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 Role of School-Based Occupational Therapists in Addressing Student Deprivation

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

The purpose of this study and talk is to examine occupational deprivation among students with disabilities in school settings, emphasizing how environmental and social barriers hinder meaningful participation in daily school activities. Occupational deprivation arises when external factors limit access to essential occupations; for students with disabilities, these factors often stem not from the disability itself, but from physical inaccessibility, lack of accommodations, and social exclusion. School-based occupational therapists (SBOTs) play a crucial role in reducing these barriers through advocacy for universal design, creation of sensory-friendly environments, and promotion of social inclusion. The objective of this study is to raise awareness among SBOTs regarding these barriers and to explore their perceptions of their roles in addressing them. Using a digital questionnaire, the research investigates current beliefs about whether occupational therapists should influence environmental and social change within schools and what obstacles may prevent action. Ultimately, this study serves as a call to action, encouraging occupational therapists to recognize their capacity to foster equity, participation, and well-being for all students.

Speakers

Alexzandria Barone

PY 2 CMOT student, Easter Michigan University

Hello! My name is Alexzandria. I’m a second-year combined MOT student at Eastern Michigan University, with a minor in Special Education. I have a strong interest in occupational therapy within school settings, hippotherapy, and outpatient rehabilitation, as well as a deep connection... Read More →

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

common

global Y

9:45am CDT

Clinical Decision Making for Upper Limb Prosthetics

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

Mosel (50)

This one-hour intermediate level course for PT/PTA, OT/OTA, RN, Case Managers will discuss how the impact of the loss of an arm, hand or digits cannot be overstated. This loss of aesthetic appearance, proprioceptive feedback, tactile sensation and fine, coordinated movements can only be replaced to a limited extent by a prosthetic device. Rehabilitation strategies and prosthetic component prescriptions should be patient centered with concentrated efforts to maximize function. The overall goal of amputation rehabilitation is to optimize the patient’s health, function, independence, and quality of life. The focus of this presentation will be the clinical decision-making process for adults with unilateral transradial or transhumeral level limb loss. With the knowledge gained from this presentation, the therapist will be a valuable asset to the prosthetist, working as a team to maximize the patient’s functional outcome.

Speakers

Ryan Sheridan

Upper Limb Prosthetic Specialist, Hanger Clinic

Ryan is an ABC-certified prosthetist and Upper Limb Prosthetic Specialist for Hanger Clinic. Ryan is based out of Metro Detroit and provides upper limb prosthetic support for the state of Michigan. With over 13 years of expertise in the field, he specializes in pediatric and adult... Read More →

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

common

global Y

11:00am CDT

Letter Writing: An Occupation Across the Life Span

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

Mosel (50)

Historically, a handwritten letter helped people to stay connected, especially at a distance. (Westlake, 1876) Now it is novel and creative act. Drafting a letter is a private, personal way to give voice to emotions, conduct business, create personal narratives, and navigate difficult conversations. The recipient of the letter can be the writer themselves, family / friends, business associates, potential employers, government officials, or others. The task of writing and sending a letter is a potential therapeutic occupation-based intervention that therapists can use to address psychosocial, cognitive, sensory motor, self efficacy, and recovery issues for clients of varying ages, capacities, in a variety of settings. (Tadros et al, 2024) ( Gerde et al, 2014) The workshop will review structure and etiquette, adaptation and modification in person, environment or task, evidence of positive outcomes from various disciplines and settings, and cultural considerations

Speakers

Kathleen A Garvey

Owner, Sustain-Hability, LLC

Since Katie believes that health and well-being is promoted and maintained best through daily engagement in beloved routines and interests in a chosen supportive environment, she started her own community based OT practice in 2025. She helps older adults integrate and flourish... Read More →

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

common

global Y

1:00pm CDT

Beyond the Syllabus: Actionable Strategies for Fostering Belonging Among Minority OT Students

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

Mosel (50)

While diversity in occupational therapy enrollment has seen incremental growth, securing a seat at the table is only the first step. For underrepresented and minority students, true academic success and clinical confidence depend heavily on a deep sense of institutional belonging. Factors that foster a student’s sense of belonging include aspects of one’s campus environment (Strayhorn, 2023). Strayhorn (2023) stated that Black students’ sense of belonging positively correlates with academic outcomes such as grades and persistence, and personal development such as identity. Students can feel out of place on other campuses that are dissimilar to their home communities. Students of color, for example, struggle with feelings of belonging in higher education, especially at PWIs (Matthews et al., 2022). Too often, traditional OT curricula and standard fieldwork models unintentionally reinforce systemic barriers, leading to psychological distress, isolation, and higher attrition rates among minority cohorts.
This educational seminar moves beyond theoretical definitions of equity to provide occupational therapy faculty, program directors, and fieldwork coordinators with concrete, evidence-based frameworks for cultivating inclusive educational environments. The speaker will examine hidden institutional barriers and outline effective methods to shift from mere representation to active retention.
Attendees will be guided through a series of illustrative case studies demonstrating how to establish psychological safety in both the classroom and clinical settings. Finally, attendees will identify strategies to improve inclusive practices.
Matthews, A. K., Abboud, S., Smith, A. U., Smith, C., Jeremiah, R., Hart, A., & Weaver, T.
(2022). Strategies to address structural and institutional barriers to success among
students of color in nursing programs. Journal of Professional Nursing, 40, 96–104.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.03.005

Strayhorn, T. L. (2023). Estimating differences in the effects of living-learning community
participation on Black students’ sense of belonging at predominantly white and
historically black colleges and universities. Journal of College Student Development,
64(2), 225-230.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Analyze at least three systemic or institutional barriers that uniquely impact the sense of belonging and academic performance of minority students in OT programs.
Consider culturally responsive teaching or mentorship frameworks that foster psychological safety in both classroom and fieldwork environments.
Identify strategies to assess and improve inclusive practices within their own OT curricula or student support systems.

Speakers

Kimberly Simpson

Program Coordinator/Professor-OTA Program, Mott Community College

Outside of her professional roles, Kim enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband, Willie, and celebrating the accomplishments of their children—Jada, Kameron, and Deborah—as they pursue their dreams. She especially loves keeping up with the adventures of her... Read More →

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

common

global Y

2:15pm CDT

Restoring What Matters: The Thamman Method of Myofascial Manipulation — An Occupation-Centered Framework for Bilateral Fascial Release, Neuromuscular Re-Education, and Return to Fearless Daily Function

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

Mosel (50)

Adaptive equipment is an essential OT tool — but it should be the last resort, not the first response. When a client cannot open a jar, button a shirt, or reach overhead to dress, the occupation-centered question is whether the underlying restriction can be restored before compensation becomes the permanent solution. For the chronic musculoskeletal conditions that dominate physical rehabilitation caseloads — carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, arthritic hands, lateral epicondylalgia, and shoulder restriction — restoration is achievable when two mechanisms driving chronicity are directly addressed: bilateral compensatory fascial loading and neurological guarding that persists long after tissue release.
This evidence-based presentation introduces the Thamman Method of Myofascial Manipulation, a three-phase occupation-centered bilateral manual therapy framework grounded in the OTPF-4 and measured through the COPM, PSFS, and DASH. Attendees will learn how bilateral fascial assessment, a four-layer MFR sequence, and task-specific automaticity training restore fearless, automatic occupational performance — eliminating the need for adaptive equipment entirely.

References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (4th ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 2), 7412410010.
Cup, E. H. C., Scholte op Reimer, W. J. M., Thijssen, M. C. E., & van Kuyk-Minis, M. A. H. (2003). Reliability and validity of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in stroke patients. Clinical Rehabilitation, 17(4), 402–409.
Hudak, P. L., Amadio, P. C., & Bombardier, C. (1996). Development of an upper extremity outcome measure: The DASH. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 29(6), 602–608.
Kleim, J. A., & Jones, T. A. (2008). Principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity: Implications for rehabilitation after brain damage. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51(1), S225–S239.
Langevin, H. M., & Huijing, P. A. (2009). Communicating about fascia: History, pitfalls, and recommendations. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 2(4), 3–8.
Law, M., Baptiste, S., Carswell, A., McColl, M. A., Polatajko, H., & Pollock, N. (2019). Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (5th ed., rev.). CAOT Publications.
Myers, T. W. (2014). Anatomy trains: Myofascial meridians for manual and movement therapists (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Schleip, R. (2003). Fascial plasticity: A new neurobiological explanation. Part 1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 7(1), 11–19.
Stratford, P., Gill, C., Westaway, M., & Binkley, J. (1995). Assessing disability and change on individual patients: A report of a patient-specific measure. Physiotherapy Canada, 47(4), 258–263.
Swinnen, S. P., & Wenderoth, N. (2004). Two hands, one brain: Cognitive neuroscience of bimanual skill. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 8(1), 18–25.
Vlaeyen, J. W. S., & Linton, S. J. (2000). Fear-avoidance and its consequences in chronic musculoskeletal pain: A state of the art. Pain, 85(3), 317–332.
Woby, S. R., Roach, N. K., Urmston, M., & Watson, P. J. (2005). Psychometric properties of the TSK-11. Pain, 117(1–2), 137–144.

Speakers

Sanjeev Thamman

Occupational Therapist / Owner, Cascade Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation P.C.

Sanjeev Thamman, MHS OTR, and Bindu Thamman, PT, are the founders of Cascade Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they have maintained a private practice since 2008. Sanjeev has practiced occupational therapy since 1990 and holds a Master of Health... Read More →

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

common

global Y

9:45am CDT

Why did I even learn Models?: The Recipes Passed down to Us

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

Mosel (50)

Although commonly regarded as uninteresting and/or useless by students and therapists alike (Additional-Match-422, 2024), this presentation explains the necessity that Models of Practice have in occupational therapy. We emphasize their importance in articulating occupational therapy’s unique contributions, supporting evidence-based practice, and acting as a platform for discussion (Hagedorn, 1993). Drawing an analogy between MOPs and recipes in the kitchen, our presentation makes the models’ role in practice more clear. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defines the domain (kitchen); the MOPs (recipes) structure practice; and the Frames of Reference (techniques) provide specific methods to create therapeutic outcomes (meals). We encourage the use and understanding of models, reinforcing the idea that models support, rather than replace, clinical reasoning and client-centered practice. Ultimately, we hope to stress the role that models serve to maintain our ability to best serve our clients and ensure occupational therapy’s future as a respected healthcare discipline.

References
Additional-Match-422. (2024) How often do you refer back to or use models or theories in practice? [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/OccupationalTherapy/comments/1avnjpt/how_often_do_you_refer_back_to_or_use_models_or/
Hagedorn, R. (1993). Models for practice in occupational therapy: Part 2, what use are they? British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 56(2), 59–62. https://doi.org/10.1177/030802269305600207
Occupational Therapy Practice Education Collaborative – Queensland (OTPEC-Q). (2016). Occupational therapy models of practice: Key concepts (Version 3). https://otpecq.group.uq.edu.au/files/2388/OT%20Models%20of%20practice%20KC%20v3%20FINAL.pdf
Wong, S. R., & Fisher, G. (2015). Comparing and Using Occupation-Focused Models. Occupational therapy in health care, 29(3), 297–315. https://doi.org/10.3109/07380577.2015.1010130
Yatczak, J. (2025). Introduction to theory in occupational therapy [Powerpoint slides]. Eastern Michigan University Canvas Page. https://emich.instructure.com/courses/93992/files/18391009?wrap= 1

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 →

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

common

global Y

11:00am CDT

Toward Objective Measurement of Stress in Parent-Child Co-Occupational Participation Using Wearable Technology

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

Mosel (50)

Children who have experienced trauma often struggle to participate in occupations due to regulation and behavioral challenges. As a result, these children may be difficult to parent, and caregiver stress is often high. Occupational therapy addresses regulation, co-occupation, and the parent-child relationship to improve quality of life for this population. However, objective measures that capture changes in internal constructs such as stress have largely been unavailable.

New noninvasive wearable technology may provide a valuable resource for measuring constructs such as stress. This poster highlights the use of the Empatica, a device that measures electrodermal activity, an indicator of sympathetic nervous system function. The background and methods of a study examining whether electrodermal activity measured by the Empatica correlates with parents’ subjective ratings of stress and ratings of a child’s regulation will be described. Participants will also have the opportunity to observe the device in action during real-time data capture.

