Two Incredible Days of Learning – Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference

THANK YOU to everyone who attended Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference on November 14 and 15, 2024! 

Well-seasoned school therapists as well as those still in the early years of their school-based careers attended our two-day virtual conference to build connections, share ideas and actively learn. This year, participants joined us from 34 states and two Canadian provinces!

Therapies in the School Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy School-Based Therapist
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our Beloved Therapies in the School Conference!

This happy milestone was made possible by so many of YOU returning to us year after year! We gave away lots of prizes in the months leading up to the Therapies in the School Conference; FREE registration to on-demand courses and to the Conference, gift baskets, a “lunch and learn” session with ERI faculty and more! We also recognized the longest attending participant of our Therapies in the School Conferences…Mary Meyer, an OTR from Massachusetts, who has attended 20 Therapies in the School Conferences! Mary said, I look forward to this conference every year. I know I will come back with tips and strategies I can apply right away. Thank you, Mary, for trusting ERI with your CEU needs over the years. It was our honor to gift Mary with FREE registration to next year’s Therapies in the School Conference! 

Energy and Inspiration

This year’s speakers and attendees brought an energy and enthusiasm to our annual 2-day event that has renewed our spirt and ignited our commitment to provide exceptional educational content for the providers who strive to share that excellence with their students. Improving outcomes, safeguarding mental health, and honoring each student’s unique abilities is at the center of what we do and we’re so proud to work amongst this community of attendees and speakers!

It was inspiring to watch and join in on the extraordinary amount of dynamic, interactive dialogue and the flow of sharing intervention ideas that was taking place within the Whova app, which will remain accessible to you through February 15, 2025!  And don’t forget, the discussion also continues after the conference in our Therapies in the School Discussion Group on Facebook – check it out! 

Expert Speakers and Informative Sessions – Conference Highlights 

When Reading Hinders Writing: Deciphering Vision Problems from Dyslexia – Robert Constantine, OTR/L
This session was a favorite! Robert discussed how to differentiate between dyslexia and saccade difficulties and provided many treatment ideas to improve the visual deficits associated with reading problems.

One of the best sessions I have attended so far with ERI – for Therapies in School conferences over the past 3 years!  Seeing so many vision concerns lately in the elementary school. All the information and strategies can be used immediately when I return to school on Monday. -Tobi C.

This was an INCREDIBLE presentation!!!! A very passionate and knowledgeable speaker with really strong intervention ideas that can be easily implemented in a school setting. Thank you so much! -Alexis V.

Building Blocks: ADHD and Executive Function Interventions for Different Ages and Developmental Stages – Lori Flynn, MS, OTR/L This was another favorite session among our participants! Lori @ot4adhd_ presented the intricate relationship between executive function skills, ADHD and academic success starting in preschool and continuing through graduation. Many practical interventions that support executive function skills tailored for the preschooler through the high school graduate were provided. 

Found this to be very helpful – ADHD is such a broad topic. I appreciated the break down and great explanation of each piece. -Claudine H. 

This session was amazing. Lori was awesome, so knowledgeable and engaging. The information she presented was so relevant and the interventions that she discussed were the best I have heard on this topic. Thank you so much! -Logan S.

Once again this year, ERI’s 17-year veteran presenter and yoga instructor, Anne Buckley-Reen, OTR, RYT, kicked-off Day 2 of the conference with a relaxing, virtual yoga session. It was great to start the day feeling relaxed, re-energized and ready to learn!

 

Embracing the Future: AI Application and Ethical Considerations in School-Based Practice – Addie Segal, OTD, OTR/L Addie got things started on Day 2 with an informative presentation about the potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance your practice. Participants really loved this session!

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS SESSION!!!!!! This was fascinating and applied to all therapists. I am walking away with so much knowledge and resources now. Great presenter, examples, resources. Loved it!
-Rachelle R.

This session was amazing! It will change my practice and will definitely make me more efficient with my time at work. Thank you! -Dawn J.

Re-Framing Behavior in School: Helping School Personnel Shift from “Managing” Student Behavior to Understanding Students’ Needs So They Can Support Learning – Greg Santucci, MS, OTR
In this energetic session, Greg provided actionable strategies to improve behavior that focus on validation, sensory safety, co-regulation and meeting kids where they are.

Phenomenal session! Absolutely tons of usable info and strategies that we can implement right away. Thank you! -Sue R.

Great information! I really feel like I can change my practices (language, thoughts, understanding) working with students and other adults (we all have our moments). This was so helpful to me as a PT- should be called behavior management for PTs 🙂  -Heather V.

We Can’t Wait to Continue Learning With You!

We hope that attending Therapies in the School 25th Annual Conference-2024 helped to renew your passion for school-based therapy, and provided you with new tools and strategies that you can use right away to improve learning outcomes for your students.

Stay tuned for access to on-demand recordings of the conference, coming to you soon in early 2025!

Please save the date for next year’s Therapies in the School 26th Annual Conference, set for November 20 and 21, 2025!

NEW COURSE! Differences Not Deficits: Understanding The Neurodiversity Affirming Approach

When we know better, we do better. Our understanding of Autism continues to evolve and expand, particularly as clinicians and researchers learn more from Autistic individuals about their experiences, needs, strengths, joys and perspectives. Monotropism, Masking, and the Double Empathy problem are just some of the topics that have contributed to a greater understanding of neurodiversity.

In this NEW course, Differences Not Deficits: Understanding the Neurodiversity Affirming Approach to Support Autistic Clients Through A Strength-Based Lens, bridge the gap between wanting to do better and knowing how.

