibition, hallucinations, délires et dépendances courantes. Enfin, d'autres perspectives ergothérapiques seront explorées pour promouvoir l’activité signifiante chez cette clientèle fréquemment en situation de privation ou d’aliénation occupationnelle.

Horaire préliminaire

Jour 1

Jour 2

Objectifs d’apprentissage

D’ici la fin de l’atelier, vous pourrez :

1. Décrire les différents troubles neurocognitifs majeurs, SCPD et leurs particularités cliniques.
2. Identifier, évaluer et intervenir dans les situations de SCPD associées à l’anxiété, à l’errance et aux soins d’hygiène en intégrant les notions approfondies.
3. Identifier, évaluer et intervenir dans les situations de SCPD associées à l’agressivité et la désinhibition en intégrant les notions approfondies.
4. Identifier, évaluer et intervenir dans les situations de SCPD associées aux hallucinations, aux délires et aux dépendances courantes en intégrant les notions approfondies
5. Avoir un sentiment de compétence accru pour intervenir auprès de personnes présentant des SCPD.
6. Promouvoir l’activité signifiante chez cette clientèle fréquemment en situation de privation ou d’aliénation occupationnelle.

Public cible

Ergothérapeutes en pratique clinique, ergothérapeutes dans des rôles de leadership ou de gestion, ainsi que les assistantes et assistants de l'ergothérapeute* qui cherchent à augmenter leur compétence et leur réflexion professionnelle par rapport aux évaluations et aux interventions dans les situations complexes de SCPD (p. ex. agressivité aux soins d’hygiène).

Veuillez noter : Cet atelier est spécialement conçu pour la communauté de l’ergothérapeute. Chaque personne participante est responsable de s'assurer qu'elle applique les informations dans le contexte de son permis d'exercice, des lois provinciales/territoriales, des règlements de l'établissement, du champ d'exercice, etc.

Groupes d’âge de la clientèle

Adultes âgés (65 ans et plus)

Domaines de pratique

Personnes âgées, Troubles neurocognitifs

Niveau

Intermédiaire-Avancé (3 ans d’expérience ou plus dans ce domaine de pratique)

Veuillez noter : Les personnes participantes moins que ce niveau d'expérience peuvent participer à cet atelier. Le contenu de l'atelier sera ciblé aux personnes qui ont déjà des connaissances et de l’expérience avec les personnes vivant avec des SCPD.

Personnes présentatrices

Claudé Vérité-Aubry, erg.

Claudé Vérité-Aubry est une ergothérapeute qui a obtenu son diplôme de maîtrise professionnelle en ergothérapie à l’Université de Montréal à la suite de travaux en promotion de la santé des personnes aînées. Elle a pu développer son expertise clinique en gériatrie en travaillant en CHSLD. Elle s’est ensuite spécialisée dans l’évaluation et l’intervention auprès des personnes atteintes de troubles neurocognitifs majeurs en s’intégrant à l’équipe ambulatoire des symptômes comportementaux et psychologiques de la démence (SCPD) de la Direction du programme du soutien à l’autonomie des personnes âgées (SAPA) à l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal du CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. Le concept du sens des occupations humaines est au cœur de ses interventions avec cette clientèle. En plus de cette expertise clinique spécialisée, Mme Vérité-Aubry contribue au développement et à l’application des meilleures pratiques dans la gestion des SCPD par l’enseignement universitaire, l’offre de formations et la participation à divers comités.

Chloé Aquin, erg.

Chloé Aquin est une ergothérapeute qui détient une maîtrise en ergothérapie (M. Sc., erg.) durant laquelle elle s’est intéressée au maintien des activités signifiantes chez les personnes aînées. Elle a ensuite travaillé quelques années auprès des personnes âgées en soins à domicile et en ressources intermédiaires. Elle travaille depuis 2018 avec l’équipe de 2e ligne spécialisée en symptômes comportementaux et psychologiques de la démence (SCPD) de la Direction du programme du soutien à l’autonomie des personnes âgées (SAPA) à l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal du CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. Son rôle lui permet d’aborder les enjeux occupationnels que vivent les personnes ayant des troubles neurocognitifs majeurs. Elle contribue activement à la formation en lien avec les SCPD dans divers milieux cliniques et auprès des prestataires de soins de la santé. Enfin, elle s’implique en recherche pour le développement d’approches novatrices en ergothérapie pour la clientèle ayant des troubles neurocognitifs.

