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.

2:15pm CDT

The OT Impact Loop: Connecting What We Do to Why It Matters

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This course introduces the “OT Impact Loop,” a practical framework that connects evaluation, intervention, documentation, patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transitions in care to measurable outcomes. Participants will explore how daily clinical decisions and documentation practices directly impact functional outcomes, public reporting through CMS’ Care Compare site, and reimbursement models such as value-based purchasing.
Designed for both OT students and experienced clinicians, this session blends real-world examples, audience interaction, and actionable strategies to help attendees strengthen clinical reasoning, enhance documentation, and clearly demonstrate the value of occupational therapy in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on how everything they do contributes to patient success and the future of our profession.

Speakers

Kathy Claypool

Vice President of Clinical Education and Training, Ovation Rehabilitation Services

Kathy Claypool, OTR, MBA, RAC-CT, has been a clinician for more than 30 years including OT practice, clinical education, and executive leadership within the post-acute care environment. She has led multi-site therapy operations, advanced quality improvement initiatives, and developed... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

6:00pm CDT

Board Dinner

LIMITED

Thursday October 1, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

The board of directors and committee chair persons will meet to review the goals for the upcoming year relative to Michigan Occupational Therapy Associations mission and vision. Attendees are by invitation only.

Thursday October 1, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Danube (50)

9:45am CDT

A Pediatric Summer Camp Model for Sensorimotor and Literacy, Parent Empowerment, and Experiential OT Education

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

This mixed-methods study examines an integrated sensorimotor literacy summer camp designed to support pediatric outcomes, parent education, and occupational therapy (OT) student experiential learning. The camp combines evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading with pediatric OT frames of reference emphasizing bilateral coordination, midline crossing, fine motor, visual motor, and sensory integration skills that support reading and writing participation. The study has two primary aims: (1) to evaluate changes in parent confidence and self-efficacy in supporting literacy and sensorimotor development at home through structured parent education materials, and (2) to examine the impact of immersive experiential learning on OT graduate students’ clinical reasoning and application of pediatric OT frameworks in authentic contexts. Guided by Meyer’s (2025) experiential learning framework, data collection includes parent and student pre/post assessments, observational rubrics, and reflections. Findings aim to inform scalable, family-centered experiential education and intervention models.

Buenano, A., Warner, S., & Madsen, R. (2025). Student expectations vs. outcomes. Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.46787/elthe.v8i3 september.4675

Ben Dhia, A., Bucci, M. P., Naffeti, C., Ben Saad, H., Hammouda, O., & Driss. (2025). Combined cognitive and motor training improves reading, writing and motor coordination in dyslexic children. Pediatric Reports, 17(2), 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric17020046

Macdonald, K., Milne, N., & Orr, R., (2020). Associations between motor proficiency and academic performance in mathematics and reading in year 1 school children: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatrics, 20(69). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-1967-8

Meyer, J. (2025). Mapping the landscape of experiential education. Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.46787/elthe.v8i3-september.5237

Milne N., Cacciotti K., Davies K., & Orr, R., (2018). The relationship between moto proficiency and reading ability in year 1 children: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatrics, 18(1), 249. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-018-1262-0

Speakers

Emily Paul, OTD, MOT, OTRL

Assistant Professor, Concordia University Ann Arbor

Dr. Emily Paul earned a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate from Chatham University in 2020, an MOT in Occupational Therapy in 2014 from Baker College of Graduate Studies, and a BS in Psychology from Kennesaw State University in 2001. She has practiced OT for 12 years... Read More →

Erin Laverick, Ph.D

Associate Vice President - Academic and Student Success, Professor, Concordia University Ann Arbor

Erin Laverick teaches classes for the English department and the School of Education. As an educator, she strives to create a safe and active learning environment in which students learn by doing. Her research focuses on first-year writing theory, visual literacy, and student suc... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

11:00am CDT

Understanding the Preschool Sensory Environment: A Research Study & Implications for Practice

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

This session focuses on the research and practical implications of the preschool sensory environment. After a brief review of what is currently known in the literature about preschool sensory environments and their relevance for children's participation, we will present the findings from our current ongoing research into teachers' perspectives on their own preschool classroom environments. Finally, we will link the body of research and our own findings to practical implications for occupational therapists working in these early childhood environments, highlighting opportunities for OTs to work with teachers to create supportive sensory environments.

References:
Kuhaneck, H. M., & Kelleher, J. (2015). Development of the classroom sensory environment assessment (CSEA). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(6), 6906180040p1-6906180040p9.

Piller, A., & Pfeiffer, B. (2016). The sensory environment and participation of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. OTJR: occupation, participation and health, 36(3), 103-111.

Tamblyn, A., Sun, Y., May, T., Evangelou, M., Godsman, N., Blewitt, C., & Skouteris, H. (2023). How do physical or sensory early childhood education and care environment factors affect childr

Speakers

Tricia Foster

Associated Professor, Western Michigan University

Tricia Foster, PhD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University. Her research, clinical, and teaching interests intersect in the area of supporting young children’s engagement and participation in their home... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

1:00pm CDT

Don’t Push Your Clients Off a Cliff: A Contextual Financial Consideration for Low-Income Clients

LIMITED

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

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

Occupational Therapists aim to improve the quality of life for their clients. With some of these outcomes, their clients are able to increase their income. Although this is something to be celebrated, many low-income clients are brought to the edge of a benefits cliff:
Either take the raise at work but become ineligible for government support, or deny the raise but keep the benefits that are helping their family survive.
In most cases, the amount of money gained from their raise in income does not come near the amount that they were receiving in benefits. (Circles USA, 2019) This loss of benefits, or benefits cliff, leaves clients struggling to support themselves and their families. If practitioners, clients, or policy makers are not aware of this cliff, then they are unable to prepare for it or change the system that causes it. This session aims to educate practitioners on the reality of benefits cliffs and what can be done about them, both on a client and system level, so that our clients can continue to improve their lives without the risk of falling into a new unexpected financial situation.

References

Circles USA. (2019). THE CLIFF EFFECT: Policy Recommendations for Advocates, Leaders, and Stakeholders What can key supporters do next to support the current and future needs of Michigan’s people? Circles USA. https://www.circlesusa.org/post/the-cliff-effect-policy-recommendations-for-advocates-leaders-and-stakeholders
Spitzer, A., Chandler, J., Hicks, B., & Thal, D. (2024). Understanding Economic Risk for Low-Income Families Economic Security, Program Benefits, and Decisions About Work. In ASPE. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. https://www.aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/5fdf4788ea74f64930c7b201e6523079/Economic-Risk-Report.pdf
Thampi, K. (2011, May 11). When Work Supports Don’t Support Work: A Case for Parental Health Coverage in Mississippi. National Center for Children in Poverty. https://www.nccp.org/publication/when-work-supports-dont-support-work/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Navigating Benefits Cliffs in HPOG Navigating Benefits Cliffs in HPOG

Speakers

Jessica Lyseng

Student, Eastern Michigan University

Jessica Lyseng is in her second year of the combined BS+MSOT program at Eastern Michigan University. Jessica is originally from Homewood, IL and works at a youth homeless shelter nearby campus. She is finding the swing of things in her occupational therapy journey , and is very motivated... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

2:15pm CDT

Creation and Implementation of an Adaptive Fishing Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

This presentation will discuss the development and implementation of the WMU Center for Disability Services Adaptive Fishing Program, an occupational therapy-based community recreation initiative designed to promote leisure participation and community engagement for individuals with disabilities. The session will review program development, adaptive fishing equipment, accessibility considerations, staff education, environmental modifications, and activity adaptation strategies used throughout the capstone experience. Attendees will learn how occupational therapy practitioners can facilitate meaningful participation in outdoor leisure occupations while addressing physical, cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial barriers. The presentation will also highlight the therapeutic benefits of adaptive recreation, including social participation, confidence, engagement, and quality of life. Practical recommendations for implementing similar adaptive recreation programs within community settings will be provided.

Speakers

William Johnson Herahon

William Johnson Herahon is a graduate of the Occupational Therapy
Doctorate (OTD) at Western Michigan University (WMU) and holds a
Bachelor of Arts of Psychology from Hope College. (At the time of this
proposal, he is eligible for board certification and will be scheduled for his
exa... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

3:30pm CDT

Rehab SIS

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Libby Yost

Clinical Assistant Professor, U of M Flint

Elizabeth "Libby" Yost is a clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy and faculty research mentor for OTD students at the University of Michigan-Flint. She is also the OT faculty supervisor at HEART, a pro-bono student-led outpatient therapy clinic in Flint, MI. Elizabeth... Read More →

Kim Ganzevoort

Faculty, Western Michigan University

Kim Ganzevoort is faculty and program coordinator at Western Michigan University. She is an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and has been practicing in adult rehabilitation for 18 years, primarily in inpatient rehab and long-term acute care. Kim also has experience in mental health... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Danube (50)

SIS Meeting / Session

9:45am CDT

DAFRA - Donor Activation Focused Rehabilitation Approach

LIMITED

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

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

Nerve transfers is a surgical procedure that is being utilized to address muscle weakness due to nerve injury. The procedure entails taking nerve fascicles from working nerves and re-routing the nerve to a damaged nerve/muscle. After surgery patients are referred to therapy to increase the patients function. A therapeutic approach called "Donor Activation Focused Rehabilitation Approach" (DAFRA) is being implemented for children (1) and adults (2) with brachial plexus as well as persons with spinal cord injuries (3).

