Description
A Conversation with Michelle Denison-Darragh, MS, OTR/L
moderated by Robyn Carreras, MS, OTR/LÂ
Live: Thursday June 27th, 2024. 7-8pm EST
Recording Available: Monday June 30th, 2024
LiveTalks are hour long panel discussions. These LiveTalks have not been recorded yet. LiveTalks are included in SPIRAL membership.
Description: Join us for an enlightening session on supporting sensory integration in elementary school-aged children. This talk discusses the typical sensory and motor milestones for children aged 6-12, highlighting how these milestones influence their ability to engage and succeed in school and daily activities. Michelle and Robyn explored variations in sensory processing among children and discussed effective intervention strategies for promoting sensory-friendly practices within educational settings. Through an in-depth case study, they illustrated practical approaches to supporting sensory development, emphasizing the crucial role of educators and caregivers in fostering a supportive environment. This session also covered ways to create sensory-friendly classrooms, implement sensory breaks, and utilize tools like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys to aid children with sensory processing difficulties. This discussion aims to equip parents, teachers, and therapists with the knowledge and tools needed to support sensory integration during the elementary school years.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this series, participants will be able to:
- Describe the foundational principles of sensory integration across different stages of the lifespan.
- Identify common sensory processing challenges and variations experienced by individuals from early childhood to old age.
- Define effective strategies and interventions for supporting sensory integration in diverse populations across the lifespan.
Audience: OT/OTA, PT/PTA, SLP, Psychologists, Educators, Parents
Course Level: Introductory. There are no prerequisites for this series.
AOTA Areas: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery: Evaluation, Intervention and Outcomes. Foundational Knowledge: Human Body, Development, and Behavior.
Contact Hours: The entire LiveTalk series is worth 5 contact hours or 0.5 AOTA CEUs. Individual LiveTalks are each worth 1 contact hour or 0.1 AOTA CEUs.
Completion Requirements: To earn contact hours or AOTA CEUs for each LiveTalk, participants must attend or view the online session in its entirety and successfully complete the accompanying quiz.
About the Speakers:
Michelle Denison-Darragh, MS, OTR/L: Michelle 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.
Robyn Carreras, MS, OTR/L (Moderator): Robyn is a seasoned occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience specializing in sensory integration therapy. As the moderator for the SPIRAL Foundation’s 2024 LiveTalk Series, Robyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in facilitating discussions on sensory integration. Her passion for advocacy and education in the field of occupational therapy makes her an invaluable asset to this series.
Disclosure: No disclosures.
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.
