All posts by Allyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

Exploring Halifax: 2024 CAOT Conference Highlights

May 28, 2024ConferencesOccupational Therapy, OTAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

The 2024 Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia was an incredible journey for the Therapro team with many highlights to share. Setting out from the Therapro warehouse in Framingham, MA, the Therapro team embarked on a road trip filled with anticipation and excitement. Along the way, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, soaking in the beauty of nature surrounding them.

Upon arriving at the conference, the Therapro team was ready to showcase the latest and greatest products to the passionate occupational therapy community. From assistive technology devices to sensory items, the Therapro booth was buzzing with activity as attendees participated in hands-on product demonstrations.

Among the conference favorites were the Functionalhand and Eazyholds, which captivated attendees by showcasing how they could seamlessly collaborate to accomplish fine motor tasks, especially when grip or grasp is limited. Attendees were fascinated by the versatility and effectiveness of these tools in enhancing functional independence.

EazyHold Universal Cuff — The Functionalhand

Sensory items also stole the spotlight, with the Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet captivating attendees as they experienced firsthand the benefits of dynamic seating options. Fidgets, weighted items, and resources like the Sensory Connection Program and The Polyvagal Path to Joyful Learning were met with enthusiasm, highlighting the growing importance of sensory interventions in therapy.

black chair with Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet attache

For school-based therapists, Therapro offered a wide array of resources to support fine motor development, including various pencil grips, raised line paper, and slant boards. The Fine Motor Olympics, a collection of engaging activities designed to promote fine motor skills, garnered significant interest and excitement among attendees.

LegiLiner Double Solid Line 3/8' tall, Pen Style Rolling Ink Stamp — LegiLiners

Raised Line Paper Assortment — LegiLiners

Evaluations such as Here’s How I Write and the COMPs provided valuable insights into assessment tools that can inform intervention strategies and promote optimal outcomes for clients.

The CAOT conference was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and inspiration. Interacting with dedicated therapists made it a truly rewarding experience for the Therapro team. We’re thrilled to continue supporting the OT community.

Therapro at the ASHA 2023 Annual Convention

November 21, 2023EventsASHA, speech and language, speech and language toolsAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

A Recap of Unforgettable Moments

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 2023 Annual Convention was a whirlwind of excitement, innovation, and meaningful connections. Therapro was thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event held in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. We had a fantastic time showcasing our wide range of products, connecting with industry friends, and participating in some unforgettable highlights that made the event truly special.

Pirate Lucky’s Special Visit from Kokolingo

One of the most memorable moments of our time at ASHA 2023 was the special visit by Pirate Lucky from Kokolingo. Lucky’s visit brought an element of fun and excitement to our booth that left our guests both entertained and informed about Kokolingo. Kokolingo is a speech articulation app, developed by a licensed Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists, that will help accelerate progress through gamified speech articulation exercises. Lucky, with his colorful attire and boundless energy, engaged visitors and provided a peek into the world of Kokolingo. His visit was a hit among attendees and left a lasting impression on all those who stopped by the Therapro booth.

Live Demonstrations of Speech and Language Learning Games

At Therapro, we believe in the power of play to promote speech and language development. ASHA 2023 allowed us to demonstrate some of our favorite games designed for this purpose. Attendees were treated to live demonstrations of Novenops, Trunks, Lion in My Way, and many others – all fantastic tools for speech and language pathologists, educators, and parents seeking innovative ways to engage and support children in their language journey. The interactive nature of these games truly captivated the audience, illustrating the effectiveness of play-based learning.

Lion In My Way: A Game of Imaginative Solutions

Product Spotlight: Social Language Rules & Tools

Social Language Rules & Tools: A Preschool Curriculum of activities to improve social–ability

Therapro’s “Product Spotlight Corner” at ASHA 2023 featured the book Social Language Rules & Tools: A Preschool Curriculum. This curriculum is a valuable resource for professionals working with young children, providing a structured and engaging framework to teach social language skills. Attendees were able to explore this curriculum up close, gaining insight into how it can benefit their therapy sessions and classrooms.

Visits from Friends of Therapro

Our booth at ASHA 2023 was not only a hub for our products but also a gathering place for friends and collaborators in the industry. We were thrilled to welcome friends of Therapro, including Hillel from Spark Innovations, Dawn from ezpz, and Mary from Chewy Tubes. These connections and partnerships underscore the sense of community and mutual support that characterizes the world of speech and language therapy.

