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The University of Southern California Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy together with Western Psychological Services presents this training program in sensory integration consisting of four 5-day courses.

Presented by eminent occupational therapists who are experts in Sensory Integration Theory and Practice, this four-course series offers the most thorough and practical sensory integration training in the world. It covers sensory integration theory, assessment, interpretation, and intervention. Based on scientific evidence and clinical reasoning, course content teaches participants how to apply sensory integration principles in multiple settings to treat various problems, including learning and behavior disorders, attention deficits, autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and developmental delays.

Course Outline

Course 1:The Sensory Integration Perspective
This course provides in-depth information on the theoretical foundations of sensory integration, with emphasis on the role of sensory integration in development and its use in intervention.

Course 2: Specialized Techniques for Measuring Sensory Integration
This course trains participants to use and understand the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and other measures of sensory functioning. Participants learn to assess clients with various diagnoses and referring problems, using the SIPT as the “gold standard.”

Course 3: From Interpretation to Intervention
This course provides information necessary for interpreting standardized and nonstandardized assessment data, and for using this data to plan intervention strategies.

Course 4: Sensory Integration Intervention
This course provides clinical reasoning strategies for designing and implementing intervention using a sensory integration frame of reference.

Course I : The Sensory Integration Perspective

The “Perspective” course, provides both an overview of sensory integration and in-depth information on its theoretical foundations, basic science supporting the theory, and implications for practice. It examines the functional contributions of individual sensory systems, praxis, and their impact on everyday activities. This information is used to identify deviations from typical sensory integration and praxis abilities, and to provide insight into methods used in sensory integration intervention. Instructor for this course will be Erna Imperatore Blanche, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA.

Learning Objectives
Following the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the different sensory systems and their contributions to daily life
• Identify the basic principles of sensory integration
• List several sensory strategies that can be used at home, in school, and in the community to enhance function;
• Explain to clients the relationship of sensory integration to typical and atypical development;
• Describe the roles of the individual sensory systems in human activity;
• Discuss praxis and its role in performance and behavior;
• Relate the spectrum of sensory integrative functions to occupation.

Required Materials
Each participant must have access to reliable neuroanatomy references during the course.

When & Where
15th December Through 19th December, 2008
Hotel Tip Top Plaza, Thane

Last date for enrollment is on the 17th of June 2008. For more information on Course I, click here.

Course II: Specialized Techniques for Measuring Sensory Integration

The SIPT course provides in-depth training in using and understanding measures of sensory integration. Emphasis is placed on learning to administer the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and related measures and on making accurate clinical observations. These measures are discussed relative to the functions they assess, presenting problems, and appropriate intervention. Instructor for this course is Shay McAtee, MA, OTR/L.

Participants
Courses 2 and 3 are open to health care professionals wishing to learn how to evaluate sensory integration and praxis and how to interpret these findings based on research for the purpose of planning intervention.

Learning Objectives
Following this course, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic competency in administering the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests
• Identify a variety of tests and observations that can be applied in diverse settings to assess sensory integration
• Describe the functional implications of the abilities assessed by the SIPT and related measure

Required Materials
Participants must bring to the course a SIPT Kit, a SIPT Manual (Product No. W-260M), and a continuously running stopwatch with a 30- or 60-second face. Two participants may share one Kit during the course. All materials are available through Western Psychological Services.

Recommended Training
A graduate level course in Statistics or Tests and Measurement is recommended.

When & Where
12th January, 2009 through 16th January, 2009.
Hotel Tip Top Plaza, Thane (tentative)

Last date for enrollment is on the 17th June, 2008. For more information on Course II, click here.

Here is an article by Jennifer Anderson, which brings us good news about world known car makers such as Nissan who have made the move to consider the needs of older drivers in the manufacturing of their products.

The Baby Boom generation is about to cause a surge in the proportion of older drivers on the road. Several auto makers are thinking ahead, and are researching ergonomic design innovations to accommodate the changing abilities associated with aging. One potential benefit of this foresight is increased road safety. Another is the automotive industry’s bottom line: Seniors will soon command a larger share of automotive sales.

Japan’s Nissan Motors uses a special “elderly” suit to help its ergonomics engineers develop vehicles and features for customers who could be 30 years older than they are. Ford Motor Company developed the “Third-Age Suit,” in conjunction with the University of Loughborough, almost a decade ago. The suit shows engineers and designers what it feels like to have typical age-reduced abilities.

