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On Demand Virtual Learning
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Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 8:00am to 4:00pm (earn 6.5 PDUs)
- 8:00am – 8:05am – Introduction
- 8:05am – 10:15am – KEYNOTE: Move It, Build It, Own It: An Occupation-Based Approach to Motor Learning, Systems Designs, and Metacognition
- 10:15am – 10:30am – Break
- 10:30am – 11:15am – Regulation Starts Within: Interoception Strategies for School-Based Practice
- 11:15am – 12:00pm – Making It Work: Bringing Interoception into Everyday Practice
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch Break
- 1:00pm – 3:00pm – Neurodiversity Affirming Approach in OT School-Based Practice
- 3:00pm – 3:15pm – Break
- 3:15pm – 3:55pm – First-Person Narratives
- 3:55pm – 4:00pm – Wrap-Up
DATE, TIME, LOCATION
VIRTUAL
September 12, 2026
8:00AM to 4:00PM
COST
Early Bird - ends August 7, 2026
$99 OTAC members/$139 nonmembers
$69 student members/$99 student nonmembers
Advanced - August 8 - September 11, 2026
$129 OTAC members/$169 nonmembers
$99 student members/$129 student nonmembers
Cancellation/Refund Policy. $45 is retained to cover cancellation/refund processing costs. Written notice must be received in the OTAC office by Sept. 4, 2026 to be eligible for refunds. No refunds after this date. Disclaimer: OTAC reserves the right to make changes to the program. No refunds will made based on these changes.
Past School-Based Symposiums
2025 7th Annual School-Based Symposium
| 2025 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Beyond the Label: Demystifying Disability, Adaptive Levels, and Diagnosis - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Jessica M. Lascano, PsyD, BCBA, NCSP, APCC In this session, participants will explore what the term disability means and examine the difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational disability. They will learn the importance of understanding adaptive functioning, implementing individualized interventions, and recognizing the relationship between overall functioning, needs, and skills to IEP goals and services. The session will highlight the importance of accurately identifying disabilities and working collaboratively to address student needs while building on strengths to create meaningful, individualized programming that promotes success for all students. - 9/2025 |
| Bridging Theory and Practice: Applying Concepts of Praxis in Time and Space in School-Based Interventions - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Jessica Dorre, MA, OTR/L This presentation will explore the role of integrating temporal and spatial horizons into treatment when addressing praxis skills in the school setting. It supports practitioners in developing a thorough understanding of time and space horizons that can deepen clinical reasoning to identify where breakdown of skills occurs and subsequently promoting praxis development through focused interventions. It will highlight how strategic examples, case studies, and hands-on strategies will be shared to demonstrate how optimizing temporal and spatial horizons can lead to meaningful educational outcomes for all students. - 9/2025 |
| Intervention Strategies for Students with Praxis Challenges - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 2 PDU Jean Pacifico-Banta, OTD, OTR/L School-based occupational therapy practitioners provide intervention to students with diverse sensory motor and learning abilities. This presentation will examine performance challenges presented as praxis problems in the educational setting and will apply the conceptional Model of Praxis and organization of behavior in school-based occupational practice. A range of evidence-based intervention strategies will be considered to support individualized education program (IEP) goal progress. Participants will design comprehensive and targeted intervention plans to support meaningful participation across all contexts. - 9/2025 |
| Thinking Outside the Lines: Occupation-Based Interventions and Strategies - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Kevin Gray, MS, OTR/L This dynamic presentation will use video, pictures, and real-life examination to infuse culturally relevant occupation-based interventions into practice. Participants will learn a variety of strategies and tools and opportunities for brainstorming new intervention ideas. - 9/2025 |
| Time/Space Synchronicity in the Development of Praxis and Goal-Oriented Behaviors - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Our perceptions of time and space interrelate in daily life. Developmentally, we learn to organize both over time. Challenges in sensory processing impact our perception of time and our abilities to motor plan, socially interact, organize ourselves, and participate in daily occupations. Hence, organizational skills and a sense of well-being can be affected when the synchrony between space and time is altered by the diminished perception of one or the other. At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to understand how navigating space and time complexities require organizing sensory information that impacts organized goal-director behaviors in increasingly more complex spatio-temporal horizons. They will also be able to apply this information to daily treatment strategies. - 9/2025 |
