MiOTA Fall Conference 2026

Welcome to MiOTA’s Fall Conference 2026!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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9:45am CDT

More Common Than We Think: The Hidden Impact of Binocular Vision Dysfunction in University Students

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) is an often-overlooked visual condition in which the eyes fail to align properly along either the horizontal or vertical axes, contributing to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, reading difficulties, anxiety, and challenges with attention and concentration. While commonly screened in childhood, BVD may remain undiagnosed in adults, particularly among university students where symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health concerns.
This session will present survey findings from university students highlighting the functional impact of BVD on academic participation, ADLS, work performance, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and presence of co-morbid diagnoses such as anxiety, and ADHD. Participants will examine the relationship between visual dysfunction and occupational performance, identify common signs and symptoms associated with BVD, and explore the implications for educational success and psychosocial well-being.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Identify common symptoms and functional impacts associated with BVD
Describe how BVD may influence ADLs, IADLs, academic performance, occupational participation, and psychosocial functioning.
Discuss the importance of awareness, screening, referral, and interdisciplinary intervention approaches for adults with suspected BVD.

Rosner, M. S., Feinberg, D. L., Doble, J. E., & Rosner, A. J. (2016). Treatment of vertical heterophoria ameliorates persistent post-concussive symptoms: A retrospective analysis utilizing a multi-faceted assessment battery. Brain Injury, 30(3), 311–317. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2015.1113564
Feinberg, D. L., Rosner, M. S., & Rosner, A. J. (2020). Validation of the Binocular Vision Dysfunction Questionnaire (BVDQ). Otology & Neurotology, 42(1), e66–e74. https://doi.org/10.1097/mao.0000000000002874
García-Muñoz, Á., Carbonell-Bonete, S., Cantó-Cerdán, M., & Cacho-Martínez, P. (2016). Accommodative and binocular dysfunctions: prevalence in a randomised sample of university students. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 99(4), 313–321. https://doi.org/10.1111/cxo.12376
Jusyte, A., Zaretskaya, N., Höhnle, N. M., Bartels, A., & Schönenberg, M. (2018). Binocular rivalry transitions predict inattention symptom severity in adult ADHD. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Speakers

Afnan Mansour

Masters of Occupational Therapy student, Eastern Michigan University

Afnan Mansour is a second-year Occupational Therapy student at Eastern Michigan University. She has been working alongside Dr. Renuka Roche to research the prevalence of binocular vision dysfunction among college students and its impact on daily functioning and academic participation... Read More →

Dr. Renuka ‘Ray’ Roche

Program Director and Associate Professor, Eastern Michigan University

Dr. Renuka Roche is the Program Director of and Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Eastern Michigan University. Her research focuses on Occupation-centered improvement of performance with the eventual goal of developing intervention methods and best practice... Read More →

Alon Samuel

Combined Occupational Therapy Student, Eastern Michigan University

Alon Samuel is a second-year Occupational Therapy student at Eastern Michigan University. He is fulfilling research requirements for graduation by presenting the Binocular Vision Dysfunction research led by EMU faculty member Dr. Renuka Roche and Dr. Mark Rosner of the Vision Specialist... Read More →

Mark Rosner

Chief Operating Officer, Vision Specialists of Michigan

Dr. Mark Rosner is the COO of Vision Specialists of Michigan, a clinic dedicated to the practice of NeuroVisual Medicine, a new optometry specialty focusing on binocular vision / eye misalignment since 2000. He specializes in analyzing and publishing studies in binocular vision... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Bach (88)

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global Y

11:00am CDT

NBCOT® National Certification Exam: Information You Need to Know

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Bach (88)

Abstract: During this session, an NBCOT Ambassador will share valuable information about preparing and applying for the national OTR and COTA certification exams. Specific topics include exclusive details about the exams, study tool resources, test day information, data regarding exam questions, and advice from other students and recent certificants. This presentation will allow you to be better informed about the various aspects of the national certification exam experience.

