Category Archives: Events & Conferences

Get comprehensive details about Therapro’s active participation in various industry events and conferences, including informative presentations, hands-on workshops, and trade shows that showcase innovative therapy products and provide valuable professional development opportunities for clinicians and educators.

Therapro is Celebrating National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!

May 7, 2024Events & Conferencesspeech-languageGuest Blogger

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a special month dedicated to raising awareness about speech, language, and hearing disorders. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is an opportunity to recognize the challenges faced by individuals with communication difficulties and to honor the devoted professionals who support them on their journey to improved communication skills. The purpose of this month-long observance is to raise awareness, promote understanding, and encourage intervention for those who have communication challenges.

Specialists who make a difference in the lives of individuals with communication challenges include Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists. SLPs identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Audiologists prevent and assess hearing and balance disorders, and provide audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment contribute to improved communication outcomes and enhanced quality of life for their clients of all ages.

At Therapro, we truly value our colleagues in the fields of speech, language, feeding/swallowing, and hearing. The Therapro website is full of resources dedicated to these areas!

Therapro has an entire catalog dedicated to Speech and Language targeted areas including assessments, articulation and phonology, functional language and literacy, social-emotional language, and more. This catalog is free, and available at therarpro.com!

Therapro is also the go-to resource for therapy professionals. We have a library of FREE relevant webinars such as; Elevating Articulation Therapy: Using Kokolingo for Effective Speech Therapy Sessions, Reframing Our Thinking as SLPs: The Language-Literacy-Dyslexia Connection, and A + B + C: AAC, Behaviors & Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Therapro is also a proud supporter of our fellow therapists who are writers and creators. Our most recent publication is Social Language Rules & Tools: A Preschool Curriculum, authored by Deborah Fortin, MSPA, CCC-Speech. We proudly feature the Sensory Spoon, designed by two Therapro occupational therapists and Mary Schiavoni, MS, CCC-SLP, creator and owner of Chewy Tubes. Another resource for feeding therapy is the publication Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment. This comprehensive anthology is edited by Kelly VanDahm, MS, CCC-SLP, and holds chapter contributions from a roster of esteemed clinicians.

The sensory spoon — Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Numerous resources are available for those seeking assistance with speech, language, or hearing issues. Online support groups, educational materials, and information about local clinics and specialists can help individuals and families navigate the journey toward improved communication. National Speech-Language-Hearing Month serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking early intervention and accessing the support needed to overcome communication challenges.

As we celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May, Therapro honors the dedicated professionals and advocates in the field, extends our gratitude, and applauds their wholehearted efforts in improving the lives of those with communication challenges.

Guest Blogger:
Filomena Connor, MSOT – Retired

Therapro’s Unforgettable Experience at AOTA 2024: A Recap

April 4, 2024Events & Conferencesconference highlights, occupational therapy (OT) toolsGuest Blogger

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Annual Conference & Expo 2024 was an event to remember, and Therapro was proud to be at the forefront, showcasing our latest innovations and resources. From insightful discussions with renowned authors to hands-on demonstrations of must-have therapy tools, our booth was a hub of activity, drawing in attendees eager to explore the world of occupational therapy. Read on for a recap of Therapro’s experience at AOTA 2024!

Is It Sensory Or Is It Behavior? 2nd Edition

One of the highlights of the event was the presence of Carolyn Murray-Slutsky, MS, OTR, and Betty Paris, PT, esteemed authors of several pivotal publications, including “Is It Sensory Or Is It Behavior? 2nd Edition” and “Autism Interventions (2nd Edition).” Their expertise illuminated the complexities of sensory processing and behavior, sparking engaging conversations and offering valuable insights for attendees.

Creator Linda Merry, OTR, was also on hand to demonstrate the versatility and practical applications of her ingenious creation, the functionalhand. This innovative tool proved to be a game-changer, garnering attention for its effectiveness in promoting fine motor skills and hand function.

Furthermore, attendees were introduced to an exciting new addition to Therapro’s inventory: the Psymark Visual-Motor Apps. Developed by Karen Silberman and Dana Khudaverdyan, these groundbreaking digital tools revolutionize progress monitoring in visual-motor skills. With real-time data analysis and user-friendly interfaces, Psymark apps promise to streamline assessment processes and deliver precise, individualized results.