| Understanding Parent Perspectives on Occupational Therapy Services in Schools: Insights, Expectations, and Engagement - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.5 PDUs Cheryl Ecker, MA, OTR/L, BCP The focus of this short course is the use of the SPM-2 (Parham, Ecker, Kuhaneck, Henry, Glennon, 2021) in a school-based setting. This session will include a summary of the changes that occurred when the instrument was updated. The psychometric properties of the SPM-2 support evidence-based practice. Case examples will provide an opportunity to familiarize the user with nuances of interpretation. - 9/2025 |
2024 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings
| 2024 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Demystifying Learning Disabilities - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 2 PDUs Jessica M. Lascano, LEP, NCSP, BCBA This presentation will center on learning disabilities, encompassing various types and forms. Participants will gain insight into supporting students with learning disabilities, highlighting the importance of intervention. The presenter will dispel common myths and delve into the definition of a learning disability within the California Education Code and the DSM. Additionally, co-morbid conditions and their relevance will be discussed. Participants can expect to acquire practical knowledge applicable to their role as occupational therapy practitioners supporting students in schools. - 9/2024 |
| Learning Disabilities and OT: A Synthesis - $15 members/$30 nonmembers - 0.5 PDUs Beth Dillon, MOT, OTR/L This summary will provide an overview of key points and synthesize the information to apply to everyday practice. An opportunity for participants to ask questions will be included. - 9/2024 |
| Lived Experience - $15 members/$30 nonmembers - 0.75 PDUs Savannah Smith, OTS This presentation will detail the presenter’s experience as a student with dyslexia navigating social and educational experiences and her experience later in life as a school-based OTA student working with and advocating for students with learning disabilities. - 9/2024 |
| Transformative Dyslexia Treatment Planning - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 2 PDUs Penny Stack, OTD, OTR/L, CLT Whether you are a fresh-faced graduate or a seasoned practitioner, brace yourself for a game-changing journey! Turbocharge your clinical prowess and ignite your analytical acumen like never before! Get ready to dive deep into the art of clinical reasoning and analysis. We're not just talking about scratching the surface – we're talking about delving into the very essence of client-centered care and transformative treatment planning! Picture this: dissecting standardized scores, unraveling occupational profiles, and deciphering observed information like a seasoned detective cracking a case. But here's the kicker – we won't stop there! We'll empower you to harness this newfound knowledge and craft interventions that are not just effective but truly life-changing for your clients. - 9/2024 |
| Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 1.75 PDUs Vanessa Silver, MS, BCET/AET, Fellow/OGA, C-SLDS/IDA By understanding the foundational research behind dyslexia’s definition, participants will explore the most effective methods and strategies used to teach a student with a learning difference how to read and spell. Using dyslexia simulation exercises, the participants will experience a brief sense of what the student with dyslexia is challenged with daily. - 9/2024 |
2023 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings
| 2023 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Keynote: What Is Sensory Integration Anyway? - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 2.5 PDUs Erna Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA This presentation will focus on the impact of sensory integration theory in daily practice and its evolution over the last 30 years. Special attention will be given to the changes in terminology, the evidence that has accumulated on its application to the evaluation of sensory processing disorders, intervention practices, and research methodologies. Special attention will be given to the use of sensory integration treatment and Ayres Sensory Integration® in school-based practice. - 9/2023 |
| Movement and Sensory Strategies for Engagement in Learning - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 2.25 PDUs Amanda Cassetta, OTR/L This presentation will focus on applying movement and learning within all classroom levels and how to track the data for effectiveness through video modeling, case studies, and evidence-based practices. Sensory strategies to improve focus and regulation at the same time without taking time away from teaching or academic instruction will be presented. - 9/2023 |
| Panel Discussion: How Is Sensory Integration Applied in the Educational Environment? - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Moderator: Beth Dillin, MOT, OTR/L; Panelists: Emily Dassow, OTR/L; Jo-Ann Vargas, MA, OTR/L; Debra Em Wilson, MA, EdD - 9/2023 |
