NYSOTA News

I took office in July with much hope and a healthy dose of trepidation. It seemed as if we were facing some significant challenges, as all professional associations are in these times. However, thus far, the NYSOTA presidency has been invigorating. This new group of “GSDers” [get stuff done-ers] has, I hope, breathed fresh air into NYSOTAs efforts.

As we welcome a new executive board, I am anticipating turning many corners with NYSOTA in the upcoming days, weeks and months. We have been working toward advancements of the organization and the launching of new member benefits for so long now, and the time has finally come to move on these advances and build on the foundations laid.

The publication of this newsletter is a one of these milestones for NYSOTA. We have been developing new mechanisms for gathering NYSOTA news, and are hoping that the structures that are now emerging will create avenues for all NYSOTA members to contribute. We look forward to hearing from all corners of the state about what is happening in your area, and what you are working on. We have also been working toward a new “delivery system” for our newsletter, and are hoping that we can deliver the news not only to members, but encourage our members to share the news with non-member peers in order to spark more interest and more memberships.

As we are on the cusp of great developments, I am looking forward to welcoming many new members and volunteers through our membership initiatives and the new NYSOTA Volunteer Network. The NYSOTA Volunteer Network is a grass roots program to match potential volunteers with available volunteer opportunities. We can work with volunteers to

find a position that will allow them to develop new skills in areas they have interest in, or we can work with them to find a position that builds in skills already developed. We are striving to utilize expertize and develop skills in our members and volunteers.

Members can also follow our journey as NYSOTA develops a blog about the life of a volunteer leader, and about the inner workings of our organization.

I hope you will join me in the challenge to refer at least one new member this year, and perhaps even take advantage of our referral program to win some prizes by referring five new members.

Looking forward,

Melissa WhelanPresident, NYSOTA

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119 Washington Ave2nd FloorAlbany, NY 12210P (518) 462-3717 F (518) [email protected]

NYSOTA Welcomes New Board Members, Looks Forward to Advancing Your Association

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Letter from the President ........................................ 1editor’s Choice ............................................................ 2New limits on Medicaid Coverage ......................... 2OT BIll Becomes Law ................................................ 2Touro College Research Forum ............................. 3AOTA Needs Your help! ......................................... 3Capital district on the Move ................................... 42011 Low Vision Technology Fairs ......................... 4hTd & extreme Makeover ...................................... 4MNYd Mental health Taskforce ........................... 5Friends don’t Let Friends’ Membership Lapse ... 5Sensory Friendly Time at MoST ............................. 6York Students Spread OT Awareness .................. 7Capital district Reaches North .............................. 7Meet Your NYSOTA Board ..................................... 8NYSOTA Volunteer Network ...............................11NYSOTA 2011 Conference .................................... 12Member Creates Trunks Game ............................ 16

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edITOR’S ChOICeA new feature for NYSOTA Newsby Gloria Lucker, Editor, NYSOTA News

Favorite BooksIf you enjoy the spellbinding works of Oliver Sacks (Rainman, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, etc.) you will be fascinated by The Minds’ Eye. In this new book, Sacks turns his attention to vision and many aspects of visualization and the effects of subtle, and not-so-subtle visual impairments. Lots of very useful information for us in this amazing book.

I have always enjoyed the writing of Jodi Picoult. In House Rules, Picoult brings us the story of a young man with Aspberger’s syndrome who is obsessed with criminal investigation. Her characterization of an adolescent with this intriguing set of talents and sensory processing problems will keep you reading non-stop.

Favorite New ProductHave you seen the Howdohug seat? Great adaptation for school based OT, the seat provides comfortable, ergonomic, and attractive seating for our students who have difficulty maintaining posture when floor sitting.

Coming attractionGo online to The Luckiest Penny. This outstanding work will premier at our NYSOTA Conference in October. Don’t miss it!

Do you have a “favorite”?Send it to [email protected].

Based on recommendations from the Medicaid Redesign Team, Governor Cuomo included in the state budget an arbitrary limit of 20 visits each per year for occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. This is bad healthcare policy since it fails to take into account patients with more severe diagnoses, co-morbidities or patients with more than one episode of illness in a year. Medicaid patients under 21, or with a developmental disability, or with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury will be exempt.

Patients with strokes, spinal cord injury, burns and other severe disabling conditions need rehabilitation that would certainly exceed a 20-visit limit.

Letters have been mailed out to Medicaid beneficiaries informing them that this new limit will go into effect

October 1. NYSOTA is urging members to report any problems regarding this new policy to [email protected]. NYSOTA is concerned that when this proposal is implemented, it will result in Medicaid recipients with severe disabilities being cut off from therapy before treatment is completed. Many Medicaid patients, unable to complete rehabilitation will end up unable to return home and some may be placed in long-term care institutions where additional Medicaid costs would compound over many years.

The current proposal does not provide for any exceptions process like Medicare Part B, or a utilization threshold over-ride system as we have had for other Medicaid services.

NeW LIMITS ON MedICAId COVeRAGe OF OT

After nearly 10 years of work by NYSOTA, the New York State legislation, S.2911-A, sponsored by Senator LaValle, passed both the Senate and the Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on August 17, 2011, as chapter 460 of the laws of 2011.

