Childhood through young adult is a formidable time for cognitive development - but what happens when that is disrupted by an acute brain injury? Our assessments and treatment approaches need to be age appropriate for behavior, communication, and cognition. Functional cognitive skills allow us the ability to be functional and independent individuals -and that independence varies according to age. This course will review the neuroanatomy of the brain and theories of neuroplasticity. Participants will learn how to assess cognition and develop a treatment plan based on specific evaluations for acquired neurological injury in the medical model, and also address some of the challenges associated with this population.

Disciplines

• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Literature over the last 2 decades has shown an obvious link between motor function and cognition. Emerging data suggest therapies designed to improve specific aspects of cognitive function, may also improve gait, increase use of compensatory strategies, and reduce fall risk. Falls and fall-related injuries are a huge concern and costly burden to individuals, society, and healthcare systems. Despite the costly and physical consequences of falls, common interventions and 'fall prevention programs' have been shown to be inadequate or ineffective. This evidence shines a new light on the SLPs ability to target functional safety goals through cognitive therapy to change the outcomes of patient safety. The evidence-based techniques reviewed in this course are applicable to patients with fall concerns who mobilize in any way and/or participate in ADLs, including patients with Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological diagnoses. This course focuses heavily on evidence-based cognitive therapy techniques to improve patient safety; along with education essentials for training of staff/family as a part of your plan of care. Discussion will include how to target these skills without duplicating services with PT/OT. Course material will cover goal writing for best practice standards and avoiding insurance denials. Specific patient examples and documentation from referral to discharge will be covered. Steps to initiate and/or increase the success of a current fall prevention program will be described. Barriers and challenges will also be reviewed.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This introductory level two day seminar will provide a strong foundation in evidence based information, theory and critical analysis of: sub system analysis, swallowing safety and function, appropriate and effective therapeutic interventions, family/caregiver engagement and discharge planning. Infant's communication skills, positioning impact on feeding and swallowing, pre-feeding skills, therapeutic feeding trials, bottle and breast feeding, family involvement, and feeding in palliative care will also be discussed.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist

Are you an SLP or OT and are struggling to treat Pediatric Feeding Disorder or Selective Feeding Disorder? This course will give you the nuts and bolts of feeding therapy, so you have solid tools for evaluating and treating kids as soon as you go back to work! Build your confidence evaluating and treating a variety of children with sensory, behavioral, and oral motor concerns so you know how to plan your sessions and counsel parents. From evaluation to discharge, we will cover case studies, sensory and behavioral feeding treatment techniques, and what to do in tricky situations. Leave this course feeling ready to take on complex and challenging feeding patients including children with sensory concerns, ASD, oral motor deficits, gastrointestinal concerns, and more.

Disciplines

• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Poor reading, poor handwriting, clumsiness…it all ends in a referral for the school-based therapist. But is it sensory? Behavior? ADHD? Dyslexia? Something else?? This course will teach the school-based therapist to recognize the signs of a vision-based learning problem, then assess the visual system to uncover the root cause of academic difficulty. The therapist will learn the best standardized assessments to capture the visual dysfunction and simple, inexpensive techniques to improve ocular motor skills to improve academic performance.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This course instruction assumes a prior knowledge of dysphagia and anatomy/physiology of the head and neck. For an excellent review of the normal and abnormal swallow, we recommend bundling the ecourse "Anatomy of Swallowing". Please note that VitalStim Providers and past attendees of John Kelly's Myofascial Release and Other Manual Techniques in Dysphagia Management course may have already completed Anatomy of Swallowing (not sure, just ask CIAO).  We are offering the ecourse at a $20 discount when added as a bundle during registration (price reflects discount).

