The Official Newsletter of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF JULY OCCUPATIONAL 2017 THERAPISTS OF IRELAND NEWSLE TTER Hello All,

Lynn O’ Toole, AOTI Newsletter Editor Meet & Greet – Odhrán Allen

In every edition of the newsletter we will focus on the work being done by various AOTI staff and members in our Meet and Greet feature.

In this edition we talk to Odhrán Allen, AOTI Chief Strategy Officer.

What is the role of the Chief Strategy Officer? As Chief Strategy Officer, I am responsible for implementation and delivery of the AOTI strategic plan in collaboration with the Council and Directors. After consulting with the members, AOTI has set out its 5- year vision in a new strategy which will be launched soon. The essence of this vision is that by 2022 the Association will be a vibrant, sustainable professional body that ensures Occupational Therapy is fully recognised and valued by society; that the Association will continue to inspire members towards excellence in professional practise; and that AOTI will strengthen its local, national and international identity and visibility. The main emphasis of my role will be on:  Development of AOTI to ensure it is accessible, responsive and rewarding to our members.  Developing high quality practice standards, communities of practice in our Advisory Groups and research and learning opportunities from student to specialist levels.  Lobbying and advocating on behalf of the profession with government and national stakeholders.  Working with key government/workforce related agencies and employer groups.

What do you view as AOTI’s strengths? In 2015 AOTI celebrated its rich 50-year history. This gave us a chance to highlight the many achievements of the Association and the remarkable contribution made by our members to these achievements. The Association has grown because of the hard work and voluntary efforts of countless members over the years. Every Director, Council member, Committee member and Advisory Group Committee member is or has been a volunteer and without them the Association could not and would not function as well as it does. This enormous voluntary effort is surely one of our great strengths. As occupational therapists, our members bring their diverse skills, talents and creativity to the activities of the Association which no doubt strengthens our ability to serve the profession and promote our professional interests in Ireland. AOTI has a long track record of punching well above its weight! Occupational Therapy is a profession like no other and we make an incredibly valuable contribution to healthcare, social services, education, community development and all the other contexts where we work. AOTI members have been to the fore of advancing the profession and selling our unique occupational focus. These are just some of the keys to AOTI’s track record of success. Meet & Greet – Odhrán Allen

What do you think the impact of CORU will be on the Association?

AOTI is the professional body for occupational therapists and our interest is in supporting members to practice to the highest standards and provide them with a wide range of resources and CPD opportunities. In contrast to this, CORU’s remit is to protect the public through regulation of health and social care professions and fitness to practice processes. Given our key role in advocating for and supporting occupational therapists, CORU’s establishment has had a positive impact on AOTI. Since the establishment of the Occupational Therapists Registration Board, the membership of AOTI has continued to grow. We think this is because of the great value of AOTI membership and the many benefits it gives members. Member Benefit Spotlight: Advisory Groups

One of the benefits of being an AOTI member is being able to join one our thirteen Advisory Groups (AGs) that offer you a whole range of learning and development opportunities. When you join an AG you become part of a peer network that offers you many unique CPD opportunities. AOTI has AGs covering the following practice areas:  Children and Adolescent Mental Health  Housing  Intellectual Disability  Mental Health  Musculoskeletal Disorders & Chronic Pain  National OT Managers  Neurology  Older Persons  Paediatric  Palliative Care & Oncology  Primary Care  Private Practice  Seating & Posture in OT

Joining is simple (just 3 steps) and you can be a member of as many AGs as you wish.  Log into the AOTI-LAPD portal http://lapd.aoti.ie using your AOTI membership login  Select ‘Groups’ tab on the top left side of the page. You will be able to view the full list of Advisory Groups / Committees which operate within AOTI  Select ‘Request membership’ button alongside the group(s) you wish to join.