The legislation amends Article 156 of the education law, the occupational therapy practice act. The new law goes into effect 180 days after the date that the bill was signed into law, August 17. Excerpts of the statute can be found beginning on page 13 in Courier font. New language is in capital letters; old language that has been removed is bracketed and struck through. A complete copy of the new statute can be viewed at http://open.nysenate. gov/legislation/bill/S2911A-2011. An explanation of the changes then follows each section.

Continues on page 13

OT BILL BeCOMeS LAW Governor signs on August 17

Volume 22Number 3

Fall 20112

For most students and professors, September signals the start of the school year and the easing back into our educational routines. Not so for the Touro Occupational Therapy Program. Their unique semester design has them working on research projects while most students are sunning themselves on the beach. The result of this hard work is the annual Touro Occupational Therapy Research Forum, held in early September.

Ten groups of students collaborated on research topics ranging from “Touro College OTA Alumni Research Consumption” to “Volunteer Leadership in State Associations” to “Diabetic Risk Factors in the Orthodox

Community.” The research projects are under the direction of the faculty, and are continued from year to year by the faculty advisors. Each year, the students select an ongoing project that interests them. They conduct research for two years and at the forum present the results, which build on previous students’ results.

The quality of the presentations is excellent, and observers can see the time and effort that went into both

the posters and the research presentations. All students have an opportunity to speak at the forum, and all rose to the occasion and presented their information eloquently.

This year, the NYSOTA president was invited to deliver an address to the students and faculty, an

address that focused on being involved in your state professional association. The address outlined not only the “do” of joining your state associations, but also the “why.”

The evening provided an opportunity for wonderful professional development, the building of new relationships and an opportunity to highlight the efforts of these students.

The Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures Committee (BPPC) is asking all interested AOTA members to review the current Bylaws and send proposed changes by December 9, 2011 to [email protected]. Amendments/revisions will be reviewed and prepared by BPPC in January 2012 and sent to the Board of Directors for input. The draft 2012 Bylaws will then be posted on the AOTA website,

www.aota.org for review by the membership prior to consideration at the 2012 Representative Assembly (RA) and the Annual Business Meeting at AOTA’s annual conference in Indianapolis.

A copy of the current Bylaws is posted on the AOTA Web site at www.aota.org/Governance.aspx Get Involved!> Reference Documents. If you would like to

receive an electronic version of the Bylaws to review, please e-mail Debbie Hippchen at [email protected]. All proposed revisions should be made using the track changes feature in Microsoft Word. The BPPC encourages member participation in the Bylaws review process and is available to answer any questions or concerns at the above email address.

AOTA NeedS YOuR heLP!CALL FOR BYLAWS AMeNdMeNTS

NYSOTA PReSIdeNT PARTICIPATeS IN TOuRO COLLeGe ReSeARCh FORuM

NYSOTA News 3

CAPITAL dISTRICT ON The MOVe

Capital District is looking for local facilities to host our monthly meetings. If your hospital, center or clinic is willing to host an evening meeting, please contact Tammy Boire, Capital District Chairperson at 518-747-0307 or email her at [email protected].

Our own NYSOTA HTD Chairperson Peter Kennelty, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Elant at Fishkill volunteered for Extreme Makeover Home Edition recently held in Bloomingburg, NY.

Pete signed up to volunteer and spent a long shift from 12 midnight till 6am. His tasks ranged from assisting the skilled workers to ensuring they had the proper hydration and things they needed to do their jobs. “We, the non-skilled workers, started to remove from the building area and into large dumpsters all the scrap and waste consisting of lumber, insulation, drywall, tarp, plastic sheeting and anything that didn’t belong,” said Pete. “Pushing a broom was not out of our realm of work, either. I did have a brief moment in the dining tent helping to set up the food warmers and may I add that they served a great breakfast…everything that you could ask for. I hustled as much as the rest and as the morning went on, I found that my breaks also needed to be a little longer than the rest. Oh, to be 20 years younger again!”

Pete would like to thank Brendan Gould, currently enrolled in the SUNY-Orange OTA program, who also worked the early Tuesday morning shift and the other HTD members for participating in this great charitable event.

The Hudson-Taconic District also made a $500 donation to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan for the Korpai Family. Pete is a very special person and therapist, he has a keen sense of how to help so many individuals at so many levels and we are fortunate that he is part of our district. The staff at Elant at Fishkill are also proud to work with someone like Pete, such a fine person and great clinician.

Air date for Extreme Makeover Home Edition 907, The Korpai family in Bloomingburg, NY is October 16, 2011.

hTd & exTReMe MAkeOVeR, hOMe edITION

2011 LOW VISION TeChNOLOGY

FAIRS

The third annual “Low Vision Technology Fairs” are informational opportunities to showcase the latest in low vision technologies and to provide resources for those with visual impairment as well as family, friends, educators and caregivers. ALBANY, NYOctober 19 • 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Beltrone Living CenterSix Winners Circle, Albany KINGSTON, NY October 20 • 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Kingston Holiday Inn503 Washington Ave, Kingston

For more information, contact Cheryl Lawyer at (518) 463-1211 x234 or via email at [email protected].