Dark colored glasses simulate poor vision and gloves simulate the reduced dexterity that can come with arthritis and similar conditions. The suit simulates reduced flexibility and maneuverability by adding bulk in key areas of the body, such as the knees, elbows, stomach and back.

Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper covered the industry’s sharpened awareness of the demographic shift to older drivers on May 30. In an interview with the newspaper, Etushiro Watanabe, associate chief designer for Nissan, explained that the company has no intention of building an “elderly” car. “The improved ergonomics benefit drivers of all age groups,” he said.

According to the article, the University of Florida’s National Older Driver Research Center has documented many of the latest innovations designed to either soothe or prevent irritation of certain health conditions. In partnership with the American Automobile Association, the university recently released a chart that matches drivers’ woes with specific cars and their on-board modifications.

Someone with diminished mobility, according to the newspaper, could benefit from wide-angle mirrors, heated seats with lumbar support, or the likes of Nissan’s Around View mirror, which uses four wide-angle cameras to show the driver any obstructions during parking and minimize the need for head-turning when reversing. A senior with vision limitations might seek out larger audio and climate controls with contrasting text or infrared night-vision cameras, such as the ones seen on luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Seniors won’t be the only beneficiaries. The newspaper article points out that a study published in a 2006 issue of the journal Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation found the Federal Highway Administration’s recommended improvements for seniors generally result in fewer driver errors and increased confidence among younger drivers (ages 25 to 45) nearly as often as among older ones (65 to 85).

Sources: Nissan Motors; Ford Motor Company; Globe and Mail

Source: Ergoweb

MABUHAY! Happy 110th Independence Day to the country which I love the most!

‘All-in’ fares for short sectors such as Manila-Legaspi are at Php699 one-way while a one-way Manila-Cebu flight would cost Php999 and a Manila-Davao sector would cost only Php1,499 during the seat sale. At seat sale levels, these reduction represent savings of up to 56% over today’s rate.

As we all know that the price of petroleum products which includes jet fuel is in its all-time high so these ticket prices are almost a steal! This is the cheapest I think you can get a ticket comparable with the prices in the late 1990’s. Based from my experience and if my memory serves me right, the last time a ticket to the Visayas region cost less than 1,000 bucks is way back 20 years ago.

Here is an important announcement from Dr. Maria Fidelis C. Manalo, MSc of the Cancer Center at The Medical City in Pasig, Philippines.

I would like to invite you to the Multidisciplinary Cancer Care Conference, entitled: “Stage 4 Cancers: Treatment Options and Ethical Guidelines for Decision-Making, ” we are holding on June 16, Monday, 8-10am at the Conference Rooms 1 & 2, 4th floor, Podium Bldg, The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas, Pasig.

The conference will tackle the issue of whether there is a period in the treatment of a Stage IV cancer patient that aggressive medical treatment should be still be pursued and when should these already be stopped. Stated otherwise, does aggressive medical treatment of Stage IV cancer patient reach a point where enough is enough?

Our panel of speakers includes:
1) Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas - to talk about surgery for palliation
2) Dr. Trixie Tiangco - to talk about chemotherapy for palliation
3) Dr. Rico Tangco - to talk about radiotherapy for palliation
4) Dr. Marina Chua-Tan - to talk about the role of stem cells and regenerative medicine in cancer treatment
5) Dr. Agnes Bausa-Claudio- to talk about referring to a palliative care specialist
6) Mr. Fermin Adriano, PhD - to share his experience about having lost his daughter to nasopharyngeal cancer
7) Rev. Fr. Eric Marcelo O. Genilo, SJ - to talk about ethical decision making on end-of-life care

Yours truly will be the MC and moderator of the conference.

Admission is free. We will be also inviting patients, family members/caregivers, residents, fellows, nurses and colleagues in and outside TMC. Please extend our invititation as well to everyone else who might be interested.

I have to admit that I would like as many people as possible to be informed very well on the options they can take when they or their loved ones are diagnosed with advanced cancer. It breaks my heart that patients are referred to me for pain management and symptom control after having suffered so much (and I would say uselessly) from surgery, chemo or radio, that in the end hastened their death, since their weak constitution was not able to tolerate these modalities well. Of course, aside from the physical suffering, they are also financially drained by all these aggressive treatments. More importantly, with this conference, I would like everyone to know what euthanasia is all about and how it is not an option at all for the terminally-ill.

Hope to see you during the conference. Please feel free to get in touch with us at the Cancer Center for any queries you might have.