| Structured Observations of Sensory Integration-Motor (SOSI-M) and Comprehensive Observations of Proprioception-Revised (COP-R) - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Dominique Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L (FL) This presentation will focus on the strengths of the SOSI-M and COP-R as assessment tools and outcome measures in school-based practice. Participants will learn how the results provided from the SOSI-M and COP-R, when combined with measurements of participation, answer clinical questions regarding a child’s sensory processing skills and its impact on school functioning. Case studies will be used to understand and interpret the results and connect them to performance in the school environment. - 9/2023 |
| Using the Sensory Processing Measure, Second Edition (SPM-2) in a School-Based Setting - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Cheryl Ecker, MA, OTR/L, BCP The focus of this short course is the use of the SPM-2 (Parham, Ecker, Kuhaneck, Henry, Glennon, 2021) in a school-based setting. This session will include a summary of the changes that occurred when the instrument was updated. The psychometric properties of the SPM-2 support evidence-based practice. Case examples will provide an opportunity to familiarize the user with nuances of interpretation. - 9/2023 |
2022 4th Annual School-Based Symposium
Registration Brochure| 2022 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| AT for Students with Significant Disabilities: Classroom Supports and Occupation-Based Interventions - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.25 PDUs
Katy Rae Mackey, MS, OTR/L Students with significant disabilities within an alternate curriculum program require dynamic and engaging interventions and strategies to meet their individualize education program (IEP) goals and needs. Furthermore, practitioners can foster learning and engagement using AT within occupation-based interventions and classroom programs. - 9/2022 |
| Core Vocabulary as Part of Everyday Language - $15 members/$30 nonmembers - .5 PDUs
Rebecca Quevedo, MA, CCC-SLP Core vocabulary is an essential part of any language system, but understanding and implementing this important concept can be difficult. Join us as we discuss core vocabulary and how to get started implementing it across school settings. This session will help you develop a better understanding of core vocabulary and how it is used in everyday language. Language development, as well as how it relates to core vocabulary, will also be discussed as basic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modeling concepts that you can apply to everyday therapy sessions. - 9/2022 |
| Curriculum Access Through Technology - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.25 PDUs
Malika Ferrell, MA; Cynthia Timm, BA Many of our students are struggling to read and write. How can we provide access for students who are not responding to occupational therapy interventions to improve writing legibility? This miniworkshop will detail some exciting and readily available tools for academic access. - 9/2022 |
| Interprofessional Collaboration for AT Applications in School-Based Services - $29 members/$49 nonmembers - 2.5 PDUs
Laura Greiss Hess, PhD, OTR/L; Kerrie Lemons Chitwood, PhD, CCC-SLP; Daniel Phillips, MS, CCC-SLP Assistive technology (AT) is a central feature of the occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice AND is an opportunity for interprofessional collaboration. This keynote session will be co-presented by an interprofessional team of occupational therapy practitioners and speech-language pathologists who have extensive experience in AT applications. Our interprofessional panel will explore case examples, current AT applications, and clinical reasoning for implementation into school-based services. This session will include an exploration of innovative practice models and interactive opportunities to engage with the presentation materials, content, and presenters. - 9/2022 |
| Panel/Ask the Experts Discussion (from 2022 OT in School-Based Symposium) - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1 PDU
A Student’s Perspective – Savanna Soria, young adult; A Sibling/OT Perspective – Serena Soria, MSOT, OTR/L; A Teacher’s Perspective – Lisa Harring, ATACP; An OT’s Perspective - Libby Trutna, MA, OTR/L, AMPS, ATACP Learning Objectives: Participants will learn how specialists incorporate assistive technology across occupations and settings. Participants will be able to ask the experts about including assistive technology into the IEP and embedding it in the curriculum. - 9/2022 |
2021 3rd Annual School-Based Symposium
| 2021 School-Based Symposium On Demand Recordings |
| Building Bonds to Support Students: Utilizing a Trauma-Informed Approach to School-Based Practice - $39 members/ $59 nonmembers - 3 PDUs Tessa Milman, OTD, OTR/L; Kimberly Rice Lalezari, OTD, OTR/L, BCP Practitioners need to be better equipped to provide support to our students. The “pandemic” made this especially clear that we need the tools and to increase our capacity to support our students. This mini-workshop will do just that. - 9/2021 |