Volume 22Number 3

Fall 20114

Celebrating 20 years of making children and families

our 1st priority

ATTENTION GRADUATING OTs!!!

www.theracare.com

On September 14, 2011 the Mental Health Taskforce of MNYD celebrated it’s 15th anniversary. To mark the occasion Margaret (Peggy) Swarbrick, PhD, OTR, CPRP, Director of the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey - Institute for Wellness and Recovery Initiatives, and Assistant Professor in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions Program at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Health Related Professions spoke to the group.

Her presentation focused on Wellness emphasizing SAMHSA’s 10 x 10 Campaign which she spearheaded. We encourage everyone to look at the campaign materials, take the Wellness pledge and add your OT wellness program to the SAMHSA data base. www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/10by10/default.aspx

Following the presentation, the group networked to keep ourselves abreast of the local mental health issues such as an inpatient closing at Payne-Whitney and a FEGS PROS. Members were urged to register on the AOTA COOL site and volunteer on a national level. www.aota.org/News/Announcements/COOL.aspx

We plan to continue to meet and host other prominent local leaders in behavioral health/Recovery movement to continue to maintaining and expanding our roles in mental health. We all draw strength from the group and were happy to see both students and new practitioners at the meeting. The Mental Health Taskforce thanks all of our members, past, present and virtual for making us a powerhouse.

MNYd MeNTAL heALTh TASkFORCe

The NYSOTA membership renewal grace period officially ended on September 1, 2011. The only way to ensure that your friends and colleagues continue

to receive all the benefits of NYSOTA membership is for them to renew. Refer five friends and receive an

attractive jelly band uSB bracelet!

For more information check out our website at www.NYSOTA.org or contact [email protected] or

[email protected].

FRIENDS DON’T LET THEIR FRIEND’S NYSOTA MEMBERSHIP LAPSE!

NYSOTA News 5

SeNSORY FRIeNdLY TIMe AT MoST IN SYRACuSe

Over 100 families recently participated in a “Sensory Friendly Time” at the MoST, the Milton J. Rubinstein Museum of Science & Technology, in Syracuse.

“Sensory Friendly Time” is the result of the collaborative efforts of the staff at the MoST, the CNY SPD Parent Connections (a support group for parents who have children with Sensory Processing Disorder) and Occupational Therapists from Thrive By 5.

It all began when the MoST, was contacted by a parent who explained that the MoST was too difficult for her sensory sensitive child to visit. Taking this to heart, the MoST contacted the CNY SPD Parent Connections who then contacted Thrive By 5, a pediatric therapy agency in Central New York. As the three agencies began meeting, it became evident that this child’s difficulty was not unique. Many children have difficulties when visiting this wonderful children’s museum and play area. The MoST is filled with fun things for kids to explore, yet often it can be a very overwhelming experience, especially for those children who have a Sensory Processing Disorder.

Occupational Therapists from Thrive By 5 went through the MoST several times and consulted with the MoST staff as to which exhibits and devices needed to be turned off (e.g. a

waterfall, an air compressor, etc.), turned down (e.g. several of the videos which play constantly), and rerouted (e.g. the entry into the exhibits) to make the museum more “sensory friendly.” In addition, the planetarium show time was shortened. On the day of the event Thrive By 5 Occupational Therapists and MoST staff were

strategically located throughout the museum to answer questions, assist wherever needed, and to “warn” families when they approached a motion activated exhibit.

By all reports the “Sensory Friendly Time” was a terrific success. Kiddos who previously might have left the museum because they became overwhelmed not only stayed, but explored the exhibits with joy and enthusiasm with their parents. “Sensory Friendly Time” is now a monthly event at the MoST.

A special thanks for their efforts is given to Betty Jones and her staff at the MoST as well as Michelle Hawthorne and Caryn Daher, co-chairs for the CNY SPD Parent Connections support group. Additional appreciation is given to Laura Lang, Brynn Steele, and Gina Salvatore, Occupational Therapists from Thrive By 5 as well as Hibet Melgoza, Occupational Therapy Student from Utica College.

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Volume 22Number 3

Fall 20116

You see your clients’ potential.

At Quinnipiac Online, we see yours!

The Quinnipiac UniversityMaster of Science in Occupational Therapy

program offers an unprecedented opportunity for practicing occupational therapists to continue their

education without interrupting their careers.

Stop by our booth to learn more about the advantages of our online degree program.

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A Trusted Learning Source Since 2001

by Beverly P. Horowitz, PhD, OTR/L

On April 25, 2011, in keeping with Occupational Therapy Month, York College’s Occupational Therapy Student Organization (YSOTA) provided an educational program at the Townhouse Rehabilitation Center in Uniondale, New York on occupational therapy practice and education.

Sharon Faust, MS, OTR/L, faculty advisor to YSOTA, received a request from the Center for a program about occupational therapy. The Student Organization developed an informational session to respond to this request. Students Michael Puryear, Jennifer Obijuru, Mcarthur Damis, and Kimberly Kuhn (class of 2011) visited the center, provided literature about occupational therapy practice,

and spoke with professional and non-professional staff about the profession, occupational therapy education, and the high demand for occupational therapy practitioners across practice settings.

