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.

1:00pm CDT

Born to Play: 5 Practical Lessons from Play Science About Autism and Human Development

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

COMPOSER (Upper Level) for Large Meeting

Limited Capacity seats available

In this playful talk ('We take play seriously!'), ‘Dr. Rick’ reviews the biological basis of playfulness, summarizes the most recent research on play and occupational therapy, and explores 5 practical lessons from play science about human development especially as it applies to children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Speakers

Rick Solomon, MD

Medical Director, The PLAY Project

I'm a developmental and behavioral pediatrician who has been caring for children with autism and their families for over 25 years. Very interested in public policy to get autistic children off waitlists. Big fan of parent empowerment and coaching models. Enjoy working with communities... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
COMPOSER (Upper Level) for Large Meeting

KEYNOTE

8:00am CDT

Keynote Address: Learning from Legends: The Lives of Drs. Barbara A. Rider and Fredrick Sammons

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

COMPOSER (Upper Level) for Large Meeting

Limited Capacity seats available

The shining example of Fred Sammons and Barbara Rider provides a standard for engagement and participation that can benefit all occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Join us for a celebration of lives well lived and learn how to integrate their attributes of innovation, connection, generosity, compassion, scholarship, curiosity, and gratitude into your practice, research, teaching, and daily lives. Through reflection on their careers and accomplishments, gain inspiration to follow the stars of occupational therapy!

Speakers

Ben Atchison, PhD, OTL, FAOTA, FMiOTA

Professor Emeritus of Occupational Therapy, Western Michigan University

Ben Atchison, PhD, OTL, FAOTA is Professor Emeritus of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University and graduate degrees in education from Georgia State University (M.Ed.) and Wayne State University (PhD). As the co-f... Read More →

Diane Powers Dirette, PhD, OTL, FAOTA

Professor, Western Michigan University

Diane Powers Dirette, PhD, OTL, FAOTA, is a professor in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD Program at Western Michigan University. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University and her master’s and doctoral degrees at New York University, studying occupational therapy at all levels. She... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
COMPOSER (Upper Level) for Large Meeting

KEYNOTE