Demonstrating Our Wide Range of Products

At Therapro, we take pride in offering a diverse range of products to support speech and language development. During ASHA 2023, our team had a blast demonstrating our extensive catalog, which spans from assistive technology, to oral motor tools, to feeding solutions, to games that foster social and emotional language development. Our goal is to provide professionals and caregivers with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the lives of those with speech and language challenges.

The ASHA 2023 Annual Convention in Boston was a memorable experience for the Therapro team. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, showcase our products, and contribute to the advancement of speech and language therapy. The enthusiasm and passion of everyone we met at the convention were truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to support speech and language development for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who visited us at ASHA 2023, and we can’t wait to see you again at future events and conferences. Together, we’ll keep making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Unveiling Success: Recap of the 2023 School Based Practitioners Summit

August 19, 2023Conferences, Events, Occupational Therapyconferences, fine motor, Handwriting, Occupational Therapy, OT, physical therapy, school based practitionersAllyson Locke, M.S., OTR/L

We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our exhilarating experience at the 2023 School Based Practitioners Summit, held on August 7th and 8th in the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio. This event brought together school based practitioners from across the region to exchange knowledge, discover new treatment tools, and forge meaningful connections. As part of this inspiring event, we’re excited to unveil the top five best-selling products that left attendees buzzing with excitement.

1. Letter Treasure Hunt: Handwriting Fun in the Form of a Great Game!

Topping the charts of the summit’s best sellers is Therapro’s own innovative game, Letter Treasure Hunt. This engaging tool takes handwriting practice to a whole new level through interactive play. Designed to captivate young minds, this game facilitates letter recognition, gross motor challenges, and social interaction. With Therapro’s commitment to combining fun and education, Letter Treasure Hunt was a clear favorite among attendees.

Pro Tip from a physical therapist in attendance; instead of writing letters, challenge players to imitate those letters with their body to change the skill focus from handwriting to body awareness!

2. Crayon Rocks: Ignite Creativity and Fine Motor Skills

In a world of digital distractions, Crayon Rocks stood out as a timeless gem. These vibrant, eco-friendly crayons provide an excellent platform for sparking creativity and refining fine motor skills. Their ergonomic shape encourages proper pencil grip, setting the stage for future writing success. At the summit, practitioners recognized the value of fostering creativity through simple yet effective tools like Crayon Rocks.

3. Happy Senso Sensory Gel: A Sensory Delight

Happy Senso Sensory Gel added an element of multisensory wonder to the summit. This versatile gel stimulates a range of senses, making it a versatile tool for therapists. From tactile exploration to sensory integration activities, Happy Senso captivated attendees with its potential to enhance learning experiences and create a sensory-rich environment.

Pro Tip: for an even greater sensory experience, try walking through Happy Senso Sensory Gel!

4. Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet: Enhancing Focus and Engagement

Recognizing the need for subtle sensory solutions in educational settings, the Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet received high acclaim. These clever attachments transform ordinary chairs into dynamic seating options, encouraging movement and improving focus. Attendees discovered how this simple yet effective solution can have a positive impact on students’ engagement and attention spans.

5. Flick Stick Fidget Toy: A Pocket-Sized Solution

Fidgeting finds a purpose with the Flick Stick Fidget Toy, which rounded off our list of top sellers. This discreet tool fits in the palm of a hand, providing a soothing outlet for restless fingers. Its satisfying flicking motion aids concentration and stress relief, making it an ideal addition to classroom and therapy settings.

A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

The 2023 School Based Practitioners Summit was a resounding success, underscoring the importance of innovation and collaboration in the field of education and therapy. At Therapro, we are committed to providing professionals with the tools they need to create engaging, effective, and inclusive learning environments. The summit allowed us to connect with passionate practitioners and showcase products that align with our mission.

As we reflect on this exciting event, we extend our gratitude to all those who participated, shared insights, and explored our product offerings. Your enthusiasm fuels our commitment to supporting educators and practitioners in their noble mission of empowering young minds.

Thank you for being a part of the Therapro community, and we look forward to more opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate together.