Given the population served by this center, they highlighted occupational therapy geriatric rehabilitation practice, as well as community practice to address health promotion, wellness, fall prevention, dementia care and caregiver education and training.

The afternoon ended with one physician stopping by to get information about occupational therapy as a career choice for his daughter. Occupational therapy is a twenty-first century hot career and York College occupational therapy students are spreading the word.

YORk COLLeGe-CuNY STudeNTS SPReAd The WORd ABOuT OT

CAPITAL dISTRICT ReACheS OuT TO NORTheRN COLLeAGueS

NYSOTA Capital District hosted yet another Northern Workshop. The “Low Vision-Function for All Ages” workshop was held in Malone and was well received by the eight local therapist in attendance: Eileen Dashnaw, Barbara Gachowski, Becky Larson, Jessica Murray, Lisa Tebo, Beth Randall, Yvonne Turner and Elaine Rubal. Many thanks to Beth Randall for booking the conference room at the Northern Franklin

Educational Center. Our presenter Mrs. Julie Ann Nastasi, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV provided us with an engaging and hands-on low vision experience.

NYSOTA News 7

MeLISSA WheLAN (CALLAhAN)MS, OTR/L, IMCPresident

I became an OT by lucky accident, after deciding not to pursue a career in medicine and being injured too badly to continue a career in the military. I have been practicing OT in New York City

Early Intervention since 1996 and in suburban NYC area schools since 2000. Prior to starting in peds, I worked in head injury and community re-integration.

Currently, I focus my practice on supervising the OTA, providing professional development, program development and the specialty practice areas of feeding and SI.

Recently married, I find that I now must balance my work and my home life. I have recently attained some success in balance and in “taking a step back” through my participation in the Strategic Coaching program for entrepreneurs; which helps with goal setting, and time allocation. I am an avid cyclist and runner, and although not particularly talented in either, I enjoy them immensely. I also enjoy reading and writing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and yoga.

I come to the presidency of NYSOTA with hope, vigor and a healthy amount of trepidation. Having been a district chairperson, I understand the challenges faced by our local affiliates. I hope to move the organization forward, to provide some level of operational stability, to improve business practices and to develop leaders. I look forward to working with everyone on the EB and to recruiting new members and volunteers.

JOAN WhITeSeLL, OTR/LVice President

I received my BS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, have worked primarily in physical disabilities and pediatrics/administration over the years and most recently have enjoyed

a return to direct treatment at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY as inpatient and outpatient staff therapist.

I have been active at a state level since I started working in both ConnOTA originally and NYSOTA since I moved to NY in the 80s. In both cases, a member who was already involved invited me to participate, and it has been one of my best decisions. I have served as HTD District Chairperson, Secretary and now Vice President for NYSOTA and have been active on four State Conference Committees.

I have found that occupational therapists are among the most dynamic people I know and that being active in NYSOTA has been one of the most tremendous learning experiences ever. On a personal note, I am married and have 3 grown children and live in Staatsburg, NY.

LAuRA WATSON, OTR/LTreasurer

Laura is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University OT program and Mercy College PT program. She is supervisor of out-patient services at Northern Dutchess Hospital in

Rhinebeck. She lives with her husband on their small farm in Gardiner, NY, they have a son in college.

FRANCINe SeRuYA, OTR/LSecretary

Dr. Francine Seruya has been an occupational therapist for the past 16 years. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including Early Intervention, School Based and

Rehabilitation based settings.

She recently completed her PhD at New York University where she explored how practice setting influences the professional and organizational commitment in pediatric therapists. She is excited about being on the Executive Board to move NYSOTA forward as a positive voice for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in New York State.

MeeT YOuR NYSOTA BOARd!

Volume 22Number 3

Fall 20118

PAuL dIMIeRO, OTR/LRochester district Co-Chair

I am a 1978 gradutae from SUNY at Buffalo. I have worked mainly in school-based OT at Genesee Valley BOCES. About 10 years ago, I attended a question and answer session for OTs in Rochester. At that meeting, a NYSOTA Rochester friend asked me if I wanted to be a Vice-Chairperson. She said it was really easy and I basically just had to take care of coffee and goodies for the meeting. Well, I soon discovered that it was a little more than that.

Since that time, NYSOTA Rochester has undergone several changes in leadership and I have now found myself as Co-Chair, along with Anna Bowne. I have learned over the years that your NYSOTA district is as strong or weak as the board and members want it to be. I have also learned that there is strength in numbers. I welcome and challenge all OTs in our Rochester District to be strong in numbers and thus, strong in quality.

TRICIA NIChOLeS, MS, OTR/L Long Island district Chair

Tricia graduated from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Nova Southeastern University. Tricia is currently a faculty member and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at NYIT for the Occupational Therapy Program.

Tricia has eight years of clinical occupational therapy experience with children in both early intervention and school settings. Initial clinical experience includes adults rehab in both acute and sub-acute physical disability settings.

Tricia has been an active part of the Long Island District for many years and began to serve on the LID EB in 2005. Tricia currently serves as the Treasurer for the Metropolitan Occupational Therapy Education Council.

While the hours are dwindling, in her spare time, Tricia serves the community as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in the local fire department.