Join Kristin Jones, MS, OTR/L, Therapies in the School 2023 speaker, to explore the concepts of felt safety, sensory differences not deficits, and self-determination.  Move from unhelpful, biased labels to language and reasoning that supports, empowers, and includes. Look and listen in a way that honors all forms of communication and recognizes low versus high functioning environments. Incorporate it all into strengths-based goals that hold meaning and promote participation, while leading to more productive and collaborative services. With deeper understanding and practical application of these concepts, you will be able to truly implement neurodiversity affirming care that leaves a lasting impact on your clients, students and community.

Learn More and Sign Up! 

Registration Now Open For 2nd Annual Birth to Three Conference!

birth to three therapist PT OT SLP Early Intervention

ERI is thrilled to announce the launch of our 2nd Annual Birth to Three Conference specifically for the birth to three therapist and provider community. Tailored to meet the needs of this specific group, this conference will deliver evidence-based learning that includes strategies and techniques for OTs, PTs and SLPs working in the inpatient, outpatient, clinic, home-based and community settings.

Like last year, this conference will once again be held virtually so that therapists from across the country and beyond can participate. With over 500 attendees last year, we’re looking forward to another successful conference delivering exceptional content that B-3 providers have been asking for.  

Register and Save!

Now through December 20, 2024, participants can receive an early bird discount for the 2-day conference by using coupon code BT32025 at checkout. Take advantage of this rate before the price increases. Group rates are also available. 

We have a packed two days of exceptional content geared towards the B-3 provider. Gain the practical resources needed in order to apply new interventions and strategies, as well as improve outcomes, for your tiny patients and their families. Here’s a glimpse at some of the topics to be presented

View the agenda, speaker lineup, topics and registration information. Pick and choose the track(s) that best meet your educational needs. 

Why Should I Attend?

Be inspired by our esteemed faculty and their passion for advancing the needs of the B-3 population. This conference will give you access to a vibrant community of like-minded therapists, and will equip you with strategies and resources you can take back to work the next day. Help us spread the word about this exciting conference by sharing with your friends and colleagues!

ERI understands the value and positive impact a strong foundation can provide in the birth to three population. Through our evidence-based content, therapists can enhance infant and toddler development supporting the whole child and their family. Attending this conference will help to strengthen the building blocks and lay a strong foundation to enhance the future growth and development of the child.

Interested in a Facility Partnership?

Facility Partnerships are a great way to promote your company during this conference and learn as a group. With 15 Facility Partners last year like Connecticut Children’s, Texas Children’s Hospital, BAMSI, Thom Child and more, we look forward to growing our partnerships and sharing your organization with our over 500 therapist participants. Contact Marianne Boynton at mboynton@educationresourcesinc.com for more details on this exciting offer.

Stay Connected with the Birth to Three Therapist Community

Join our ERI Birth to Three Facebook group to connect with other therapists working within the B-3 population. Share ideas, ask questions, receive recommendations, discuss newest research or hot topics all within this group.

ERI faculty members will also be posting latest information and tips for relevant Birth to Three topics. Share this group with colleagues and other therapists to help us spread the word! 

 Questions? Contact us at info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530. 

Can You Spot the Signs of Dementia?

As the prevalence of dementia continues to rise, with over 55 million currently affected and projections for this number to double every twenty years, Home Health professionals must adapt their communication and intervention strategies to effectively support these individuals and their caregivers.

On November 2, 2024, Robyn Ligotti will be presenting the live webinar Collaborative Dementia Care: Integrating Person-Centered Strategies for Positive Outcomes Often. This course will explore how dementia care typically comes through as a secondary diagnoses for therapists. Those working with older clients in home may notice early warning signs of dementia that will affect their overall treatment plan. What are the next steps once you’ve noticed the signs? Ligotti’s course will teach you how therapy plays a valuable role in safety, participation, and quality of life for PLWD (people living with dementia) and their caregivers.

Over the duration of this webinar, 6 types of dementia will be covered: Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Frontotemporal, Lewy Body, Mixed Dementia, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the different stages of dementia will be reviewed including early, middle and late-stage, learning how to make the appropriate adjustments at each one.  

By implementing evidence-based tools and tailored approaches, therapists can empower patients with dementia to achieve their goals and maintain healthy, fulfilling lives at home. This proactive adaptation is essential for optimizing outcomes and ensuring quality of life. Learn the latest evidence-based services from assessment through intervention and improve documentation of skilled services in OASIS-E.

Registration is open! This course will fill up so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot. 

dementia care physical therapy

Therapies in the School August Contest Winner

Therapies in the School Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy School-Based Therapist

 

The countdown to our Therapies in the School 25th Anniversary Conference is on! As part of our 25th Anniversary celebration, ERI will be running a fun contest each month that consists of prizes and special offerings just for you…the school-based therapist. Don’t miss your chance to join in on the fun. Secure your spot today to be eligible for these fantastic contests!

August Contest Winners

The August contest included a gift basket to inspire you and your students in the classroom. Our lucky winner was: 

  • Maryann G., OTR, who won a Therapy Gift Basket, The OT Toolbox Annual Membership, Sara Bee OT School-Based Pintables and Kwik Stix Tempera Paint Stick

And our runner-up winner was:

  • Jessica H., OTA, who won a Kwik Stix Tempera Paint Stix and The OT Toolbox Annual Membership

Congratulations on your new gift baskets and a big thank you to the following companies who so generously donated their products for this contest. Be sure to check out the September prizes so you don’t miss out on the fun!