While all AOTI members can benefit greatly from AG membership, students and new grad members find it particularly helpful for their learning and development. As well as developing professional policies and resources, AGs run study days that are packed with expert inputs. Housing Advisory Group

The AOTI Housing Advisory Group was set up in 1999. We promote the role of occupational therapy in the field of accessible housing and independent living. The group has a small committee of 5 members who volunteer their time. We are doubling up on committee roles due to an inadequate number of committee members. Ciara Murray is the newly elected chairperson. We send our very best wishes and congratulations to our outgoing chairperson Paula Slattery who had a baby boy. We also welcomed two new committee members Anrece O Connor and Linda Horgan. Committee meetings are held regularly by telephone and held in Dublin face to face. We require other members to come on board the committee or to become actively involved in our work. The following is a summary of our recent work to date: AOTI Housing Guidelines: We are delighted to be at the final proof reading stage of our review of the AOTI Housing Guidelines requested by AOTI. We have spent a huge amount of time on this review including liaising with OTs specialising in specific areas, analysing specifications, researching other guidelines, consultations with specialists in the area and physically mapping out spaces required for functional transfers. The next stage is governance by AOTI and design of the overall presentation of the guidelines. We hope it will become available in an online format.

Education: The development of a basic course in housing for Occupational Therapists wishing to work in this area. Anita Singyard is qualified both as an architect and an occupational therapist. Anita is from Galway and has worked extensively with the group to develop an outline for a course. The aim of the course is to provide Community Occupational Therapists with the skill and knowledge to assess analyse and present solutions for adapting housing for people with disabilities. We have also made CPD submissions to AOTI for courses related to Housing. A ‘Housing Design Workshop for Dementia’ is scheduled for the Autumn 2017. Details will follow through AOTI.

Housing Survey: Thank you to all who responded to our recent housing survey. Currently the qualitative data from the housing survey is being analysed by a research OT in UCC. A report on this should be available in the autumn.

Links with Northern Ireland/the U.K: Title of Conference: "Housing, Health and Social Care - The Keys to Independent Living" Linda Horgan will attend to represent the AOTI Housing Advisory Group at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Specialist Section on Housing, conference in Belfast on Nov 9th & 10th. She will present the findings of a Housing Survey for Occupational Therapists working in Ireland, which was completed in 2016/2017.

Development of HAG website and app: In the autumn a pitch will be made to undergraduate business students to take on the task of designing a website and app for the Housing Advisory Group. Musculoskeletal Disorders & Chronic Pain Advisory Group

The Musculoskeletal Disorders & Chronic Pain Advisory Group (MSK & CPAG) held a very informative and interesting study day on the 24th May in Naas General Hospital. The topic was 'OT Management of Chronic Pain in Rheumatological Conditions'. The main speaker was Simone Derham who presented the latest evidence regarding the management of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome which was very detailed and fascinating. Measuring outcomes in pain management programmes was also addressed. The MSK & CPAG continues to work on various projects, such as representation on the National Clinical Programme for Rheumatology, a Splinting Handbook, and a review of the recent BAHT Level II course, and potential future options for other BAHT courses. The next Study Day is to be held on November 10th 2017, with a proposed topic of 'OT Management of OA'.

Neurology Advisory Group

The Neurology Advisory Group has been busy the first half of this year and would like to share some of the projects ongoing at the moment.

LSVT Update: We have been working hard and we finally received the go ahead for the LSVT BIG training for the 3rd and 4th of November in Tallaght Hospital. There will be 20 places at a cost of €250 per person. Applicants must pay upfront and will be reimbursed if there are no places available. Registration opened on 21st June.

Social media: Plans are afoot to set up a closed Facebook page (NAG members only) and Twitter account.

AGM: We are hoping to hold a 2 hour study evening/AGM. The date is to be confirmed, but will likely be on a Friday towards the end of September. We plan to launch the Facebook page and Twitter account, so we will take this opportunity to brainstorm as a group about what should feature on these pages.

CPD Officer: Anne will be leaving us later in the year, you have done great work even in the short time you have been with us! Thank you! We will use the AGM as an opportunity to recruit a replacement for the CPD officer role.

CPD ideas for 2018: Niamh Kelly recently attended a course in Galway on functional disorders. This may be an option as a CPD event this year.

We are always welcoming new members- please get in touch with [email protected] with any queries about joining the group.

