Local occupatoinal health body hosts regional meeting

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Occupational Therapy Association (CIOTA) will host the 11th Biennial Scientific Conference of the Association of Caribbean Occupational Therapists (ACOT) at the Cayman Islands hospital from the 31 Oct to 2 November, organisers have announced. Various papers will be presented by speakers from the UK, North America and the Caribbean region highlighting cutting-edge therapeutic practice both in the adult and paediatric population.  There will also be local guest speakers from the Wellness Centre and The Health Services Authority. The presentations are targeted towards other health care professionals, teachers, parents and caregivers and the theme of this year’s conference is “Occupational Therapy – Opening Doors to Better Health”

OTs are highly trained rehabilitation healthcare professionals who work directly with people with injuries/disabilities to empower them to regain the skills needed to lead their lives independently, particularly in the areas of self-care, productivity (e.g. homemaking, work, volunteering, schooling), socialization and leisure – many of the life skills we take for granted. OTs provides services to a wide range of clients, and treats a wide range of conditions.

OTs work with  children and adults with special needs, persons with orthopaedic injuries, mental illness, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, work-place injuries and Alzheimer’s disease. OTs work in hospitals, schools and in the community. They may work for private businesses (e.g. completing Functional Capacity Evaluations for an insurance company), or run their own private specialist practice.  They also liaise with other community services (e.g. Home-care Nurses, Social Workers, Early Intervention Programme) to support their clients in improving their quality of life.

The daily conference registration fee is $35, including meals. Students (with uniform or ID) may register at a special daily rate of $15. Registered conference attendees will receive up to 10 hours of Continued Education (equivalent to 1 CEU).  Registration can be done through our face book page – Cayman Islands Occupational Therapy Association Ltd.

Anyone interested in getting involved as a sponsor or volunteer should contact Ken Figueira at Kenneth.Figueira@hsa.ky, fig@candw.ky or 927-2912.  For more information, please visit http://www.caribbeanot.com/index2.html or our facebook page – Cayman Islands Occupational Therapy Association Ltd.