Liza Manalo

Dr. Maria Fidelis C. Manalo, MSc.Palliative Care Service
Cancer Center
The Medical City
Ortigas, Pasig,Philippines
Tel:+6326356789 loc 6507/6506/6214
Mobile: +639175405196

Bobath Philippines once again invites you to one of their seminars titled Management of the Child with Cerebral Palsy at Home and in School. This seminar is directed more for Teachers, Special Educators, Nurses, and Caregivers and is conducted in celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (July 17-23, 2008).

When & Where
July 20, 2008
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Function Hall, 2nd Floor, EGI Tower, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila (near Dela Salle University)

Seminar Objectives

• Discuss the Bobath clinical classification of cerebral palsy and principles of treatment.
• Discuss normal development and its applications in the management of children with cerebral palsy.
• Discuss principles of management of the child with cerebral palsy at home and in the school setting in the following spheres of function:
  • Transfers and mobility; physical education
  • Object manipulation, play, and handwriting
  • Feeding
  • Bathing and toileting
  • Speech and communication

Schedule of Activities

8:30- 9:00 Registration
9:00- 10:00 Introduction to the Bobath Concept
10:00-11:45 Definition and Bobath Clinical Classification of Cerebral Palsy (Specific Needs of the Child with Cerebral Palsy)
11:45-12:00 BAG Announcements
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break
13:00 -16:00 Management/Activities at Home and in School (with break from 14:45-15:00)
16:00- 16:15 Q&A about specific problems

Seminar Fee
Pre-registration (From June 1- June 23, 2008): 1,000 PhP
On-site registration: 1,200 PhP

Registration fee includes 2 snacks and handouts.

For reservations and inquiries, SMS or call BAG-Philippines at (63) 917 733 6409. You may also send them an e-mail at bobath_philippines@yahoo.com.

ABS-CBN 2 news anchor Ces Drilon and two camerapersons were abducted in Sulu, according to some reports.

Suspected al-Qaida-linked militants abduct 3-person TV team in Philippines
The Associated Press
Published in the International Herald Tribune
June 9, 2008

Philippine security forces were searching Monday for a Manila television reporter and two cameramen believed to have been abducted by al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants while pursuing a story.

ABS-CBN senior reporter Ces Drilon and her two crewmen were intercepted Sunday in volatile Jolo island’s Maimbung township by armed men under Albader Parad, an Abu Sayyaf leader in the area, the regional police chief said.

Read more here. According to this report, the ABS-CBN management declined to comment on the issue at the moment, but is releasing a statement early today.

Below is a report from The Mindanao Examiner:

Sayyafs Seize Journalist, 3 Others In Southern Philippines
The Mindanao Examiner
June 9, 2008

Abu Sayyaf militants have seized a Filipino television journalist and two cameramen, including a Muslim university professor in the southern Philippine island of Sulu, police said Monday.

Police said Ces Drilon and her cameramen and their companion Octavio Dinampo were abducted in the village of Kulasi in the town of Maimbung. Drilon’s team arrived in Sulu on Saturday from Zamboanga City, said Supt. Julasirim Kasim, the provincial police chief.

“We received reports that the four were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf led by Albader Parad,” Kasim told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said Drilon’s group, from the television giant ABS-CBN, was believed taken to the hinterlands of Indanan town. Dinampo teaches at the Mindanao State University and is said to be helping Drilon in her coverage. The identities of the two cameramen were not immediately known.

“There is no demand yet for ransom,” Kasim said, adding, Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan convened the Crisis Management Committee to address the situation.

Read more here. Other related reports here and here. The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility is going to issue a news alert on the incident.

I’m a bit surprised that none of the top news websites, even abs-cbnnews.com, the website of ABS-CBN 2, has so far carried a report on what happened. Or at least from my earlier scan of the news items on their websites and in Google Reader. NBN-4 reported on the incident earlier in the afternoon, but I was not able to catch its full report.

Finally found time to blog. That is, a 15-minute break from transcribing interviews.

Recent news about Barack Obama’s victory over Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Party’s nominee in the upcoming U.S. elections made me remind an interesting piece I found online about media’s insistence to call Obama as the “black candidate”. Do you agree with what the writer, James Burnett, said?

Barack Obama is white!
James Burnett
The Miami Herald
May 14, 2008

Getting ready for work this morning I channel surfed between CNN, Headline News, MSNBC, and FNC, and I heard no fewer than six talking heads refer to Obama as “African American” AKA black, and potentially “the first African American” president. To be fair, I’ve sipped that Kool-Aid once or twice and not thinking before I spoke or wrote, referred to Obama as a black candidate.

It is short-sighted and disingenuous for my elevated peers to keep referring to Obama as black or African American. He is biracial.

And while his skin color…and Clinton’s gender, and McCain’s age shouldn’t matter in terms of their qualifications, how we address those characteristics should matter to you.

Read more here.

Speaking of the media coverage of Obama, here is a study on the media coverage of the top candidates conducted by the respected Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Joan Shorenstein Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University. Among other findings, the study belied the notion that Obama enjoyed the most positive media coverage, or that the media were “soft” on him than Clinton during the primaries. Compared to Obama, Clinton also received similar amount of positive coverage. Both also had similar amounts of negative coverage in the press.

Character and the Primaries of 2008
Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Joan Shorenstein Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University
May 29, 2008

If campaigns for president are in part a battle for control of the master narrative about character, Democrat Barack Obama has not enjoyed a better ride in the press than rival Hillary Clinton, according to a new study of primary coverage by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Joan Shorenstein Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University.

From January 1, just before the Iowa caucuses, through March 9, following the Texas and Ohio contests, the height of the primary season, the dominant personal narratives in the media about Obama and Clinton were almost identical in tone, and were both twice as positive as negative, according to the study, which examined the coverage of the candidates’ character, history, leadership and appeal—apart from the electoral results and the tactics of their campaigns.

The trajectory of the coverage, however, began to turn against Obama, and did so well before questions surfaced about his pastor Jeremiah Wright. Shortly after Clinton criticized the media for being soft on Obama during a debate, the narrative about him began to turn more skeptical—and indeed became more negative than the coverage of Clinton herself. What’s more, an additional analysis of more general campaign topics suggests the Obama narrative became even more negative later in March, April and May.

On the Republican side, John McCain, the candidate who quickly clinched his party’s nomination, has had a harder time controlling his message in the press. Fully 57% of the narratives studied about him were critical in nature, though a look back through 2007 reveals the storyline about the Republican nominee has steadily improved with time.

Other findings of the study included:

• The year 2008 started off extremely well for Obama. Positive assertions commanded 77% of the narrative studied about him from January 1 -13. By March 9, the figure had dropped to 53%. During this time statements concerning his inexperience and youth more than doubled in prevalence.
• The idea of Clinton as prepared to lead on Day One built steadily over time, reaching more than half of the assertions studied by mid-February. Despite this, over time likely Democratic voters came to think of Obama, more so than Clinton, as best prepared to lead the country—a sign that perhaps they forgive his inexperience in favor of change.
• The dominant theme about McCain, that he may not be a true conservative, was established early in the coverage––evident in the first months of 2007—and has resonated as a concern even among those in his own party. As late as April 2008, more than a month after McCain has secured the party’s nomination, likely Republican voters were split in our surveys over whether he really is a true conservative.
• The most common sources for these narratives were the campaign themselves—both the positive impressions candidates wanted to project about themselves and the negative images they wanted to suggest about their rivals. Fully 39% of the assertions studied came from the campaigns, notably higher than the 30% found in a similar study four years earlier, demonstrating the degree to which candidates directly influenced the coverage. Journalists were not far behind as a source of these master narratives (36%), though the results differed somewhat by candidate.
• While differences by media were minimal, some did stand out. Network morning news is notable for the degree to which it offered an exceptionally positive personal impression of Hillary Clinton. Fully 84% of the assertions studied in those programs projected positive master narratives of the former first lady, some 20 percentage points more positive than about Obama. And on cable news, the three rival channels differed markedly from each other in their treatment of the candidates.
• Looking beyond the master narratives about the candidates personally, coverage overall in 2008 has so far focused largely on the horse race. Fully 78% of the stories studied between January 1 and the first week of May have focused on political matters, such as who won the latest primary. By contrast, policy stories made up 7% of the stories, personal matters 7%, and the candidates’ public record, 2%. And few major storylines stand out.

Click here to read this well-researched study.

A CNN analysis on why Clinton’s bid failed also reflected the notion that the media were favorably covering Obama compared with the coverage of the former First Lady.

Analysis: Why Clinton’s bid failed
By Rebecca Sinderbrand
CNN Associate Political Editor
June 6, 2008

As media coverage of Clinton’s candidacy shifted to reflect the new realities of the race, her campaign started to develop a hostility that permeated the entire organization and proved a distraction from far more daunting challenges.

At the top, former President Clinton publicly and privately railed against what he called “the most biased coverage in history,” and both Clintons complained of what they believed to be a pervasive sexism dominating the campaign narrative.

On campaign conference calls, a new press skepticism to ever-evolving standards of electoral success was often met with outright antagonism from Clinton staffers.

Read more here.

Integrated Manual Physical Therapy, Philippines and Neurodynamic Solutions, Australia would like to invite everyone to a 4-day course on the Neurodynamics of the Upper and Lower Quadrants (Combined Course) by Michael Shacklock MAppSc, DipPhysio, author of Clinical Neurodynamics.

This 4-day course aims to teach participants (PTs, OTs, manual therapists and doctors) the concepts and applications of neurodynamics techniques. After the 4-day course, a Certificate of Completion/Training would be issued. Course is limited only to 30 participants so early registration is encouraged.

When and Where
August 1-4, 2008
Trader’s Hotel, Manila, Philippines

For further inquiries, you may contact the following numbers: +63927-4814155 (Mil), +63922-8185458 (Carmie), or +63919-4077701 (Val). Alternatively, you may email them at letter4manther@yahoo.com. You may also visit this website: www.neurodynamicsolutions.com.

The following announcement was forwarded to us by DLS-CSB:

De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) offers Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Classes. FSL classes are open to all interested deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing people from within and outside of the DLS-CSB campus. These classes help its students gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the Deaf’s unique language and culture.

Classes will be held three hours a week for 14 weeks and will be conducted by Deaf teachers. Available class schedules are: Monday/Wednesday, Monday/Friday, Wednesday/Friday, Tuesday/Thursday or Saturday.

Course fee is PhP 2,400.00 (plus PhP 535 for a generic DLS-CSB ID for outsiders). Discount available for DLS-CSB faculty through CLCIR and also other DLS-CSB staff upon approval of concerned heads.

Important Dates to Remember

Registration Start - May 29 to June 13, 2008

Filipino Sign Language Orientation Seminar - June 14, 2008 (Sat)

Visual Gestural Communication Workshop - June 14, 2008 (Sat) from 1:00–4:00 pm (part1); June 21, 2008 (Sat) from 8:00 am–4:00 pm (Part2)

Start of Sign Language Class - June 16–21 (FSL1-3)

For inquiries, please contact (632) 526-7441 to 47 local 131.

IFDM 2008
4th International Forum on Disability Management
22-24 September 2008
Berlin, Germany

“Breaking down barriers together”

The professional performance of employees is the engine of a healthy society. Maintaining this capacity to work is the goal of disability management. Valuable knowledge remains in companies, people maintain their standard of living and social systems are unburdened.
 
The International Forum on Disability Management has developed into a movement that spans continents, and new alliances have been formed. The people who meet at these gatherings are making a difference, tearing down walls between the concerned persons and developing cross-border return-to-work strategies. Disability managers from throughout the world exchange experiences and can learn from each other.

The German Federation of Social Accident Insurance (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, or DGUV) is a sponsor and mentor for the adaptation of disability management to the German legal and social system. The 4th International Forum on Disability Management is being hosted by DGUV.

For more information, visit IFDM 2008 website. Click here for related news.

Why do I want to go to Busuanga? My answer is, who does not want to go to a paradise here on earth :) Whatever compliments or good words I say here in my blog to describe that destination would be an understatement.

Especially now that SEAIR joined that bandwagon of airlines in offering Busuanga as a gateway to El Nido and other Northern Palawan destinations I am now enticed to finally visit the best the Philippines' can offer.

Despite featuring SEAIR here in my travel blog a few times I haven't yet tried to fly with them, well maybe now is the right opportunity.

For more information on how to conveniently get to Busuanga and other SEAIR's paradise destinations just visit their website at http://www.flyseair.com

The University of Santo Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences cordially invites you to a Certification Course in Manual Therapy. Module 1 will tackle the topics of Introduction to Manual Therapy and TMJ Examination and Treatment.

Lecturers/Facilitators

Valentin C. Dones III, MSPT, PTRP, DMS, COMT
Master’s of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Certified in Orthopedic Manual Therapy
Dorn Method Specialist/Lecturer
Mulligan Practitioner
Functional Fascial Taping Practitioner

Carmie R. Castelo, PTRP, DMP, COMT, MSPTc
Certified in Orthopedic Manual Therapy
Dorn Method Specialist
Mulligan Practitioner
TMJ Specialist

When and Where
June 22, 2008 (Sunday)
8AM to 5PM
Room 209, St. Martin De Porres Building (Medicine Building), UST, Manila, Philippines

For inquiries, please call (632) 4061611 local 8454/8455. Kindly look for Mam Che, Sir Alvin, Sir John, or Dr Diaz. You may also contact (632) 7409713. For text inquiries, you may reach them at 0917-825-0964, 0920-925-7436 or 0919-407-7701.