NAG Committee Older Person Advisory Group

The Older Person Advisory Group (OPAG) Committee was delighted to host a study day on the 11th of November 2016 in Harold’s Cross Hospital. There was close to 80 people who attended on the day. Ruth Usher, the Chairperson of the Committee welcomed everyone, promoted the work of OPAG and encouraged new membership for next year.

The morning began with a brief presentation from John Brennan from 'The National Clinical Programme for Older People (NCPOP) Inter-Professional Group’ outlining the group’s role and work.

Mary Tinnelly from Primary Care provided a very informative talk on a Memory Rehab Group that she facilitated in the community and very generously shared all the group resources with the group. Emma O’Brien then gave an overview of the Memory Technology Library in Clonmel, which was set up in 2014 as part of the Genio Project for the Five Steps to Living Well with Dementia Project. She highlighted some innovative products on the market to assist people living with dementia.

This was followed by Leona Robinson from the University of Ulster presenting on “Visual Impairment and Older People: Incidence and Characteristics of Falls”. She gave her top tips for assessment and intervention of visual impairment and shared her research findings. Moya Doyle, Senior OT from Primary Care shared the recent service development of the Dementia Care Pathway in the community and the assessments and interventions currently used.

The afternoon was led by Mary McGrath, Occupational Therapist in Belfast who specialises in home based memory programmes. She gave a talk entitled “Pay Attention to Me!” and ran a 2-hour workshop on normal memory, memory assessment and intervention strategies.

A number of posters on various topics of research related to OT were also on display during the coffee breaks.

The day generated a wide variety of discussion around all topics raised and the OPAG committee would sincerely like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and interest throughout the day. There was an extremely high standard of presentations and the speakers demonstrated obvious dedication to their services and continuing efforts to improve and promote their OT service within Ireland. We welcome new members to consider joining in 2017.

The next planned study day is November 10th 2017 in Harold’s Cross Hospital, speakers and topics to be confirmed. The PAG has been very busy over the last few months with various on-going committee projects, our increasingly active ‘members only’ PAG Facebook Page and our very successful PAG Study Day which was hosted on 3rd February 2017 in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital. The study day was titled: “Novel Initiatives in Paediatric Occupational Therapy Practice” and included the following talks/presentations/discussions:  Welcome and Introduction – Kate Murphy (incoming PAG Chairperson)  “A ‘Parent Workshop Series: Developing Your Child’s Independence’ for Children with moderate intellectual Disabilities” presented by Sinead English and Tomás Flanagan, OT’s from Dublin North East’s School Age Team  PAG AGM  “ Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Initiative and SESS Training” presented by Sarah Gray, Hospital School Teacher, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital and Avril Carey, Hospital School Teacher, Beaumont Hospital.  Discussion Forum (facilitated by Sarah Governey) Progressing Disabilities Update & Regional Reps and Committee Members  "A Primary Care Handwriting Initiative in Co. Galway" presented by Michelle Bergin, PCCC HSE OT in Galway  Discussion Forum (facilitated by Sarah Governey) Common PAG Queries (DCD assessment, AON etc.) and a PAG Facebook Page Demonstration. A very interesting discussion was had about an update on Progressing Disabilities from the perspectives of the approximately 50 paediatric OT’s present who work in various areas across the country. A summary of the main discussion points and concerns raised is available from the Paediatric Advisory Group. The PAG committee have shared these concerns with the National OT Managers Group for their information and suggestions. The PAG committee has also gone through some significant changes over the past few months with Sarah Governey (previous Chairperson) and Aoife O’Malley (previous Communications Secretary) stepping down but remaining actively involved in other roles in the committee and Kate Murphy taking over as new Chairperson along with new committee members who have joined following a recent plea. Other committee members are also stepping down shortly to go on maternity leave and will be missed until they (hopefully) return! The PAG would like to sincerely thank all of the committee members for all of their hard work and time which they volunteer to support the PAG and its work! Palliative Care & Oncology Advisory Group

The AOTI & Palliative Care & Oncology advisory group held a two-day symposium on February 6th & 7th 2017 entitled: Occupational Therapy in Palliative Care - the self, the work, the future. The event took place in Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services, Harold’s Cross.