Elastic taping techniques have gained the attention of rehab providers offering support while allowing functional movement. This research-based modality has a variety of applications to address functional impairment. This course will focus on taping strategies relevant to dysphagia therapy. Therapeutic applications provide re-education of the neuromuscular system, influence lymphatic drainage, improve localized circulation and reduce pain. Diagnoses familiar to the dysphagia specialist benefit from its use. Taping strategies offer muscular inhibition as in craniomandibular hypertonus, muscular recruitment facilitating hyoid movement and minimize postural compensation related to sensory input. This course will educate the dysphagia clinician on the therapeutic benefit of taping to improve motor patterns and facilitate a client's functional independence. Though focused on the adult population, experienced pediatric clinicians can easily apply these techniques to the pediatric population.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Have fun at the course, have fun with your clients! Join us in therapeutic play - the NDT way! This interactive basic level course for OT/COTA 's, PT/PTA's and SLP's will emphasize treatment strategies to promote "natural ways to play" in the child with neurological involvement. Therapists will learn introductory handling techniques to optimize postural control and visual/perceptual skills. Participants will learn how neuromotor control and influences of the sensory systems impact functional outcomes. Participants will learn basic components of Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) and how these strategies relate to NDT. Therapists will be challenged to facilitate creative play with the children they work with and gain knowledge in the value and foundation of "play". This course will take you through lecture, handling and movement labs, interactive discussions and problem -solving to spark individual creativity and basic understanding of NDT and IYT.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

So much of what we know about our world comes through our visual system. It affects reading, writing, posture, use of a communication board and so much more, yet we are taught so little about this system that has such a huge impact on the functional abilities of our children. This engaging course will explain the anatomy and physiology of the visual system through evidence-based research and demonstrate the role vision plays in making academics more difficulty for some children. Therapists will learn to recognize the simple signs of undiagnosed vision-based learning impediments so they might better interpret the results of standardized testing. Through lab practice and case studies, attendees will gain confidence in assessing ocular motor and near vision focusing skills then design programs and use modifications to get the best possible outcomes. Attendees will then learn easy and fun techniques for improving these skills.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

"Lymphedema Management of the Head and Neck," is an intermediate level course that will provide the foundational knowledge and skills to evaluate and provide treatment for lymphedema of the head and neck. Medical Speech-Language Pathologists are recognized as key team members in the management of individuals with head and neck cancer and can bring value into the realm of lymphedema management. Learners will take a deep dive into the lymphatic system and discover how lymphedema can impact the swallowing mechanism and communication. This course will address considerations of lymphedema management especially for head and neck cancer as well as unique cases with solutions that therapists may face such as placement of tracheostomy or PEG tube. This course is open to speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, COTAs, physical therapists, and PTAs. Clinicians will complete the course with the knowledge and skills to determine appropriate intervention strategies to provide optimal care for individuals with lymphedema of the head and neck.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This interactive two-day workshop for rehabilitation teams will address evaluation and current treatment techniques appropriate for soft tissue and joint restrictions that contribute to an abnormal swallow.
Note: Registration for this course includes the pre-requisite online course "Anatomy of Swallowing" (you will receive an additional 4 hours for completion of this online course)
Click Here for a Preview

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist

This workshop offers the practicing clinician an opportunity to gain new knowledge and update existing skills in the area of application of electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound. Participants will leave the course with an evidenced-based approach to the dosing and application of electrical stimulation and ultrasound. The workshop will include hands-on laboratory sessions to reinforce the concepts and techniques discussed during the lecture portions of the program.

Course Level: Introductory
Method of Assessing Student Learning: Observation of Lab Work
Participants should wear loose-fitting athletic clothing

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Athletic Trainer

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the use of electrophysical agents in the areas of electrical stimulation (pulsed, alternating, and direct current), and superficial and deep thermal agents (ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser). This course is also open to PT/PTAs and Athletic Trainers.

This course meets OT Physical Agent Modalities didactic training requirements in: CA, FL, ID, IL, MA, MD, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, PA, SD, WI, WV

Please bring lab attire that allows for access to the shoulder (e.g. loose fitting t-shirt, tank top etc.)