PeTeR keNNeLTY, COTAhudson-Taconic district Chair

I have been a COTA for 17 years and am a graduate of the SUNY-Orange OTA Program. I have been a member of AOTA and NYSOTA for 17+ years, joining while still an OTAS. As a NYSOTA EB member, I also serve on the Leadership Committee, the newly formed Conference Committee and have taken part in NYSOT-PAC. I have been the Hudson-Taconic Chair for the past two years and was re-elected to a second term. I had been the COTA Liaison for the Hudson-Taconic District the four years prior to serving as Chair. I have co-chaired the 2008 Regional COTA Conference and participated in the prior NYSOTA Conference hosted by HTD and participated in the prior COTA conference. I am currently the co-chair of the Vendor Committee for the 2011 NYSOTA Conference.

Currently, I am working at Elant at Fishkill in short-term rehab, involved in our home care program, and was involved in our out-pt clinic. I have been an independent contractor working in Westchester but have also covered assignments in the Bronx and Manhattan. I was a traveling therapist for four years working in Texas (2.5 years), West Virginia (1 year in the Charleston Area Medical Center) and Connecticut (6 months). During that time, I worked in short/long-term rehab in various nursing facilities and while at Charleston Area Medical Center, I worked in the TCU department and occasionally in the ACU department. I have 10 years experience working with the MR adult population as part of the direct care staff while attending college and later as a COTA.

I take great pride in my profession and feel strongly that everyone needs to take a greater role in strengthening the profession of occupational therapy by running for offices that are vacant, attending Lobby Day to talk our legislators and inform them of the great job we do and how we protect and look out for the interest of those people we serve and to volunteer our services where we can for good causes and to show others that we are a caring profession.

MARY WALSh, MS, ORT/LWestchester/Rockland district

I have been an OT for over 12 years and have worked in a variety of practice areas. I began my career as an OT in the New York City public school system working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities. I later transitioned to working with adults in inpatient, outpatient and community based rehabilitation settings.

I now work in an outpatient program with Veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injuries as well as with older adults on an inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit. I am also a licensed massage therapist and shiatsu practitioner. My clinical interests include integrative health and wellness, sensory modulation and processing and assistive technology. My personal interests include traveling, music, cooking, and yoga. I love learning new things.

Though it is easier said than done, I feel that we as OT practitioners need to take care of ourselves both personally and professionally in order to provide quality care and service to others. I look forward to collaborating with Westchester and Rockland OTs in order to organize and energize our district and support NYSOTA.

BOB TRAPANI, MA, OTR/LCentral district Chair

Bob has an MA in Occupational Therapy from New York University. He is certified in the SIPT and Infant Massage and is a Solisten Qualified Licensee. He is in

the process of receiving his certification in DIR/floortime.

Bob is the owner of Thrive By 5, PLLC which provides Early Intervention and Preschool services throughout Central New York. He has been married for 28 years to his wife Julie. They have three adult children Joe, Gina and Nick. Gina is in the air force and currently deployed to Afghanistan.

NYSOTA News 9

TAMMY BOIRe, OTR/LContinuing education ChairCapital district Chair

Theresa Anna Marie {TAM} Boire; better know as Tammy, has been practicing Occupational Therapy since 1992 first as an COTA with Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital in

Wallingford, Connecticut. Here she was given the opportunity to continue her OT journey and attend Dominican College to become a registered OT. After graduating in 1998, she transitioned from a rehabilitation setting to pediatric/public school setting.

She currently resides in Upstate New York and works for the South Glens Falls Central School District. When asked about her family she often reports having 50 kids (of course all from school). She and her husband enjoy gardening, building their camp in Long Lake and advocating for families and kids, “that they live the best life they can, given as many tools as they need.”

Dedicated to professional growth, Tammy is currently very active with NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) and many other local groups SALT (Southern Adirondack League of Teacher), SGFFA (South Glens Falls Faculty Association). She runs an OT/PT study group in the local Glens Falls area and assists a local parent by running a parent support group hosted by the Ballard Elementary Home School Association.

Her current positions with NYSOTA include Capital District Chairperson and Continuing Education Chairperson. As Capital District Chairperson, Tammy is dedicated to reaching out to all 16 districts from Greene to St. Lawrence Counties. Northern NYSOTA workshops have become Tammy’s brain-child, events are held annually in the northern part of the state. Advocating for OTs is her passion.

GLORIA LuCkeRMS, OTR/L, FAOTA, BCPNewsletter editor

As most NYSOTA folks know, I have been active in NYSOTA for many years. As a student

at NYU, membership was mandatory, and I enjoyed getting to know the OTs in New York. I have maintained active membership in NYSOTA since then and am a charter member of NFD. I work full time as a school-based OT and also serve as President of OTAS, our family owned private practice. It’s a joy to work with daughter Ellen, the OT, and son David, the PT. I enjoy traveling and presenting seminars on RtI and school-based OT.

dAVId M. MeRLOMS, COTA, CPRP Web Content Coordinator

David Merlo has built a satisfying career as an educator, practitioner, and leader, based on the foundations of his education as an occupational

therapy assistant. For 17 years he has taught within the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY. He has consistently enriched the program curriculum to reflect developments in technology, workforce, society, evidence-based practice, best teaching/learning practices, all while propelled by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

David represents occupational therapy in the community; serving as board director of Restoration Society, Inc., a person-centered, occupation-based community mental health agency in Buffalo. He serves on committees and boards, locally and nationally, representing occupational therapy and mental health to consumers, other disciplines, and organizations including New York State Occupational Therapy Association, Niagara Frontier District of NYSOTA, American Occupational Therapy Association, United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and the Consortium of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Educators.

