Category Archives: Inside Therapro

Stay connected with everything happening at Therapro—from product launches and company news to conference highlights, community involvement, and special events we attend or host.

Exploring Halifax: 2024 CAOT Conference Highlights

May 28, 2024Events & Conferencesconference highlightsAllyson 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. Departing from our Framingham, MA warehouse, the Therapro team embarked on a scenic road trip through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, culminating in a dynamic event filled with innovation and collaboration.

At the conference, our booth buzzed with activity as we presented the latest in occupational therapy tools and resources. Attendees explored hands-on demonstrations of assistive technology devices and sensory items, experiencing firsthand the benefits these tools offer.

Standout products included the Functionalhand and Eazyholds, which together facilitate fine motor tasks for individuals with limited grip strength. These tools garnered significant interest for their ability to enhance 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 2024 Conference Highlights reflect a successful event filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with dedicated therapists and remain committed to supporting the occupational therapy community.

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!