HUGE Thanks to all our 2011 Workshops and Discussion Groups Speakers!

Louise Scrivener
Tel: 07881 523804
email: click here

Viv Chamberlain
Tel: 07966 520876
email: click here

'2011 - THE YEAR OF COMMUNICATION'

Friday 30 September 2011 - 9.30am to 4pm

Our Workshops Were:

Sensory Integration and Speech-Language-Communication & Listening & Literacy for Learning: How joint OT and SLT screening clinics have led to implementing S.I. strategies for more effective therapy for Childhood Communication clients.

Jacqui Wright, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Chief Consultant of Childhood Communication Consultancy (CCC) discussed the collaborative working between her Practice and that of Paediatric S.I. OT, Jane Horwood, for the best results for paediatric clients from CCC with Sensory processing disorders. The seminar also include information on sensory processing/integration, sensory circuits and their implementation into a Speech and Language therapy session, and the clinical effects.

Are You Sitting Functionally?

Ellie Burcher, Director of EJB Therapy and inspirational Occupational Therapist, presented a workshop for OTs & SLTs alike, looking at how seating affects function and discussed the basics of good seating for function. She encouraged how we could select the right chair for our client ... looked at factors including controls, size, fabric and pressure needs. Her workshop included case studies from specialists in chair provision and addressed 'what chairs are out there'?

The Use of Standardised Assessments as Outcome Measures

The workshop was led by Amanda Wynn, Sales and Marketing Director of Pearson Assessment. The title says it all!

Understanding Swallowing Problems in Adults (for OT's)

Emma Easter, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy from De Montfort University sadly could not join us for long but was a star and split her 2 workshops into 2 half hour sessions - thanks Emma!

For this first session she gave the background theory, looked at some case studies/ scenarios and thought about how to identify and manage the situation. She wanted OT's to share their knowledge of feeding/ drinking equipment and share their experiences to allow time for 'problem solving'.

Managing Paediatric Vocal Abuse and Misuse (for SLT's)

Emma Easter, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy from De Montfort University talked through some theory i.e. What is vocal abuse/ misuse in children? How does it occur? What is the role of the ENT? etc. and then followed on with practical ideas for therapy.

Motivation & Engagement: Working with Ambivalent Clients

John Swan, Clinical Lead Speech & Language Therapist from Herefordshire Specialist Community Rehabilitation Service, shared his experience of working in an MDT alongside other therapies, psychology & counselling professions to encourage discussion around: How to spot ambivalence; How to work with non-engagement in therapy; How to judge timing of therapeutic intervention to maximise engagement and when to withdraw. He used principles of Motivational Interviewing and Active Listening, among others.

Sound Foundations - The Power of Music & Sound

Alan Heath, Director & Educational Consultant from Learning Solutions presented: Developing strong auditory processing skills and beat competency are a foundation for sensory integration, sequencing abilities, language, listening and learning. Much research into learning, concentration and listening difficulties shows auditory processing deficit to be an important component. Alan explained the individual elements of auditory processing and their significance to academic performance as well as underpinning sensory and vestibular function. The workshop discussed how singing, playing and listening to music are fundamental to learning and movement. He also discussed how psychoacoustically modified music can help to train the brain to develop the fundamental skills needed to listen, engage and process internal and external sensory information. Specific music such as the Sound Health Series of CD's and The Listening ProgramR were used to illustrate the key points in the seminar.

Discussion Groups

Jean Gross 'Working with schools' How should we be working with schools in the future, as they increasingly commission therapy services for their children? What makes an effective partnership between therapists, teachers and teaching assistants? Jean provided some thoughts to stimulate discussion and exchange of good practice on these issues.

Listen to Jean's latest interview on Radio 4: http://t.co/LQlZg8t

Julie Milsom from Barton Hill Animal Centre discussed'Animal Assisted Interventions: Opportunities and potential in the health and social care sector' An introduction to the role and use of animals in a therapeutic context, with an overview of delivering an outcome focused approach at The Barton Hill Animal Assisted Therapy Centre. She discussed Case Studies, and gave sources of further information.

Dan McGarry from Primal Pictures looked at 'Utilizing Digital Resources in Patient Education''Digital resources can help to educate and reassure our patients by showing them detailed, accurate and beautiful anatomy images rather than scribbled notes and photocopied pictures. They can also save you time by providing you with alibrary of images and fully editable patient education sheets. He wanted delegates to come along a try out Primal Pictures anatomy software to see 'how you can utilize these new resources'.

Mike Kennard and Gill Kennard from Signalong provided us with their expertise in their session 'Hands on Communication'A review of non-verbal elements of a Total Communication approach with emphasis on signing and an opportunity to practise some signs.

'Social Media Maketing and Therapy Professionals' is the hot topic as presented by Libby Hill of Small Talk Ltd. An introduction into why it is important and how to get the most out of it!

'Turning Ideas into Books' Sarah Miles from Hinton House Publishers challenged us to do just that!

Thick and Easy Demonstration Trish and Camilla presented an interactive training session giving instructions on how Thick and Easy can transform meals for patients with dysphagia.

'Use of iPad in Therapy Sessions' a fully interactive session facilitated by Trisha Nutter. This group was packed out - sorry to those who could not squeeze in! Trisha wanted everyone to come and share the information about the apps they were using and we will shortly email everyone with all the apps discussed.

'Update of HPCs Audit Process', Mark Potter from the HPC highlighted all pertinent information for members and was available for 1:1 discussions.

'From Good Ideas to Publication', Henrietta McLachlan from STASS Publications encouraged delegates to get their resources published.