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Athletic Trainer

On average, 80% of children identified with developmental delay suffer from oral motor dysfunction. This two-day pediatric sensory point taping (SPT) course focuses on smaller taping applications on strategic points to impact oral motor function. The SPT techniques address the co-morbidities surrounding oral motor dysfunction, including arthrokinematics, respiration, motility, oral motor coordination, jaw alignment, head posture, edema, pain, fascial restrictions, and scar tissue while maintaining skin integrity and providing comfort. The participant will be introduced to assessment methods, including musculoskeletal data collection for pre/post assessment and skills specific for successful, safe application of elastic therapeutic tape.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

The range of function in older children with "hypotonia" varies greatly. Hypotonia can impact function greatly or slightly. In this introductory course, the participants will learn through lecture, labs and videos intervention ideas for promoting play and function in older children (3-13 years). The intervention ideas will be based on NDT and SI approaches as well as some ideas from the sports medicine arena. This course will include postural control activities and interventions, activities to integrate ATNR and STNR reflexes, assistive devices for upright mobility, as well as visual motor activities and midline crossing skills required for higher level gross and fine motor skills. Speech therapists will learn the importance of postural alignment and support for breath control as well as play ideas to promote language and communication through play.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This introductory level course will utilize lecture, video and hands-on lab sessions to teach participants in this course therapeutic techniques and interventions to help the young child (birth to 3 years) with hypotonia, regardless of the cause, through the developmental stages from supine to standing. This course will be based on NDT and SI principles to facilitate functional skills including gross motor, fine motor and postural control. By considering the internal and external factors which can impact arousal, posture and functional skills, participants will help young children achieve their highest functional level.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This is a course for therapists who are interested in learning about tracheostomy and ventilator dependent assessments and treatment approaches. Improve your knowledge base and skills; whether you are an SLP who is currently working with tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients or if you would like to develop the knowledge and skills to help you learn more about this subspecialty. Learn about the types of tracheostomies, speaking valves, and treatment strategies available to you to help your patients wean off the vent and successfully decannulate. This is an intermediate course, and basic knowledge of dysphagia and voice therapy is required. SLPs working with trach and vent patients are challenged with getting instrumental assessments, treatment strategies, and communicating the role of the SLP in assessing and treating this unique population to their multidisciplinary teams. This course will present the physiological and structural changes of the trachea following a tracheostomy and offers guidelines and treatment strategies to initiate po intake and achieve voicing using speaking valves. This course aims to educate SLPs on everything related to working with patients that have acquired a tracheotomy and are vent dependent.

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Your patient complains of double vision, and dizziness. The chart says your patient is "legally blind". Your patient is having problems reading. These are common issues for adult patients of the rehab therapist, but the root causes of these issues are frequently misunderstood, so interventions are not effective. Therapists are presented the functional problems of visual dysfunction every day. Many therapists do not recognize these complaints as visual issues due to a lack of understanding of the changes that may occur in the adult visual system. This course will help therapists recognize how naturally occurring changes in the visual system affect function. They will learn the questions to ask when your patient tells you they had cataract surgery, or they see double. Attendees will know the visual issues that can cause falls or reading problems and how to assess and improve the visual system so their patient can continue the activities they love. Attendees will learn to assess the adult visual system and develop activities to improve the most common visual complaints. They will even understand glasses better and be able to help their patient pick the eye care professional to best manage their visual complaints. This course will make you into a vision-aware therapist so you can recognize visual dysfunction better and provide interventions that get results where others have not.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

There are two ways to participate in this live stream event (BOTH count as LIVE Continuing Education!:):

1. in the LIVE STUDIO audience in Gulf Breeze, Florida - Studio audience seats are limited - so register today!
2. via LIVE STREAM around the world - Live stream participants will login to access the event from their computer and interact with the instructor.

Course time(s):
8:00 AM Central (9:00 AM Eastern; 7:00 AM Mountain; 6:00 AM Pacific)

Vision is our furthest reaching sense, telling us 75% of what we know about the world around us. Stroke, brain injury and concussion can disrupt the visual system, affecting not just our patient's knowledge of the world around them but also how they interact and move through that world. This course will explain the most common visual consequences of stroke and brain injury from double vision, near vision focusing problems to visual cuts. Participants will learn to assess and document these deficits and learn modifications to improve performance and safety during treatment sessions in the clinic and at home. The participants will learn simple, inexpensive techniques to improve visual symptoms and patient outcomes. Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists will all benefit from a deeper understanding of the functional role of the visual system in their patient's recovery.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst