OTAC is excited to announce...OTAC Conference 2021: Resilience: Thriving Together

Date: Month of October with October 16th in-person (as health conditions allow)

Call for Proposals

The Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado (OTAC) is accepting proposals for presentations and educational sessions for its annual conference scheduled for the month of October 2021. The conference will be a combination of virtual and in-person formats, with the in-person component on October 16th depending on the public health situation in the fall.

This year’s theme, Resilience: Thriving Together, focuses on occupational therapy’s flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to growth, especially during challenging times. We strive to recognize individual accomplishments and those of the profession as a whole that have kept occupational therapy thriving.

To support this theme, we are looking for inspiring topics, engaging speakers, and dynamic individuals to help support the growth and betterment of occupational therapy in Colorado and beyond. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive format of therapeutic applications, remediation and compensation, research, and interactive presentations relating to a broad spectrum of traditional and emerging practice settings. We especially hope to emphasize the spirit and innovation within the occupational therapy profession that has kept occupational therapy thriving throughout history, in current times, and in anticipation of the future.  

The conference sessions will be a series of one-hour presentations in the format of an instructional presentation, a panel presentation and discussion, roundtable discussions, poster presentations, or a one or two hour interactive presentation or workshop (October 16th). Presentations will be reviewed and selected for their evidenced-based content, application to current practice, interest for Colorado OTs, OTAs, and OT/OTA students, and for their fit with the conference theme.

Types of Presentations

• Research Presentation/Poster Session/Student Presentation:  Report of a completed research project, capstone project, or a study currently being conducted related to occupational therapy. The primary researcher, capstone student, or member of the research team must present this type of proposal.

• Workshop/Interactive Presentation: A one- or two-hour educational program that introduces participants to a practical skill set, technique, or idea that can be used in practice and allows for interactive learning activities during the session.

• Lecture: An oral presentation that educates participants about a particular subject related to occupational therapy. 

• Panel Presentation/Discussion: A presentation that includes panelists sharing about a particular topic with a moderator and including an extended question/answer time.

Deadline for proposal submission is June 30, 2021

Submit A Proposal

What is OT?

Occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapy assistants (OTA) work with people of all ages in order to help them live their best lives!

Occupational therapy practitioners believe that for people to be healthy and happy, they must be able to engage in a wide variety of "occupations," which refers to any and every activity people are "occupied" with during their daily lives. These occupations may be as basic as caring for oneself (grooming, personal hygiene, eating) or as complex as learning to play with other children, participating in school activities, holding a job, caring for one's children, participating in sports, or maintaining meaningful relationships with others.

In Colorado, individuals may directly request OT services (without a referral) or the request may come from a family member, an employer, teacher, friend, physician, or other professionals. 

Occupational therapy is offered in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, neonatal units, skilled nursing facilities, mental health organizations, private practice clinics, home health agencies, community settings, and more. 

Occupational Therapy is a service provided by professionals who have successfully completed an extensive postsecondary OT education program AND who have passed a national certification examination. Certified Occupational Therapists (OTRs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work with people of all ages to enhance their performance of important everyday activities (occupations) despite the effects of illness, disability, or injury.

 Reasons you should be an OTAC member!

OTAC is 100% member-funded!

The financial support from our members goes towards supporting our legislative efforts on behalf of occupational therapy practice in the state of Colorado.

OTAC also offers members continuing education discounts,  networking activities, and leadership and volunteer opportunities.

In October, we offer an annual conference, and in 2021 OTAC will be offering additional professional development activities including free contact hours for members, panel discussions, townhall meetings, and more!

Join or renew today!

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