The 16th Annual Therapies in the School Conference, held on November 19–20 in Framingham, MA, marked a significant gathering for professionals dedicated to enhancing school-based therapy. Sponsored by Education Resources Inc., the sold-out event attracted 350 attendees from across the United States, all committed to supporting students with motor and sensory processing challenges.

Key Themes and Workshop Highlights

This year’s conference emphasized evidence-based treatment techniques, effective goal writing, and collaborative strategies among interdisciplinary teams. Notable workshops included:​ Addressing Motor Issues in Autism, The Role of the Therapist in Improving Mental Health and Reducing School Aggression, and Making Feeding Intervention Work in the Schools. 

• Addressing Motor Issues in Autism: Exploring interventions tailored for students on the autism spectrum.

• The Role of the Therapist in Improving Mental Health and Reducing School Aggression: Focusing on strategies to enhance student well-being and safety.

• Making Feeding Intervention Work in the Schools: Providing practical approaches to address feeding challenges within educational settings.​

These sessions offered attendees actionable insights to apply in their daily practice, fostering improved outcomes for students.​

Therapro’s Engagement and Resource Offerings

Therapro’s exhibit booth was a hub of activity, drawing interest from the majority of conference participants. Attendees explored a range of resources, including:​

• Popular Tools: Items like the Zipper Zoom Ball, Yogarilla, and Doodle Top remained favorites among therapists.

• New Additions: Innovative products such as Wind-Up Toys, Bouncy Bands for Chairs and Desks, Progressive Grip Kit, and DNA Ball garnered significant attention, with some selling out during the event.

• Educational Publications: Books like No Longer a Secret by Doreit Bialer, OTD, MA, and The Sensory Connection Program by Karen Moore, OTR/L, were highly sought after, reflecting the attendees’ commitment to ongoing professional development.

Looking Ahead: Online Access to Conference Sessions

For those unable to attend or wishing to revisit the material, select sessions from the 2015 conference were recorded and made available online in early 2016. This initiative ensures broader access to the valuable content presented, supporting continuous learning within the therapy community. 

Conclusion

The 16th Annual Therapies in the School Conference underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practice in school-based therapy. Therapro is proud to have contributed to this enriching event, providing resources and support to therapists dedicated to enhancing student success.

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L

Arriving in Denver for the annual ASHA convention on the heels of the first snowstorm of the season was a good omen – we were optimistic that our 4 days there would be a positive experience for the Therapro “team.”

After setting up our mega display area in the convention Exhibit Hall, we were energized and prepared to meet and greet the 14,000 SLPs who were taking part in this magnificent event. Imagine streams of people strolling through the exhibit hall, pausing to visit our booth. Having two therapists available to greet attendees, discuss products, and distribute catalogs seemed reassuring for them. We spoke their “language” and were able to introduce them to Therapro’s vast product line. They loved playing games with us such as A Fist Full of Coins, Trunks, and Novenops, that are designed help students develop skills such as sequencing, working memory, following multi-step commands, creating sentences, and much more! We rolled out our newest game – Obstacles Game: A Game of Imaginative Solutions, to rave reviews.

Speech therapists sought out our exhibit, Booth #1018, to discuss pediatric feeding and oral sensory concerns. Both of us (Karen and Filomena) have had extensive clinical experience in those areas. Discussions about chewies: age appropriate chewies, durable chewies, baby chewies, school-appropriate chewies, etc. flowed throughout the conference days. Therapists loved these new oral sensory products we brought to the convention: Desk Buddy Multi Textured Tactile Ruler, Army Dog Tag Chew Pendants, and Tactile Tiger Chewable Arm Band.

Therapists enjoyed trying out these feeding therapy materials:

• • Happy Mat and Happy Bowl Silicone Feeding Mats

• • Lollacup

• • Textured Spoons

• • Blow Toy Kit

• • Connector Straws

Products that therapists can quickly pack up and easily pull out for therapy sessions, like ConversaCards and Conversation Starter flip books were a huge hit. We quickly sold out of Interactive Reading Books once word leaked out about how functional they are; students move velcro-backed drawings to match, identify, label, sequence, and create sentences while learning to read.

Therapists sought books to add to their home libraries. Favorites were:

• • The Entire World of R books and cards

• • Publications by Pam Marshalla

• • Just Take a Bite

• • Food Chaining

• • Pediatric Feeding Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment

• • Helping Students Take Control of Everyday Executive Functions: The Attention Fix

It was an exhausting but exhilarating 4 days filled with great conversations and collaboration among therapists. That’s what it’s all about – sharing information that will make our practice grow stronger and better. We overheard therapists repeatedly comment: “Therapro has what we need!” It warmed our hearts…and by then the snow had melted in Denver.

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L