Dean’s listers get 50% discount on SEAIR flights

Mechanics:

1. The promo is open to all high school, college, and gradate school students enrolled in any school in the Philippines.
2. Dean’s listers can avail a 50% discount in SEAIR flights for a period of one year after the end of the semester.
3. Student must present latest school ID, grade report and certificate of dean’s lister status and must submit photocopies upon ticket purchase.
4. Limited seats in all flights and in all destinations.

For more information visit http://www.flyseair.com or call (02) 849-0100

I found this video from a friend's site in multiply.com. The video speaks for itself. Please watch and share to your friends, too. Thank you. Please view the original post from here.

Increasingly, research suggests that many autistic traits, including withdrawal, eye-contact avoidance and perseverative behaviors, may be attributed to toxic exposure, inabilities to digest certain food proteins and compromised immune systems. Countless parents and professionals have reported improvements in behavior, social relatedness, language use and cognition upon implementing biomedical and nutritional interventions. But understanding these vast and complex protocols can be intimidating.

Parents, therapists, educators and health care providers are invited to participate in this comprehensive lecture series and discover why biomedical interventions work and ways to successfully implement them. Participants will be asked to keep a “biomedical journal” to track their weekly successes and challenges.

Module 1 (July 3) – Getting Started: Outline individual goals for the series. Learn how to begin implementing a biomedical protocol and get information about different laboratory tests and ways to check for heavy metal toxicity, yeast and bacteria overgrowth, allergies and digestive problems.

Module 2 (July 10) – Specialized Diets: Learn the why and how of implementing specialized diets including gluten- and casein- free, specific carbohydrate and low- phenol, sugar and oxalates. Discuss practical tips for shopping, cooking, eating out and special occasions.

Module 3 (July 17) – Vitamins and Supplements: Discover the benefits of using vitamins and natural supplements such as probiotics, enzymes, electrolytes and fatty acids to address common problems including acid reflux, yeast overgrowth, viruses and weakened immune systems. Learn about the role of homeopathy as a natural alternative to ailments.

Module 4 (July 24) – Detoxifying the Body and Environment: Learn about natural and medically prescribed options for removing toxic metals from the body, as well as natural ways to rid the home of toxins.

Module 5 (July 31) – Applying the Principles: Review and discuss individual goals and progress. Participants who attended all 5 modules will create a specifically tailored strategy to implement a healthier lifestyle to heal, rejuvenate and rebalance their child’s body.

Presented by Nancy Guberti, Certified Holistic Nutritionist.

7 – 9 pm at the Greenville Community Church
270 Ardsley Road, Scarsdale, NY, USA

Registration Fees
Members – Free
Non-Members – $25 per Module or $100 for all 5 Modules
Need based scholarships available.

This event is limited to 25 participantsonly so early registration is encouraged. You may download the registration form here.

Source: Navigating the Spectrum

For occupational therapists who would like to apply for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board Certification and Specialty Certification, please be reminded that the next deadline will be on June 11, 2008.

AOTA Board Certification and Specialty Certifications serve as a framework for professional development that is specifically geared to occupational therapy. The programs are voluntary and are intended to assist practitioners to continually build their capacity for meeting identified competencies in an identified area of practice.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are challenged more and more to communicate the immediate effectiveness of their interventions and demonstrate continuous professional growth. Through its Board Certification and Specialty Certification programs, AOTA provides formal recognition for those who have engaged in a voluntary process of ongoing, focused, and targeted professional development. Both programs are voluntary—neither certification is required for practice.

Application Fees and Deadlines
Candidates may begin developing their portfolio and reflections at any time using the web-based application.

Applications will be accepted in June and December each year for all certifications. Peer review of applications occurs over a 3-month period following the application deadline.

Application Fee
The following fees are nonrefundable:
Board Certification        $525
Specialty Certification   $375

Applicants must be AOTA members at the time of application and also at the time certification is granted. Membership is not required to maintain certification once granted, except at the time of renewal.

For comments or questions regarding AOTA Board Certification or Specialty Certification, contact prodev@aota.org.

Click here for Board Certification and Specialty Certification Competencies and Indicators.

Source: AOTA