Speakers included Jill Cooper, Mike Griffin, Kate Hayward and Catherine Doogan, all London based and working in the areas of palliative and vocational rehabilitation. Anna Brown & Pamela Webster, Deirdre Moran, Deirdre Rowe, Helen Greally, Kim Gaffney & Paula Kelly, and Ursula Bates also presented on their specialist fields. The two days were extremely well attended and allowed for networking amongst OTs from a wide variety of settings.

Deirdre Moran Mike Griffin

Jill Cooper

Feedback on the event was extremely positive and the committee will continue to work towards hosting the next study day event towards the end of 2017/start of 2018. AOTI Conference 2017

Over two hundred delegates attended the Association of Occupational Therapists Ireland (AOTI)’s national conference on Fri 21st and Sat 22nd April 2017 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick.

The event kicked off with Mary Barrett providing a captivating insight into the development of occupational therapy in Ireland, emphasising the differences between therapy and therapist as well as the privileges awarded to us when working with individuals affected by disability, health and/or social issues. Mary highlighted "You may give up Occupational Therapy but you will never give up being an Occupational Therapist". Friday also saw the preliminary launch of the AOTI Strategy 2017-2022 which aims to create a vibrant and sustainable professional body.

Mary Barrett, Keynote Speaker

Day One of conference kicked off with some fantastic presentations. Morning presentation highlights included:  Development of a Guidance Document for Primary Care Occupational Therapists working with clients with Dementia by Orla Shannon, Lisa MacDonnell and Joanne Nihill  Friendship Characteristics of adolescent girls with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Jean Maher and Maeve Coughlan  Enable Ireland Assistive Technology Workshop by Karl O’Keefe  Job Club- A group approach to job skills incorporating an Independent Placement Support framework by Niamh McDonagh and Esther Crowe Mullins At the association’s AGM Pauline Burke completed her term as AOTI Chairperson and Sarah Carter was duly elected AOTI Chairperson. Following the AGM Niall Turner and The Editorial Board officially launched The Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy Online.

Outgoing AOTI Chairperson, Pauline Burke with newly elected Chairperson, Sarah Carter

Afternoon highlights included:  Exploring the lived Experience of the Transition to Retirement from an Occupational Perspective by Iseult Harding, Laura Power and John Hastings  Working Occupationally with Adults with an Intellectual Disability: Beyond Wheelchairs and Sensory Programmes by Alma Worrall, Anrece O’Connor and Mary Sharkey  “Building your knowledge towards Best Practice when working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender clients in all areas of Occupational Therapy practice” by Mark Brown, Odhran Allen, Jane Freeman, Vanessa Jordan and Niall Kirrane.

Day One ended with 2017’s new concept, the Wellness Workshops. This went down very well with delegates learning new methods for incorporating self-care and mindfulness in their personal and professional daily activities. Many thanks to the workshop facilitators:  Aromtherapy & Self-Care Techniques by Breige O’Kane  Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques by Fiona Ryan  Vinyasa Flow Yoga by Sheila O’Connor

Following a day of learning, the Conference Gala Dinner allowed delegates to relax and socialise among friends and colleagues. The night kicked off with Occupational Therapy Cocktails ‘Moho-ijto’ and ‘COPM- politan’. Following dinner, the Ann Beckett Award Committee presented certificates to entry participants. Mairead Connaughton received the 2016 award for her project: Discover/Recover Theatre Project and Mental Health Schools Workshops, Wexford, along with her colleagues Paula Lowney and Niall O’Muiri. Mary Barrett was again centre stage, this time to receive an honorary life membership for the association. The highlight of the evening was guest of honour Sinead Kane who shared her life experiences and how "when you're in a difficult situation, you need to adapt".

Pauline Burke, Sinéad Kane, Adam Harris, Mary Barrett, Siobháin O Shea (l-r)

AOTINEWS Page 11 Day Two of conference kicked off with further Wellness Workshops to prepare for a day of learning. Many thanks to our Wellness Workshop facilitators:  Vinyasa Flow Yoga by Sheila O’Connor  Self-Care using Jin Shin TARA Techniques by Suzie McGeevy  Yoga Wellness by Sinead Moynihan  Qi Gong and Meditation by Máire Ní Ghiobaláin

Day Two provided an opportunity for clinicians to showcase clinical practices undertaken by occupational therapists in Ireland from service development, peer supervision to emerging therapy interventions.