Objectives:
Learning Objectives

Understand the national certification examination application process
Learn about exam preparation strategies and the NBCOT Aspire® Study Tools and StudyPack™
Increase awareness of NBCOT and the importance of continuing competency

Synopsis:
Connect with NBCOT and hear about the best approaches to achieve your goal for Occupational Therapy Certification.

Bibliography:

Practice Analysis of the Occupational Therapist Registered OTR®, NBCOT, 2022
Practice Analysis of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA®, NBCOT, 2022

Method of Presentation:
PowerPoint

Outline

Connect with NBCOT

Mission
Social media
MyNBCOT account

Exam application

Eligibility
Certification Exam Handbook
NBCOT Code of Conduct
Transcript
Scoring Calendar
Pearson VUE

Preparation

Study plans
Self-assessment
Exam Content Outline
NBCOT StudyPack
Know before you go
Testing data

Biographical Sketch:
Provide a brief bio (may choose to include a description of your role as an NBCOT Ambassador).

Presenter:
Name: Be sure to indicate you are submitting as an NBCOT Ambassador

Time: 60 minutes

Level: Students

Additional information if needed:

Connect with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) to learn about the best approaches to achieve your goal for initial Occupational Therapy Certification and ways to engage with NBCOT, complete the exam application process, and prepare for the exam. During this presentation, attendees will be informed of NBCOT and ways to connect with the organization through social media and a MyNBCOT account to get information about NBCOT certificatio

Speakers

Krista M Hagarty, OTRL

Clinical Specialist for Michigan, Ovation Rehabilitation Services

Krista Hagarty, OTR/L, serves as the NBCOT Ambassador for Michigan and is a Clinical Specialist in the skilled nursing setting. She is passionate about supporting occupational therapy practitioners through education, mentorship, and promoting best practices in clinical care. Krista... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Bach (88)

common

global Y

1:00pm CDT

Advancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Bach (88)

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) plays a central role in advancing employment opportunities and independence for individuals with disabilities across the state. As part of this mission, the Business Network Division Director and the Occupational Therapy Manager will provide an overview of MRS’s statewide service delivery model, with a focus on the critical role occupational therapy providers play in supporting successful vocational outcomes. This session will highlight current needs for qualified vendors to deliver specific OT services, including vehicle modification evaluations, home modification evaluations, and general assistive technology assessments. Presenters will outline the standards, competencies, and documentation requirements associated with these service areas and discuss how high‑quality evaluations directly contribute to client success in employment and community integration.
In addition, the session will offer a clear, step‑by‑step overview of the process for becoming an approved vendor with MRS. Attendees will learn about application procedures, contractual expectations, reimbursement structures, and resources available to support providers throughout the onboarding process. By strengthening partnerships with skilled occupational therapy professionals, MRS aims to expand access to essential rehabilitation services statewide and ensure individuals receive the expertise necessary to achieve their vocational goals.

Speakers

Amy Hayes

OTRL, State of Michigan/MRS

Amy Hayes, OTRL is a Rehabilitation Consultant Manager with the Business NetworkDivision. Her professional interests focus on ergonomics, workstationdesign, assistive technology, and job analysis. Her current projectsinclude work injury prevention training and job analysis to businessesthroughout... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bach (88)

about Amy Hayes, OTRL is a Rehabilitation Consultant Manager with the Business NetworkDivision. Her professional interests focus on ergonomics, workstationdesign, assistive technology, and job analysis. Her current projectsinclude work injury prevention training and job analysis to businessesthroughout the state and workplace reasonable accommodations forState of Michigan employees. She has served on the Advisory Boardfor the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) OccupationalTherapy Assistant Program for six years and provides supervision tooccupational therapy students. She has lectured MSU interior designstudents for several years on ergonomics and universal design. Shewas recently honored with the MRS Champion Award for hercontributions to the field of occupational therapy and servingpersons with disabilities in the public and private sector. Amy earneda Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University inoccupational therapy. She is also a Certified Business SolutionsProfessional (CBSP), a Certified Americans with Disabilities ActCoordinator (ADAC), and a member of Michigan OccupationalTherapy Association (MiOTA as well as the American Occupational TherapyAssociation (AOTA).<br>