He has pursued advanced studies in assistive technology, psychiatric rehabilitation, and adult education, and has consistently shared what he has learned by presenting at conferences, meetings, OTconnections, as well as teaching in the classroom.

CLAIRe RIChARdSONOTR/L, OTdPublic Relations & Marketing Coordinator

I originally hail from N. Ireland, but have been living and working in NY since, and have been a member of NYSOTA for the past five years. Throughout my time here I have worked for St. Lawrence NYSARC, a nonprofit organization working with adults and children with developmental disabilities. I also have a passion for the use of therapy dogs within the therapy process, and have been including this in the therapeutic process for the last year.

The PR position has been a huge challenge, but great fun, being able to learn skills that fall outside of my regular practice setting. I have found involvement in NYSOTA to be a hugely beneficial experience, and an enriching process through which I have made many new friends, networked with other therapists outside of my regular area and gained many new professional and personal skills and experiences, and I would encourage anyone interested in involvement on a volunteer level to explore their options more closely.

Volume 22Number 3

Fall 201110

CARYN ShOReMembership Outreach Coordinator

I am currently a member of the 2011 graduating class at SUNY Downstate’s graduate program for Occupational Therapy. I returned to pursue this course of study after spending nearly a decade employed as a certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor at such popular gyms as Lucille Roberts and New York Sports Clubs, as well as the Director of Adult Fitness at the YM-YWHA of Greater Clifton in New Jersey. In 2009, I relocated to Brooklyn. Later that year I was elected as the student representative of the SUNY Downstate OT Club to the Metropolitan New York District’s board. In response to my regular attendance and participation to board meetings and district events, I was selected to be the Student Liaison for MNYD in January of 2010. I was also a member of the Hospitality Committee for the Annual Conference, hosted by the Metropolitan New York District in November of 2010, as well as the Committee head for the first Annual Student Mixer, an event that I strongly advocated for. I was elected to the board as a voting member this summer.

Most recently, the new NYSOTA President, Melissa Whelan, appointed me to the position of Membership Outreach Coordinator on the executive board. This was a position that I readily accepted in order to expand my role as Student Liaison to educate every occupational therapy program in New York State about discounts on student membership, the Pay-It-Forward program, availability of the Student Representative position, as well as increase current and potential member awareness of upcoming events and membership benefits, including the annual conference. I look forward to continuing my active participation in MNYD’s activities, not to mention my newfound responsibilities to the State!

JeFFReY TOMLINSONOTR, MSW, FAOTALegislative & Government Relations Coordinator

Jeff is a graduate of the SUNY Downstate OT program and the CUNY Hunter social work program. He works in an adult mental health day program, adult

home care and as adjunct faculty at NYU and Columbia University.

Jeff is the Legislative & Government Relations Coordinator and has worked with NYSOTA to amend the insurance law to improve coverage of OT, and the education law to update the OT practice act.

Jeff has received the Abreu Award from MNYD, the Lindy Boggs Award for political advocacy and the Terry Brittell OT/OTA Partnership Award from AOTA. Jeff is also a Fellow of the AOTA.

www.zaner-bloser.com • 800.421.3018*In 2011...and while supplies last 2012

Kate CareyNY Zaner-Bloser Representative

[email protected]

800.248.2568 ext. 2599

EVERYONEReceives$25 Gift Certificate!...see below...

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You’re invited to join your Peers!100% of my current districts paid LESS by partnering with me.

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Just register for COMPLIMENTARY...•$25 Gift Certificate (to be applied to any order over $250) *•Tickets to “Interactive Workshop: The Art and Science of Handwriting” *•Curricula samples: RTI, ELA, Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar, Writing*

Curriculum leaders • Occupational TherapistsSpecial Educators • Early Childhood Educators

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Willing to volunteer to help create a stronger NYSOTA?

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Contact NYSOTA’s VOLuNTeeR NeTWORk at

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NYSOTA News 11

The Hudson-Taconic District invites you to explore

in a plethora of WORKSHOPS ¥ POSTER SESSIONS ¥ SPECIAL EVENTS

64 Exhibit Booths ¥ Musical & Colorful Presidentʼs Reception Silent & Noisy Auctions ¥ Alumni Gatherings ¥ Student Mixer

Annual Business Farm-to-Table Luncheon Feast Celebrate Passage of the OT Practice ACT

SUNY Orange ¥ Middletown, NY

October 22 & 23

The Many Colors of Occupational Therapy

NYSOTA 2011 Annual Conference

2011 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Lauren Manning

ÒOn September 11, 2001, my life was changed forever.UNMEASURED STRENGTH

is my story of survival and transformation.Ó ÒPerhaps no injury offers more of an opportunity to remake

yourself than one that literally consumes you. I went to work on September 11, 2001 and met a wall of fire that burnd me over 80% of my body. I defied single digit odds to stay alive, yet my return

home more than half a year later was just the beginning.Ó

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share my story in the hope it will continue to resonate with people

facing challenges in their own lives."Photographer, Deborah Feingold

PLENARY ADDRESS: Jim HinojosaRecipient of AOTAÕs Highest Honors:

Award of Merit & Eleanor Clark Slagle Lecture

Evidence-based Occupational Therapy: Cult, Fad, or Relevant?In addition to over 150 articles and chapters in books,

Jim has co-edited ÒPerspectives in Human Occupation: Participation in LifeÓÒFrames of Reference in Pediatric Occupational TherapyÓ, ÒThe Texture of Life: Purposeful Activities in the Context of

OccupationÓ ÒOccupational Therapy Evaluation: Obtaining and Interpreting DataÓ

Photographer Brady Galan

Visit www.NYSOTA.org (Conference Page) for Complete Program and Registration Information

OT BILL BeCOMeS LAWcontinued from page 2

S 7901. Definition. The practice of the profession of occupational therapy is defined as the functional evaluation of the client [], the planning and utilization of a program of purposeful activities [], THE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION OF A TREATMENT PROGRAM, AND/OR CONSULTATION WITH THE CLIENT, FAMILY, CAREGIVER OR ORGANIZATION IN ORDER TO RESTORE, develop or maintain adaptive skills, AND/OR PERFORMANCE ABILITIES designed to achieve maximal physical, COGNITIVE and mental functioning of the [] CLIENT ASSOCIATED WITH his or her ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING AND daily life tasks. [] A treatment program DESIGNED TO RESTORE FUNCTION, shall be rendered on the prescription or referral of a physician [], nurse practitioner OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ACTING WITHIN HIS OR HER SCOPE OF PRACTICE PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE. However, nothing contained in this article shall be construed to permit any licensee

hereunder to practice medicine or psychology, including psychotherapy OR TO OTHERWISE EXPAND SUCH LICENSEE’S SCOPE OF PRACTICE BEYOND WHAT IS AUTHORIZED BY THIS CHAPTER.

The amendments to the sentence regarding “the practice of the profession of occupational therapy” added “consultation with the client, family, caregiver or organization...” in order to clarify in statute that occupational therapy practice is not limited to “hands-on” services, but also includes verbal consultations.The term cognitive was added to clarify that occupational therapy practice includes cognitive rehabilitation that is related to daily life tasks.

The term “client” replaces the term “patient” to reflect the fact that occupational therapy includes practice outside of medical settings, including school settings.

The statutory requirements for a prescription or referral are amended to limit that requirement to “a

treatment program designed to restore function.” This means that the occupational therapy practice act does not require a prescription or referral for occupational therapy services that are designed to be maintenance, habilitation or prevention and wellness. This does not supersede other statutes, regulations or policies that may require a prescription. For example, an insurance company may still require a prescription en lieu of coverage and reimbursement.

The statutory requirements for a prescription or referral are amended to add other health care providers who have the authority to write prescriptions. These providers may now prescribe or refer to occupational therapy. At present, this would include optometrists, dentists and podiatrists.

S 7903. State board for occupational therapy. A state board for occupational therapy shall be appointed by the board of regents on the recommendation of the commissioner for the purpose of assisting the board of regents and the department

NYSOTA News 13

on matters of professional licensing and professional conduct in accordance with section sixty-five hundred

eight of this title. The board shall be composed of not less than seven licensed occupational therapists, []

one physician [], AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE NOT LICENSED UNDER THIS TITLE. An executive secretary to the board shall be appointed by the board of regents on recommendation of the commissioner.

The state board composition will be changed to remove the requirement for a hospital administrator. The new requirements add two public members who are not licensed professionals.

S 7905. Limited permits. Permits limited as to eligibility, practice, and duration, shall be issued by the department to eligible applicants, as follows:

(1) The following persons shall be eligible for a limited permit:

(a) An occupational therapist who has graduated from an occupational therapy curriculum with a baccalaureate degree or certificate in occupational therapy which

is substantially equivalent to a baccalaureate degree satisfactory to the board of occupational therapy and in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations; or (b) A foreign occupational therapist who is in this country on a non-immigration visa for the continuation of occupational therapy study, pursuant to the exchange student program of the United States Department of State. (2) A LIMITED permittee shall be authorized to practice occupational therapy only under the DIRECT supervision of a licensed occupational therapist or a licensed physician and shall practice only in a public, voluntary, or proprietary hospital, health care agency or in a preschool or an elementary or secondary school for the purpose of providing occupational therapy as a related service for a handicapped child. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBDIVISION, SUPERVISION OF AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A LIMITED PERMIT TO PRACTICE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE DIRECT SUPERVISION AS DEFINED BY THE COMMISSIONER’S REGULATIONS. (3) A limited permit shall be valid for one year. It may be renewed once for a period not to exceed one additional year, at the discretion of the department, upon the submission of an explanation satisfactory to the department for an applicant’s failure to become licensed within the original one-year period. []

The limited permit section is amended to allow someone who has failed the licensing (NBCOT) exam to continue to practice for a full year. At the same time, the supervision requirements

Volume 22Number 3

Fall 201114

have been strengthened to require direct supervision. This requirement will be further explained by regulations promulgated by the State Board for Occupational Therapy and the Office of the Professions.

