A CPD opportunity full of rich learning , networking and development
On 10 October 2024 , the RCOT Specialist Section – Neurological Practice held its annual conference , ‘ The art of living through doing – empowering people living with neurological conditions through occupational engagement ’, in Birmingham .
It was a day of reflection , learning , and inspiration and an opportunity for delegates to deepen their knowledge , connect with peers , and engage in meaningful conversations .
Throughout the day , delegates and presenters collectively explored the transformative power of occupational therapy in the lives of individuals with neurological conditions , drawing on the lived experiences of those who have found confidence and purpose through engagement in meaningful occupations .
Keynote speakers on the day were award-winning philanthropic author and public speaker Hazel Carter , and professional mountaineer and disability awareness educator Paul Pritchard .
Hazel is an MND Association trustee and advocate for carers , hospices and people living with motor neurone disease ( MND ) and during lockdown , Hazel wrote an educational and inspirational book about caring for her husband when he had MND .
Over 900 copies have been sold since she published it in June 2023 and Hazel donates 100 % of everything people pay for her book to charity . In 2022 , she donated a kidney to her brother . And in 2023 , she won the Inspirational Author award from Ladies First Professional Development .
Paul is a professional mountaineer and disability awareness educator . He has tackled adventures the world over , from Patagonia to the Himalayas . His incredible story is ultimately one of acceptance . While climbing the world ’ s most slender needle of rock – The Totem Pole – a boulder dislodged and crushed Paul ’ s skull . The result was a massive brain injury . Paul permanently lost use of his right side and could not talk for a year .
It took doctors many months to get his epileptic seizures under control . Astonishingly , Paul returned to The Totem Pole 18 years after his brain injury . For this , he was awarded the Australian Geographic Spirit of Adventure medal and was nominated for Australian of the Year .
Since the accident , Paul has led teams of ‘ disabled adventurers ’ on cycles to Mount Everest and on expedition up Kilimanjaro . In 2022 , Paul led a team of people with disabilities on a traverse of the 232 kilometre Larapinta Trail in the Red Centre . Paul is a shining example of resilience and courage .
Delegates also heard from Thérèse Lebedis , OBE , a Consultant AHP ( Occupational Therapist ) in Stroke for NHS Grampian , and Mary Warren , an occupational therapist and retired university professor , who has studied , taught and treated adult clients with vision impairment from acquired brain injury for nearly 50 years .
A huge thanks go to conference sponsor Krysalis Consultancy Ltd , the UK ’ s leading provider of specialist neurological occupational therapy and vocational rehabilitation services . The company has been supporting individuals , families , legal professionals , insurance providers , and the NHS since 2006 .
And special acknowledgement also goes to industry expert sponsors Accora Ltd , Allard , Irwin Mitchell and Nudge Reality for their support .
It ’ s not too late to join us at this month ’ s OT Show
Come and join RCOT at the Occupational Therapy Show , at the NEC Birmingham on 27- 28 November 2024 . Whether you ’ re already a member or thinking of joining , come and meet us at stand B41 .
Occupational therapy professionals can attend the OT Show for free . At the event , you ’ ll have access to a CPD accredited conference across six theatres , covering diverse content for different specialisms within health , social care , education and more .
You can engage with a range of RCOT presentations :
• Claudia Anderson , Membership Engagement Manager : ‘ RCOT : Maximise your membership ’, 9.30-10am , Wednesday 27 November , Showcase Theatre .
• Steve Ford , Chief Executive : ‘ RCOT – Our new exciting membership plans ’, at 10-10.45am , Wednesday 27 November , Keynote Theatre .
• Dr Nikki Daniels , Head of Communities and Connections : ‘ Reimagining RCOT Communities ’, at 9.30-10am , Thursday 28 November , Showcase Theatre .
And you can explore the exhibition hall for the latest products , expert advice and options for your clients to support them with independent living . Reasons to attend include :
• It ’ s free for all occupational therapy professionals .
• Discover more about our member resources – learn about what becoming an RCOT member means and what to expect down the line .
• Talk to RCOT experts – get your questions answered .
• Choose from over 100 CPD certified interactive lectures and practical workshops .
• Learn from world-renowned occupational therapy speakers and experts and leave with knowledge on how you can become the best OT you can be .
• Access to the latest products and services , from over 270 leading healthcare suppliers .
• Network with over 3,500 OTs and raise the profile of your service among allied healthcare professionals .
It ’ s not too late to register for your free place at www . theotshow . com .
8 OTnews November 2024