Tag Archives: OT

A Fresh Approach to Teaching Essential Life Skills

April 4, 2024Daily Living, Life Skills, Occupational Therapyactivities of daily living, ADLs, assistive technology, autism, Occupational Therapy, OT, self careGuest Blogger

Unlocking Independence With The Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion & Photo Sequencing Cards

The Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion and Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards offer a fresh approach to teaching essential life skills and help you unlock your student’s potential for independence with self-care activities and routines that are vital for everyday life (i.e., activities of daily living).

Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards for teaching life skills

Discover a vibrant and innovative way to teach essential life skills with Webber® Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards. Created by Occupational Therapist Dani Kinsley, the Photo Sequencing cards can be used with students from preschool through adulthood. Dive into 20 self-care tasks each meticulously broken down into 6 steps, offering a total of 120 daily activity cards. Real-life photos, accompanied by written and verbal prompts, make learning engaging and relatable. Customize lessons effortlessly to the needs of the learner with Basic Directions, Expanded Directions, and Extension Questions for each photo card.

Beyond the basics like Brushing Teeth and Getting Dressed, this tool addresses more specialized target skills such as Straight/Curly Hair Care, Sneezing and Using a tissue, and Basic First Aid.

Companion Excellence: Webber Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion

Enhance the power of the Webber Activities of Daily Living Photo Sequencing Cards with the Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion . Packed with 188 pages, this invaluable resource aids in creating personalized lesson plans. Track progress with Data Sheets, implement effective strategies with Tip Sheets, and enjoy clear suggestions for enriching learning through How-to visuals.

At Therapro, our commitment to discovering impactful products is unwavering. We continuously seek tools that benefit therapists, teachers, families, and caregivers. Teaching essential life skills (ADLs) systematically and practically elevates the learning experience, catering to a diverse age range with varying skill levels. The Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion paired with the Photo Sequencing Cards will unlock your student’s potential for independence!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOT, Retired

Therapro’s Unforgettable Experience at AOTA 2024: A Recap

April 4, 2024ConferencesAOTA conference, Occupational Therapy, OTGuest 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, Conferences, Daily Livingaccess, assistive technology, assistive technology for participation, Occupational Therapy, OT, participation, slp, speech language pathologistsGuest 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.