Category Archives: Therapist Resources

Comprehensive resources, strategies, and tools designed to support therapists in delivering effective care and ongoing professional growth.

Psymark Featured on the OT Schoolhouse Podcast: Exploring Digital Visual-Motor Assessments

Clinic & Hospital-Based Practice, School-Based Practice, Therapist Resources, Visual Perception, ,

Technology is transforming school-based occupational therapy, and the latest episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast highlights a game-changing tool that’s making assessments more efficient than ever. In this episode, Karen Silberman, creator of the Psymark Psymark Visual-Motor Progress Monitoring Apps, and occupational therapist Heather Donovan join host Jayson Davies to dive into the latest innovations in Psymark’s digital tools for visual-motor assessments. This tool not only saves time but also equips practitioners and educators with actionable intervention strategies—helping support students more effectively while reducing unnecessary referrals.

Psymark Visual-Motor apps

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, listeners will gain insights into Psymark’s groundbreaking research and the effectiveness of its digital tools. Highlights include:

  • Pencil-Finger-Stylus Study: Findings show that digital input methods produce nearly identical results to traditional pencil-and-paper tasks, reinforcing the validity of digital assessments.
  • Concurrent Validity Study: Recent research demonstrates that the Psymark Shapes test has a strong correlation with the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI), a widely recognized assessment tool.
  • Real-World Impact: A case study from a school district revealed a 48% increase in students reaching the Proficient range after a 12-week intervention, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted support using Psymark’s tools.

A Sneak Peek at an Exciting New Digital Visual-Motor Assessment

Listeners will also get an exclusive preview of the upcoming Psymark Visual Motor Screener (VMS), set to launch this spring! This powerful screening tool is designed for both occupational therapists and general education teachers, allowing them to efficiently assess large groups of students and provide tailored intervention strategies for those who need additional support.

The VMS toolkit will include:

  • The Visual Motor Screener (VMS)
  • A training video
  • A comprehensive manual

This new tool will empower professionals to quickly identify visual-motor challenges and implement targeted strategies to help students succeed.

Don’t Miss This Episode!

Hear how Psymark is leading the way in digital visual-motor assessments. visit otschoolhouse.com/episode171 to listen and discover how these advancements are shaping the future of occupational therapy and student success.

At Therapro, we’re committed to providing resources and tools that support therapists, educators, and families. Stay connected for more updates on the latest in assessments and interventions!

SENcastle all in one sensory solution

Discover the SENcastle: A Revolutionary Sensory Solution

Sensory, Therapist Resources, ,

Occupational therapists know that every child’s sensory system is unique, requiring individualized approaches to address their specific needs. Often, creating an effective sensory space demands substantial room and specialized equipment. Enter the SENcastle – a compact, portable sensory room that offers a sensory solution designed to transform how therapists address sensory processing challenges.

A Game-Changer for Meeting Sensory Needs

Developed in collaboration with special education teachers and sensory integration therapists, the SENcastle offers a comprehensive and adaptive sensory experience. This multimodal sensory device connects children’s sensory needs with assistive technology, providing controlled sensory input through five sensory systems: visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive.

Why Occupational Therapists Will Love the SENcastle

1. Versatile and Adaptable: The SENcastle fits seamlessly into most environments, whether it’s a classroom, therapy clinic, or community setting. Its compact design ensures it can be integrated into individual or group settings, as well as shared spaces for universal access.

SENcastle cushions, 6 specially designed cushions that offer a range of sensory experiences

2. Comprehensive Sensory Input: With its thoughtfully designed components, the SENcastle offers a wide range of sensory experiences. The central light column, equipped with advanced LED technology, projects dynamic visual effects, while integrated sound effects enhance the auditory experience. Six specially designed sensory cushions provide varied tactile and proprioceptive input, creating a holistic sensory environment.

3. Easy to Use: The SENcastle is user-friendly and straightforward to operate. With five control buttons and RFID-enabled sensory cards, therapists can easily manage sensory scenes, adjust sound and light intensity, and customize the experience to meet each child’s needs.