Presentation highlights included:

 The emergence of a hand function clinic in Limerick Primary Care service by Maria Escueta  The Meaning and Experience of Employment for Individuals with Aspergers Syndrome in Ireland by Niamh Crowley, Jeanne Jackson and Mary Sharkey  Simple Semple Seating Assessment© by Andrew Semple  Exploring Perceived Societal Changes in Ireland and their influence on occupational engagement through the eyes of older adults by Mary Lucey, Roisin O'Shea and Patrick Hynes  Inclusive Research in Ireland by Aoife Barry and Nancy Salmon  An exploratory study of discharge planning home visits within an Irish context- investigating nationwide practice and nationwide perspectives by Aisling Davis and Patricia Mc Clure

Conference ended with a look to the future for occupational therapists and occupational therapy in Ireland. Adam Harris closed conference with an inspiring speech "We have mainstreamed people but we haven't mainstreamed autism". Adam provided details of his personal story and how he uses his experience to provide support and education in creating a more positive world for people with autism.

Mairead Connaughton receiving the Ann Beckett Award From the AOTI Conference Committee, thank you to all involved in the planning and preparation for AOTI Conference 2017.

Many thanks to: AOTI Conference Committee, AOTI Council, AOTI Directors, AOTI Committees & AOTI AGs. AOTI office staff. Conference Partners International . Radisson Blu . Darragh from Fastlane Audio Visual. Student Volunteers. Karl O'Keefe Enable Ireland. Workshop, poster and paper presenters. Wellness workshop facilitators. Platinum Partners Beechfield Healthcare & MMS Medical. Gold Partner Healthcare 21 & Silver Partner Homecare Medical Supplies . Anne Beckett Award Sponors O Neill Healthcare . All Exhibitor Stands. Special guests: Opening keynote speaker Mary Barrett. Gala Dinner Guest Speaker Sinead Kane and Closing Keynote Speaker Adam Harris. Finally, a massive thank you and well done to all the delegates who attended across the two days!! You all made #AOTI2017 a positive event, many thanks for your time and effort in making it an enjoyable conference and worthwhile learning experience. Roll on next year and # AOTI2018 . AOTI Conference 2017 – Conference Partner MMS

At MMS Medical we put people at the centre of everything we do. Our products & support services are designed to make life simpler and safer for all our customers. A continuing drive for better products & more advanced mobility solutions has been our key motivation for over 30 years.

The MMS Medical team have brought the most technologically sophisticated solutions from around the globe to the Irish market. Our product partners are carefully selected to ensure we deliver the best-in-class solutions to therapists, healthcare professionals and end users in the areas of mobility, rehabilitation, disabled access and hospital products. 2017 sees MMS Medical at the forefront again with the launch of Quantum Range with the revolutionary iLevel technology. This technology will significantly improve users daily living, promotes user independence and heralds a new age in social mobility. Our new range of Bariatric chairs from Dietz provides therapists with a much- requested pioneering solution for their clients

In addition to our long-established supply and support of Sunrise Medical products such as Quickie & Jay, we welcome Quantum, Dietz and Qbitus to the MMS brand portfolio. www.mmsmedical.ie | T: 021 – 4618000 / 01 – 4500582 | E:[email protected]

DISCLAIMER

All views and opinions expressed in the AOTI NEWS do not necessarily reflect those of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland and/or the editorial team. Consequences arising from the use AOTI welcomes submissions to AOTI News from of any information contained in the newsletter are members, Committees, Advisory Groups, not the responsibility of the Association and/or the advertisers and others. Please send news items, editorial team. The publication of advertisements features, updates or adverts for consideration to does not constitute endorsement of the advertised Lynn O’ Toole at [email protected] or call 01- products or events by the Association and/or the 8963220. editorial team.