Hands-on interaction was encouraged with Therapro’s newest evaluations, such as Identi-Fi, Trails-X™, and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–Third Edition (PDMS-3). These assessments offer comprehensive insights into various aspects of motor development and cognitive function, empowering therapists to tailor interventions effectively.

The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–Third Edition (PDMS-3)

Attendees also had the chance to explore games, specially designed with the therapist in mind. Attendees had the opportunity to explore games like Letter Treasure Hunt, Novenops, and Trunks, specially designed to facilitate therapeutic interventions and promote skill development in a fun and engaging manner.

Of course, no visit to our booth would be complete without experiencing the vast array of sensory tools available from Therapro. From Happy Senso to Fidgets and alternative seating options, attendees were immersed in a world of sensory exploration and discovery.

Overall, AOTA 2024 was an incredible opportunity for us to connect with fellow professionals, share knowledge, and showcase the latest tools for occupational therapy practitioners. We’re grateful for the enthusiastic response from attendees and look forward to continuing our mission of empowering therapists and improving lives through innovative solutions. Until next time!

Therapro’s Low-Tech Assistive Technology Solutions Shine at ATIA 2024

February 6, 2024Assistive Technology, Events & Conferencesconference highlightsGuest Blogger

The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) 2024 witnessed a bustling Therapro booth, where attendees were immersed in a hands-on experience with a diverse range of assistive technology solutions. The spotlight, however, was on the low-tech assistive technology solutions, which stood out for their simplicity, ease of use, and practicality.

Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing

One of the highlights at the Therapro booth was the Reading and Writing Solutions Station, where attendees explored assistive technology solutions for various reading and writing tasks. Attendees saw the multi purpose abilities of the slant board first hand. The slant board is designed to optimally position the wrist during handwriting activities but it can also be a great way to bring reading material closer while minimizing visual distractions. Notable tools at this station included various pencil grips and adapted writing paper. The “Get a Grip on Grips” handy guide and the “Which Writing Tool” handy guide garnered appreciation for their practicality in determining the most suitable tools for different situations. Attendees also explored devices like the ultradome for magnifying text and the Step by Step for recording stories, engaging emerging readers effectively.

Assistive Technology for Participation

The Participation Solutions Station aimed at increasing access and participation in daily activities. The Functionalhand, a popular tool at the station, impressed attendees with its ease of use in aiding grip and grasp. The Eazyholds also gained attention for their user-friendly design, making gripping objects more manageable. The station featured adapted scissor options, from spring-loaded to mounted scissors, catering to various needs.

Switch Access Tools:
Taking a step into higher-tech solutions, the Participation Solutions Station also showcased switch access tools. Attendees explored a range of switches, from the tiny Spec Switch to proximity switches and the wobble switch. The display included an insightful demonstration of battery interrupters, transforming battery-operated toys into switch-adapted devices—a hit among participants. The PowerLink, a versatile tool, was another assistive technology tool demonstrated at the booth. The PowerLink is used to turn corded devices, like blenders, into switch-accessible ones. Attendees were intrigued by PowerLink activity ideas, such as creating an adapted bowling game using the Powerlink and a fan.

Assistive Technology for ADL (Activities of Daily Living)

At the ADL Solutions Station, Therapro presented classic tools designed to enhance users’ engagement in self-care activities. Weighted utensils, a rocker knife, adapted cups, and scoop dishes were among the showcased items. These tools are essential for individuals seeking increased independence in their daily routines.

Sock and Stocking Aid — Sock Aid makes putting on socks a breeze!

Dycem — Sock Aid makes putting on socks a breeze!

ATIA 2024 was a great opportunity for Therapro to showcase a wide range of assistive technology solutions that cater to diverse needs. The emphasis on simplicity and practicality, especially with the popularity of low-tech options, reinforces the idea that effective assistive technology can be both accessible and user-friendly. As Therapro continues to innovate, the commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through thoughtful solutions is evident.