Therapist and child inside the SENcastle using the easy to use RFID cards to create sensory scenes
SENcastle a versatile sensory solution with 6 sensory cushions and a central light column

4. Portable and Space-Efficient: One of the most significant challenges in creating sensory spaces is the requirement for large, dedicated areas and extensive equipment. The SENcastle addresses this by offering a portable solution that can be set up quickly and efficiently, taking up minimal space while providing maximum benefits.

5. Promotes Independence and Generalization: By integrating sensory experiences into everyday situations, the SENcastle helps children generalize and apply behaviors learned in specialized settings to their daily activities. This promotes greater independence and enhances their ability to navigate various environments successfully.

Features and Technical Specifications

  • Ergonomic design with spacious interior
  • Adjustable sound and light intensity
  • A central light column with visual effects
  • Integrated sound effects
  • Six sensory cushions for varied input
  • Durable construction with easy maintenance
  • RFID-enabled sensory cards with multiple scenes
  • Bluetooth Headphones are included to allow use even when in a shared space
  • Recording capable for personalised messages and sounds
  • 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Transforming Therapy Sessions

Imagine a sensory solution that not only addresses individual sensory needs but also transforms the environment to optimize therapy sessions. The SENcastle does precisely that, offering a space for “sensory discharge” to calm overstimulated children or a “sensory charging” station to energize those needing additional input.

Bringing Sensory Integration to New Heights

For occupational therapists, the SENcastle is more than just a sensory room; it’s a revolutionary tool that redefines how sensory integration therapy is delivered. Its versatility, portability, and comprehensive features make it an invaluable addition to any therapeutic setting, empowering therapists to create tailored sensory experiences that foster growth, independence, and success.

Ready to explore the SENcastle’s potential? Visit Therapro’s website to learn more and discover how this innovative sensory room can transform your therapy sessions.

EazyHold Universal Cuff

Promoting Independence Through Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology, Daily Living, Therapist Resources, , ,

National Disability Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 26, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark legislation has been instrumental in protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, promoting their independence, and ensuring equal opportunities. At Therapro, we honor this historic event and recognize the importance of assistive technology in promoting independence.

The Role of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities, helping them perform everyday tasks more easily and efficiently. Whether it’s through enhancing mobility, improving communication, or providing support for daily activities, these tools are vital in promoting self-reliance and independence. At Therapro, we understand the transformative power of assistive technology and are dedicated to offering a wide range of products designed to meet diverse needs.

Key Products Promoting Independence

As we celebrate National Disabilities Independence Day, we are proud to highlight several key products that promote independence:

  • Functionalhand: This innovative device provides a secure grip for individuals with limited hand function, allowing them to hold and manipulate objects with ease.
  • Eazyholds: These silicone grips attach to various utensils and tools, making it easier for individuals with limited hand strength to hold and use them.
  • Reachers: Designed to help individuals access items that are out of reach, reachers are invaluable for enhancing independence in daily tasks.
  • Dycem: This non-slip material provides stability and support, making it easier to handle objects and perform activities without slipping.
  • Adapted Utensils and Dishes: These specially designed utensils and dishes help individuals with limited dexterity eat more independently.
  • Tools for Low Vision: Products like Highlighter Strips and Reading Guide Strips are essential for individuals with low vision, helping them read and navigate their environment more effectively.
Dycem
Dycem
The functionalhand
The Functionalhand
HIGHLIGHTER STRIPS
Highlighter Strips

Expanding Our Assistive Technology Offerings

Recognizing the importance of assistive technology, Therapro has been actively expanding our product selection in this category. Over the past several years, we have introduced a variety of new tools and resources to better serve the needs of our customers. Our comprehensive assistive technology catalog is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality products that promote independence and improve quality of life.

As we celebrate National Disability Independence Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities through innovative assistive technology. At Therapro, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently and with dignity. We are proud to offer a wide range of products that empower individuals to achieve greater autonomy and enrich their lives.

Explore our assistive technology catalog today and discover how Therapro can help you or your loved ones achieve greater independence. Together, we can continue to make a difference and promote a more inclusive world for all.