Nombre maximal de personnes inscrites

Date limite de l’inscription : 24 septembre 2026 à 9 h 59 (Heure de l’Est)

Veuillez noter que l'ACE n’offre pas de frais d'inscription de groupe pour les ateliers.

*Il peut être plus rentable de devenir membre ou associé(e) de l'ACE plutôt que de payer le frais de non-membre. Consultez la section " Un non-membre peut-il s'inscrire à un atelier ? " de notre FAQ sur le développement professionnel pour des renseignements supplémentaires.

Inclus dans vos frais d'inscription

• L’accès à la plateforme de l’atelier en ligne
• L’accès à l’enregistrement de l’atelier pendant une période de 14 jours suivant la séance en direct
• Une copie électronique des diapositives de la présentation
• Des occasions de réseautage avec d’autres ergothérapeutes s’intéressant à ce sujet
• Un certificat électronique de participation

Politique d’annulation ou de remboursement

Toutes les demandes d'annulation ou de remboursement doivent être envoyées par écrit à  education@caot.ca. Toutes les demandes reçues avant le 9 septembre 2026 recevront un remboursement complet moins des frais administratifs de 50,00 $. Aucun remboursement ne sera accordé après le 9 septembre 2026. Les demandes de substitution et de transfert reçues avant le 9 septembre 2026 sont autorisées et sont assujetties à des frais administratifs de 50,00 $.

Si vous n'êtes exceptionnellement pas en mesure de terminer l'atelier, veuillez contacter education@caot.ca dans les 25 jours suivant la fin de l'atelier pour un accès prolongé à l'enregistrement (jusqu'à un mois après la fin de l'atelier) ou un transfert unique vers une autre offre du même atelier si l'inscription est actuellement ouverte.

L'ACE se réserve le droit de modifier le titre de l'atelier, la description, les dates d'inscription et les renseignements sur la page Web de l'atelier. L'ACE avisera les personnes inscrites au plus tard le 14 août 2026 s'il y a un nombre insuffisant d'inscriptions à cette date et se réserve le droit d'annuler un atelier pour cette raison jusqu'au 28 août 2026. L'ACE se réserve le droit de modifier l'offre, d'interrompre les ateliers, modifier l'horaire d'un atelier, annuler un atelier ou changer la technologie de l'atelier si que les personnes présentatrices ne sont plus en mesure de le présenter ou en raison de conditions météorologiques extrêmes, d'une panne de courant, de fermetures de bâtiments ou d'autres circonstances spéciales qui échappent au contrôle de l'ACE en informant les personnes inscrites dans les plus brefs délais. Si l'atelier est annulé par l'ACE, les personnes inscrites recevront un remboursement complet des frais d'inscription. L'ACE ne sera pas responsable des autres coûts ou dépenses engagées par les personnes inscrites à la suite de tels changements. 

  FAQ sur le développement professionnel

 Fournir des suggestions pour d’autres activités de développement professionnel
L'Association canadienne de l'ergothérapie (ACE) s'est engagée pour l'accessibilité telle qu’inscrite dans la Loi sur l'accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l'Ontario (LAPHO). Nous fournissons une
copie électronique des documents environ une semaine à l'avance en plusieurs diapositives, des sous-titres codés générés automatiquement via Zoom (sauf dans les salles de petits groupes), ainsi que l’accès
à l'enregistrement pendant les deux semaines suivant l'atelier. Si vous avez besoin de mesures d’accessibilité supplémentaires, veuillez contacter 
education@caot.ca ou 1-800-434-2268. 

* Note : La traduction de Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) est assistantes et assistants de l’ergothérapeute (AE).  Ceci inclut le personnel non-ergothérapeute (PNE) qui est assigné à des activités cliniques reliées au processus ergothérapique au Québec.
Utilisation appropriée du personnel non-ergothérapeute (PNE): un rappel | Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (oeq.org) 

 L’atelier sera animé en français.