S 7906. Exempt persons. This article shall not be construed to affect or prevent the following, provided that no title, sign, card or device shall be used in such manner as to tend to convey the impression that the person rendering such service is a licensed occupational therapist:

(4) AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT STUDENT FROM ENGAGING IN CLINICAL PRACTICE UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AS PART OF AN ACCREDITED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM, AS DEFINED BY THE COMMISSIONER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMMISSIONER’S REGULATIONS. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS SECTION, AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT STUDENT SHALL BE PERMITTED TO WORK WITH AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT, WHO HAS OBTAINED AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO SUBDIVISION SEVEN OF THIS SECTION, UNDER THE DIRECT SUPER VISION OF AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST.[]

(7) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS, AS DEFINED BY THE COMMISSIONER, AUTHORIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT, AND UNDER THE DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OR A LICENSED PHYSICIAN. IN THE CASE OF THOSE WORKING UNDER A LICENSED PHYSICIAN SUCH EXEMPTION SHALL APPLY ONLY IN A PUBLIC, VOLUNTARY OR PROPRIETARY HOSPITAL OR

HEALTH OR HOME CARE AGENCY. SUCH AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE ISSUED TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE MET STANDARDS, INCLUDING THOSE RELATING TO EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, EXAMINATION AND CHARACTER, AS PROMULGATED IN REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER. SUCH AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO FULL DISCIPLINARY AND REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PURSUANT TO THIS TITLE, AS IF SUCH AUTHORIZATION WERE A PROFESSIONAL LICENSE ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE. THE APPLICATION FEE FOR SUCH AUTHORIZATION SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN REGULATION BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS. EACH AUTHORIZED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT SHALL REGISTER WITH THE DEPARTMENT EVERY THREE YEARS AND SHALL PAY A REGISTRATION FEE ESTABLISHED IN REGULATION BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS.

Occupational therapy assistants continue to be authorized to practice under the exemption section of the practice act. The new statutory language allows the State Board for Occupational Therapy and the Office of the Professions to develop regulations that define the occupational therapy assistant. In addition, the previous statutory language required “direct supervision.” The new statute requires “direction and supervision.” This requirement will be further explained by regulations promulgated by the State Board for Occupational Therapy and the Office of the Professions. The new language also allows the Office of the Professions to require occupational therapy assistants to pass a licensing exam.

S 7907. Special conditions. (1) A person who on the effective date of this [] ARTICLE:

[] (A) submits evidence of a minimum of three years experience with training satisfactory to the board in occupational therapy and in accordance with the regulations of the commissioner; or [] (B) a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in occupational therapy, shall be licensed upon the filing of an application with the department [] within six months of the effective date of this [] ARTICLE.

(2) A PERSON WHO ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN WHICH ADDED THIS SUBDIVISION HAS A CURRENT REGISTRATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT AS AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT, IF SUCH PERSON MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AUTHORIZATION ESTABLISHED WITHIN THIS ARTICLE, EXCEPT FOR EXAMINATION, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ISSUE AN AUTHORIZATION WITHOUT EXAMINATION.

While the new language allows the Office of the Professions to require occupational therapy assistants to pass a licensing exam, any occupational therapy assistant who was authorized to practice prior to the effective date of this statute will be “grandfathered in” so they may continue to practice.

NYSOTA is now in talks with the state board for occupational therapy regarding Commissioner’s Regulations that would provide further guidance on the new practice act.

NYSOTA News 15

NewYorkStateOccupationalTherapyAssociation

Inc.

NYSOTANYSOTA News

A publication of the New York State Occupational

Therapy Association, Inc.

NYSOTA119 Washington Ave

2nd Floor Albany, NY 12210

P (518) 462-3717F (518) 432-5902

[email protected]

NYSOTA Executive Officers

President Melissa Whelan, MS, OTR/L, IMC

[email protected]

Vice President Joan Whitesell, OTR/L

[email protected]

Secretary Francine Seruya PhD, OTR/L

[email protected]

Treasurer Laura Watson OTR/L

[email protected]

NYSOTA News

Newsletter Editor Gloria Lucker, MS, OTR/L,

FAOTA, [email protected]

Diane Long, OTR/L and Occupational Therapy Professor at Ithaca College has created Trunks, a card game to help children recall sequences. As a clinician having worked with children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and cognitive impairments for 23 years, Long observed that many of them have difficulty remembering sequences.

Wanting to address this issue through a play activity rather than through school work was Long’s impetus behind Trunks.

Debuted at the April AOTA Conference, Trunks requires players to do actions and make sounds in a sequence they have to remember. On each of the playing cards is a sound accompanied by an action. As a player makes the sound and

action they then turn the card face down, the back of the card being part of an elephan’s trunk. The game is over when a player has all four parts of the trunk showing and is able to remember all the sounds and actions of the cards played, in order.

Trunks incorporates various levels of difficulty. Published by Therapro, Trunks can be purchased for $14.95 on their website at www.therapro.com/Trunks-The-Game-of-Motor-Memory-P322117.aspx.

MeMBeR CReATeS TRuNkS CARd GAMe