Objectives:
Attendees will:
-Understand the surgical procedure of nerve transfers
-Describe difference between donor and recipient muscles
-Learn therapeutic strategies to maximize outcomes in patients after surgery

Speakers

Denise Justice

OTRL, FMiOTA, FAOTA, BCP, Michigan Medicine

Denise Justice graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1992 from Eastern Michigan University. She has been employed with the University of Michigan / Michigan Medicine since 1992. She has been part of the interdisciplinary brachial plexus program since its... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

11:00am CDT

Advancing multidisciplinary care: the role and impact of occupational therapy in ALS clinics

LIMITED

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

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will explore OT's role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) multidisciplinary care, highlighting why OT is essential to addressing the complex needs of individuals with neurodegenerative conditions through collaborative, evidence-based practice.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the disease process, clinical presentation, and progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Identify the key roles within a multidisciplinary ALS clinic and explain how occupational therapy fits within this collaborative care model.
Explain primary interventions and strategies used by occupational therapists to support individuals with ALS across different stages of the disease

References:

The ALS Association. (n.d.). Stages of ALS. https://www.als.org/understanding-als/stages
The ALS Association. (n.d.). Symptoms and diagnosis. https://www.als.org/understanding-als/symptoms-diagnosis
The ALS Association. (n.d.). Therapies and care. https://www.als.org/navigating-als/living-with-als/therapies-care
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (n.d.). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als
Traxinger K, Kelly C, Johnson BA, Lyles RH, Glass JD. Prognosis and epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Analysis of a clinic population, 1997-2011. Neurol Clin Pract. 2013 Aug;3(4):313-320. doi: 10.1212/CPJ.0b013e3182a1b8ab. PMID: 24195020; PMCID: PMC3787117.
Chiò A, Logroscino G, Hardiman O, Swingler R, Mitchell D, Beghi E, Traynor BG; Eurals Consortium. Prognostic factors in ALS: A critical review. Amyotroph Lateral Scler. 2009 Oct-Dec;10(5-6):310-23. doi: 10.3109/17482960802566824. PMID: 19922118; PMCID: PMC3515205.
Chen A, Montes J, Mitsumoto H. The role of exercise in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2008 Aug;19(3):545-57, ix-x. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2008.02.003. PMID: 18625415.
Tsitkanou, S., Della Gatta, P., Foletta, V., & Russell, A. (2019). The role of exercise as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Beneficial or detrimental? Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 783. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00783

Speakers

Katelyn Gundry

Occupational Therapist, Henry Ford Hospital

Katelyn Danielle Gundry, MS, OTR/L I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I later attended Western Michigan University and graduated with my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. I have dedicated my entire career to acute care with a focus/specialization in neurolo... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session

1:00pm CDT

Digital Device Usage in Older Adults: Best Practices for the OT Practitioner

LIMITED

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

Danube (50)

Limited Capacity seats available

The use of technology is highly integrated into many aspects of daily life, habits, routines and occupational engagement. Obtaining skills for technology use has become a necessity for older adults in order to navigate areas such as finances, communication needs and health management. The Occupational Therapy department at Eastern Michigan University collaborated and created a digital literacy training program for older adults within Washtenaw County with the primary goals of: (1) decreasing the technology access barrier among older adults living within the community, (2) increasing proficiency surrounding technology use in order to facilitate aging in place and improve self efficacy, (3) build relationships among intergenerational connectedness. A critical aspect that is addressed includes how to train older adults to interact with technology in a safe and efficient manner. We designed a classroom style curriculum in which we deliver a 10-week, 1 time per week structured course in order for our participants to gain knowledge in how to navigate technology devices as well as internet-based usage. Data was collected using a subjective survey as well as a self-efficacy scale prior to and upon completion of the course which has guided the design of our curriculum. During this workshop, best practices in design, approach, modifications and delivery will be discussed in order to advance the role of occupational therapists with older adults in the area of technology use. This workshop will also discuss the impact of participating in this type of program on young adult tech coaches from a graduate student, individual clinical skill and inter-professional perspective.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to apply concepts used within a group learning environment that facilitates full and meaningful participation of utilizing new technology devices.
At the conclusion of the session, participants will recognize advantageous suggestions for practitioners addressing needs for older adults within a virtual context
At the conclusion of the session, participants will gain knowledge regarding approaches to designing materials and media that facilitates learning in older adult populations.

References:

Ryd, C., Malinowsky, C., Öhman, A., Kottorp, A., & Nygård, L. (2018). Older adults' experiences of daily life occupations as everyday technology changes. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81(10), 601–608. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022618774525
Mitzner, T.L. et al. (2010). Older adults talk technology: Technology usage and attitudes. Computer in Human Behavior, 26,

Speakers

Alicia Jones

Associate Professor, Eastern Michigan University

Alicia Jones is an associate professor in Eastern Michigan University's Occupational Therapy Program and has been a practicing clinician since 2013. She graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and a PhD... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Danube (50)

1 hour session