Handwriting Horizons: Sensory Foundations for Fine Motor Mastery

Michelle Denison-Darragh MS, OTR/L

$88 Members / $110 Non-Member

(This course is not yet available)

Description: “Handwriting Horizons” is a focused 3-hour course tailored for occupational therapy practitioners. This live-virtual presentation covers essential topics including sensory processing foundations for handwriting, anatomy of the hand in relation to function, and fine motor skill development. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between sensory processing, fine motor coordination, visual perceptual acuity, and cognitive functions that underlie proficient handwriting. This course equips occupational therapy practitioners with vital knowledge and skills to enhance their practice in the field.

Course Schedule:

• Introduction (15 minutes)
• Sensory Processing Foundations for Handwriting (45 minutes)
• Anatomy of the Hand in Relation to Function (30 minutes)
• Fine Motor Skill Development (45 minutes)
• Complex Interplay Between Factors Underlying Proficient Handwriting (30 minutes)
• Conclusion and Q&A (15 minutes)

Learning Objectives: By the end of this short-course, the participant will be able to:

1. Define the foundational principles of sensory processing that underlie hand skills and handwriting.
2. Identify the essential motor foundation skills required for proficient writing.
3. Describe the intricate anatomy of the hand and its direct relation to hand function.
4. State occupation-based intervention strategies designed to target underlying sensory processing difficulties impacting handwriting performance.

Audience: OTPs, Educators, Parents

Course Level: Introductory

AOTA Areas: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge.

Contact Hours: This course is worth 3.0 contact hours, 0.3 AOTA CEUs,

Completion Requirements: To earn contact hours or AOTA CEUs for this course participants must view this course in it’s entirety, and successfully complete the accompanying course quiz.

About the Speaker: Michelle Denison-Darragh, MS, OTR/L is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist practicing in a public school in Massachusetts. She studied Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College where she graduated Summa cum Laude and was a member of the all discipline national honor society Phi Kappa Phi, as well as Pi Theta Epsilon (for occupational therapy students), and Alpha Eta (for allied health professions). Michelle is SIPT Certified and has completed additional training related to sensory integration, neurodiversity affirming approaches, cultural aspects in education, racism in healthcare, listening therapies, trauma-informed care, and sensory-enhanced yoga. She has a passion for working with children and their families to develop their sense of curiosity, confidence, and ability to follow their passions.

Disclosure: Speakers will be compensated for this presentation.

ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact courses@thespiralfoundation.org

Cancellation Policies: Available here

Continuing Education:

Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants: SPIRAL Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.