| Panel: How do you incorporate mental health in your practice? - $19 members/ $39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Bryant Edwards, OTD, MA, OTRL, BCP, MPH; Katie Opdycke, MOS, OTR/L; Shelby Surfas, OTD, OTR/L; Ann-English Dillon Weaver, MSOT, OTR/L This dynamic and diverse panel will answer key questions about incorporating mental health in their practice. - 9/2021 |
| Peers with Purpose: Young Adult Social Committee - $19 members/ $39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Madison Aguirre, MA, OTR/L This presentation outlines a needs assessment used to examine the social-emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults with disabilities. The development of an occupation-based group protocol based on a sample of students who participated will be reviewed. The group protocol incorporates principles of self-determination to enable students to lead their Peers with Purpose Social Committee. - 9/2021 |
| Social-Emotional Learning from a Distance: Tools and Processes for Anytime, Anywhere - $19 members/ $39 nonmembers - 1 PDU Jessica Hannigan, EdD Our students need social and emotional learning more than ever! How can we determine their needs and where do we begin? This session offers tools and best practice processes for social-emotional learning (SEL) that you can implement immediately in any learning environment. - 9/2021 |
| The Distinct Value of Occupational Therapy in Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth in Schools: Making Every Moment Count - $19 members/ $39 nonmembers - 1.5 PDUs Susan Bazyk, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor Emerita, Cleveland State University Founding Director, Every Moment Counts, LLC The aim of occupational therapy services addressing mental health is to help all individuals develop and maintain positive mental health, prevent mental ill-health, and recover from mental health challenges in order to live full and productive lives. This presentation focuses on occupational therapy’s distinct value in mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention with children and youth in school settings. The relationship between meaningful and enjoyable participation in occupations and positive mental health will be emphasized. Every Moment Counts examples of how to implement occupation-based services within a multi-tiered mental health framework in schools will be provided along with a brief review of website resources. Specific attention to how the pandemic has impacted mental health and occupational therapy’s distinct contributions on interdisciplinary teams will be highlighted. - 9/2021 |
2020 2nd Annual School-Based Symposium
| Clinical Reasoning in the Process of Gathering Information and Designing Intervention Program - $39 members/$59 nonmembers - 3 PDUs Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA This short course is designed for clinicians who have a basic understanding of sensory processing and wish to enhance the clinical reasoning skills utilized during the assessment and intervention process. Through the use of videos, case studies, and didactic presentation, the participants will learn to organize and interpret the information gathered through standardized assessments, observations, and surveys and link it to participation issues identified in the reason for referral. Once the data has been collected, the participants will learn to plan the intervention using a hypothesis generation organizational model. The participants will have the opportunity to bring their own video cases to practice their skills during the course. - 9/2020 |
| Promoting Self-Determination and Engagement in Meaningful Occupations: Lost & Found Program - $19 members/$39 nonmembers – 1 PDU Gabriella Hart, Special Education Teacher, Harold L. Woods Elementary School, Clovis Unified School District The Lost & Found Program at Woods Elementary is operated by 4th through 6th grade students who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The students are responsible for maintaining the lost items (sorting, hanging, folding), managing the Woods lost and found website (numbering the items, taking and uploading pictures of lost items, checking for emails from parents claiming items), and returning items to their owners (finding different rooms across campus, taking items, clearly stating whose item it is, etc.). This presentation will provide participants with information about promoting transition skills with the development and implementation of a lost & found program for students with autism and disabled students. - 9/2020 |
| Steppin’ Up Group Transition Programs: Preparing Adolescents for Life After High School - $19 members/$39 nonmembers - 1.5 PDUs Bonnie Nakasuji, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, FAOTA This presentation will describe the creation and implementation(including successes and challenges) of an occupational therapy-led, transition-group program focused on addressing life and pre-vocational skills for high-risk adolescents. - 9/2020 |
2019 1st Annual School-based Symposium
Registration Brochure
Event was in-person. No recordings produced.