Online Workshop

Friday, January 9, 2026 

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

What time is this for me?

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in Canada, affecting approximately 5.2% of individuals aged 15 and older, with a notable increase from 2.6% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2022. These conditions significantly impact daily functioning, with 27% of those affected reporting substantial interference in their lives. Occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely positioned to assist clients with anxiety by employing therapeutic interventions that address the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of anxiety. Through personalized strategies, OTs can enhance clients' coping mechanisms, improve daily functioning, and promote overall well-being. Given the rising prevalence of anxiety disorders in Canada, integrating OT services into mental health care is essential to provide comprehensive support for individuals affected by anxiety.

In this workshop, we will explore nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and relevant OT strategies for managing anxiety. We’ll discuss techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and sensory modulation to help clients regulate their nervous system. The session will cover brain retraining through neuroplasticity, focusing on reshaping anxiety-related thought patterns. Participants will learn practical OT strategies such as graded exposure, self-compassion, and cognitive restructuring to enhance emotional regulation and daily functioning. Emphasizing a client-centered approach, we will provide tools for OTs to tailor interventions and support clients with anxiety, fostering resilience and improving overall well-being.

Preliminary workshop agenda

By the end of this workshop, you will learn evidence-based strategies for nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and client-centered OT interventions to effectively support clients managing anxiety 

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians and educators who wish to learn how to use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) effectively to support their clients in living well, even in the presence of psycho-emotional pain. Students in occupational therapy programs are also welcome to participate.

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

Children (5-12 years old) Adolescents (13-19 years old) Adults (20-64 years old) Older adults (65+ years old)

Areas of practice

Acute Care Autism/Neurodiversity Brain injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord Cancer Care Cardio-Respiratory Care Case Management Chronic Disease Management Chronic Pain Education & Fieldwork Forensic Mental Health Generalist Global Health Hand Therapy Health Promotion & Wellness Indigenous Health Mental Health MSK Rehabilitation MVA Rehabilitation Neurology Older Adults Primary Care Psychotherapy Return to Work Sensory Integration & Processing Service/Business Administration Sexuality & Gender Substance Use/Addictions Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces

Workshop level

Beginner (0-2 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

Zara Dureno 

Zara Dureno is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience and training in Mental Health, ME/CFS, long COVID, chronic pain, and concussion recovery. With a compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based approach, she helps clients regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and reclaim their lives. Informed by her own recovery from chronic conditions and her love of neuroscience, Zara integrates many holistic and evidence-based to support lasting change. As a presenter, she is passionate about sharing practical strategies that empower both clients and clinicians in their journey toward healing and well-being.

Registration fees

Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by November 12, 2025

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after November 12, 2025

Registration deadline: January 9, 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.  

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 December 24, 2025 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after December 24, 2025. Substitutions and transfers requests received by December 24, 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 November 28, 2025 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until December 12, 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.

  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.

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

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

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.

  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.

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

Day 2: Friday, August 15, 2025

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

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.

  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 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.

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)

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

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

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

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

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.

  Professional Development FAQs

  Provide suggestions for Professional Development

Please note that workshop is offered in English.

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

Day 2

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

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.

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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.

Personne présentatrice : Dominique Giroux

La sexualité est un aspect clé du bien-être des aînés, souvent négligé dans les soins, particulièrement en hébergement. Les ergothérapeutes, en tant qu’experts de l’activité et du bien-être global, jouent un rôle essentiel pour évaluer les besoins, adapter les environnements, sensibiliser les équipes et promouvoir des pratiques respectueuses des droits sexuels des résidents. Ce webinaire examine la sexualité chez les personnes aînées, en mettant l'accent sur les défis spécifiques rencontrés en hébergement. Les thèmes abordés incluent les impacts du vieillissement sur la sexualité, les barrières institutionnelles et culturelles, ainsi que les réalités des personnes atteintes de troubles neurocognitifs majeurs (TNCM). Les participants découvriront des interventions concrètes pour améliorer la qualité de vie sexuelle en milieu d’hébergement et exploreront les enjeux éthiques liés au consentement. Cette présentation vise à outiller les ergothérapeutes pour créer des environnements favorables à l’intimité et au respect des droits sexuels des résidents.

Suite à ce webinaire, les personnes participantes pourront : 

1. Identifier les défis uniques liés à la sexualité des aînés, particulièrement en hébergement, et aux impacts des troubles neurocognitifs majeurs sur leur intimité.
2. Concevoir des interventions concrètes et des pratiques adaptées pour soutenir la qualité de vie sexuelle des personnes âgées en hébergement, tout en respectant leurs droits et leur consentement.
3. Déterminer les meilleures pratiques en matière de sexualité en CHSLD, afin de promouvoir un environnement respectueux et inclusif pour les résidents

Niveau Débutant (de 0 à 2 ans d’expérience dans ce domaine de pratique) 

Presented by: Sheila Killoran, MA, MTA, FAMI, and Danica Hans, RN, BScN Bilingue, CHPCN(C)

Palliative care relieves the physical symptoms and supports the psychosocial needs of people with a serious illness (WHO, 2020). Similar to rehabilitation care goals, the aim of palliative care is to help people live as well as possible. Palliative care can be delivered by occupational therapists anywhere in the healthcare system.

Occupational therapists are providing a palliative approach to care when they improve quality of life, provide interventions, identify unmet needs, anticipate and support declining function and safety needs of clients living with serious illness. Occupational therapists help people maintain dignity and comfort while they experience functional decline. This webinar aims to empower and equip occupational therapists with the knowledge, resources and education needed to deliver palliative care with their clients.

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

1. Describe the palliative care approach
2. Be familiar with resources and tools to assist in practice with providing palliative care
3. Understand the value of the occupational therapy role in providing interdisciplinary competency-based palliative care

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

Presented by: Jenni Diamond 

Occupational therapists are integral to concussion recovery, providing essential, evidence-based care that addresses complex symptoms and individual recovery needs (Harris et al., 2019; Heinekamp et al., 2024). This webinar offers a focused overview of updated concussion rehabilitation guidelines, equipping clinicians with current assessment techniques and effective therapeutic strategies. By attending, participants will strengthen their ability to guide clients through effective, personalized rehabilitation plans, enhancing quality of life and functional outcomes.  Foundational topics in concussion rehabilitation, emphasizing practical applications of updated clinical guidelines, will be covered. Participants will learn about the impacts of concussions and how they influence occupational performance, including challenges with physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep related symptoms. Participants will explore evidence-based assessment tools and learn how to interpret findings to create individualized rehabilitation plans. Key therapeutic approaches, such as active rehabilitation, energy conservation, return to work/school, and cognitive rehabilitation will be discussed, with guidance on adapting these methods to client-specific needs. By the end, participants will have a deeper understanding of holistic, client-centered approaches to enhance recovery outcomes in concussion rehabilitation. 

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

1. Identify and describe the impacts of concussion on occupational performance and daily activities.
2. Apply evidence-based assessment tools to evaluate concussion-related functional impairments and use findings to inform individualized rehabilitation plans.
3. Implement therapeutic strategies such as active rehabilitation, energy conservation, return to learn/work, and cognitive rehabilitation to support clients’ successful return to activities. 

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

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)