CAOT Conference 2017

| 26 May 2017 | 595 views

As a Gold Sponsor of the School of Rehabilitation Therapy’s 50th Anniversary, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) was invited to write a feature piece for the School’s News Blog. We warmly thank CAOT for the contribution of this article, and for their generous support of the School in its 50th year.

Each year, CAOT’s Conference brings together occupational therapists from across Canada and the world to network, learn and have fun. This year, CAOT Conference will be held June 21-24, 2017 in the ‘Birthplace of Canadian Confederation,’ Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island at the Delta Prince Edward & PEI Convention Centre. This event will offer the opportunity to hear world-class speakers, attend sessions on a wide range of topics, recognize the accomplishments of occupational therapists, get a taste of the island flavour at our social events and explore our Trade Show!

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Karen Whalley Hammell, Honorary Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia to Charlottetown to deliver the prestigious Muriel Driver Memorial Lecture. Karen is an internationally renowned author of books, chapters and numerous papers concerning disability, spinal cord injury, and occupational therapy theories, research and client-centred practices. Her work affirms the inherent right of all people to engage in occupations that contribute positively to their wellbeing.

Mark Henick, our Featured Speaker, will explore the complicated relationship between suicide and choice at our closing lunch on Saturday, June 24. Informed by his direct experience with stigma and the mental health care system as an adolescent, Mark dedicated his life from an early age to opening minds and creating change. He has served as the youngest President of a provincial Canadian Mental Health Association division in history. He is currently the youngest-ever board member for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Mark has authored commentaries on issues relating to mental health for major newspapers across Canada and the U.S. He continues to use his personal experience to provide insight into mental illness, and his TEDx Talk is the highest viewed of the 2013 Toronto conference- approaching almost 3 million views!

In addition to several sponsored and CAOT educational sessions, we are also offering four pre-conference workshops in Charlottetown to help occupational therapists advance their practice: Our CarFit Event Technician & Coordinator Training, Occupation & Trauma: Expanding Occupational Therapy Practice, Effective Adult Education Design to Promote Occupational Engagement, and Knowledge translation: Getting research into practice. Papers and posters will also be presented throughout Conference.

CAOT 2017 will also feature a wide range of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations, products and services. The CAOT Marketplace will be an important exhibit hall stop to find out what’s new, learn about membership benefits or purchase a new publication.

After full days of sessions and networking, delegates are invited to take a break, explore the island, and have a some fun. Our ticketed social events will give a real taste of the Maritimes!

Don your clamdiggers and join us for our PEI Kitchen Party: New Glasgow Lobster Supper on Thursday June 22, 2017, a casual and lively evening at the longest-running, traditional lobster supper on PEI! On Friday June 23, The Island version of the Amazing Race, The Great Amazing Race Charlottetown promises to be a fun and unique way to explore the downtown of this quaint city. Teams will use clues to weave their way around historic hotspots, the waterfront and downtown attractions. All signs lead to ‘The Pour House’, where all the teams will converge end the night and celebrate with drinks, appetizers, and music, all while learning more about island traditions!

Find out more about Prince Edward Island and some of the events happening there in June, the best Charlottetown restaurants to visit, not-to-miss views and Bridgefest. CAOT Conference 2017 offers a wide range of educational and networking opportunities, and Charlottetown provides the ideal location for occupational therapists to honour our past and gather with colleagues to share our knowledge and strategies to shape our future. We hope you will join us there!

AOT

School of Rehabilitation Therapy