Goemans, A., Buisman, R.S.M., van Geel, M. et al. (2020). Foster Parent Stress as Key Factor Relating to Foster Children’s Mental Health: A 1-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study. Child Youth Care Forum 49, 661–686. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-020-09547-4  

Perry, B. D. (2009). Examining child maltreatment through a neuro development lens: Clinical applications of the neuro sequential models of therapeutics. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 14, 240–255. doi: 10.1080/15325020903004350  

Campanella S., Altaleb A., Belli A., Pierleoni P., Palma L. A Method for Stress Detection Using Empatica E4 Bracelet and Machine-Learning Techniques (2023). Sensors, doi: 10.3390/s23073565.

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 →

Alice Christopher, Ann Jordan, Birch Watkins, Claire Gourlay, Ellie Lundy, Emma Libby, Goldyn Graham, Kristina McNellen,

students, Western Michigan University

Students in the Occupational Therapy Program at Western Michigan University

Michelle Ann Suarez

Professor, Western Michigan University

Michelle Suarez, PhD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Michigan University. Her research, clinical, and teaching interests include pediatric mental health and behavioral health including regulation, feeding, social skills and... Read More →

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

common

global Y

1:00pm CDT

Rewiring Recovery: Early Outcomes of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic SCI

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

Mosel (50)

Cervical-level spinal cord injuries (SCIs) account for approximately 50% of all traumatic SCIs (Alizadeh et al., 2019) and are associated with lower functional rehabilitation outcomes compared to thoracic, lumbar, and sacral-level injuries (Arsh et al., 2020). Many individuals with this diagnosis report that the most debilitating consequence is the loss of upper extremity function (Inanici et al., 2021). Although occupational therapy plays a significant role throughout the continuum of care—from acute to chronic stages—interventions for this population often lead to rapid plateaus in functional improvements (Moritz et al., 2024). This standard is being challenged by the use of neuromodulation through transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), a non-invasive modality demonstrating promising results. By providing electrical stimulation above and below the level of injury, tSCS can facilitate volitional movement, enhance autonomic nervous system function, and support meaningful functional gains when paired with skilled occupational therapy (Moritz et al., 2024). This presentation will explore the mechanisms of tSCS, summarize current evidence supporting its use in individuals with cervical SCI, identify areas for further research, and discuss preliminary outcomes from its first year of clinical application in a Michigan outpatient facility.

References
Alizadeh, A., Dyck, S. M., & Karimi-Abdolrezaee, S. (2019). Traumatic spinal cord injury:
An overview of pathophysiology, models and acute injury mechanisms. Frontiers in Neurology 10, 282. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00282
Arsh, A., Anwar, Z., Zeb, A., & Ilyas, S. M. (2020). Effectiveness of occupational therapy
in improving activities of daily living performance in complete cervical tetraplegic patients; A quasi experimental study. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences,
36(2), 96–99. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1002
Inanici, F.,Brighton, L. N.,Samejima, S., Hofstetter C. P., & Moritz, C. T. (2021).
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation restores hand and arm function after spinal cord injury. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering 29, 310-319. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2021.3049133
Moritz, C., Field-Fote, E. C., Tefertiller, C., van Nes, I., Trumbower, R., Kalsi-Ryan, S.,
Purcell, M., Janssen, T. W., Krassioukov, A., Morse, L. R., Zhao, K. D., Guest, J., Marino, R. J., Murray, L. M., Wecht, J. M., Rieger, M., Pradarelli, J., Turner, A., D’Amico, J., Courtine, G. (2024). Non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation for arm and hand function in chronic tetraplegia: A safety and efficacy trial. Nature Medicine, 30(5), 1276–1283. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02940-9

Speakers

Sophia Casanova

Occupational Therapist, Walk the Line Recovery Therapy

Sophia is an OT specializing in neurorehabilitation (SCI, TBI, CVA). Graduating from EMU in 2023, she began working in outpatient neuro and in Feb 2025 she began using transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation in the clinic to help improve outcomes for spinal cord injury survivors. Since... Read More →

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

common