CAOT- BC

09/19/2025

ATTENTION CAOT-BC MEMBERS!

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR SPECIAL FREE OT MONTH EVENTS JUST FOR YOU!

To celebrate OT Month, and to recognize the importance of taking care of our own mental health, as much as our clients, we are thrilled to announce our special mindfulness event, led by renowned BC OT and MBSR instructor, Tom Heah

FREE EVENT: "Mindfulness for our times"
PRESENTER: Tom Heah, OT and certified MBSR Instructor

DESCRIPTION: In this experiential session, you will practice some short meditations and mindfulness tools for emotional regulation, and learn about the evidence base for mindfulness-based interventions in physical and mental health

DATES:
👉 October 23, 12:00-1:30 p.m. PST
👇 October 30, 2:00-3:30 p.m. PST

Learn more about Tom here: https://www.mindfulnessinaction.ca/about-tom/

Registration link coming very soon!

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

09/19/2025

Earlier this year, brain injury experts met to discuss updating the terminology we use to characterize traumatic brain injuries. This new system would move away from labeling brain injuries as mild, moderate, and severe and would instead use other criteria, like blood biomarkers and CT scans, to evaluate the injury. In a recent article in the latest issue of THE Challenge! magazine, we broke down how this conversation is evolving and what it would mean for the future of brain injury care. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3I4xIUh

09/19/2025

Two new programs have been launched in the School of Rehabilitation Science in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Medicine. Learners can now apply to be part of the province’s first occupational therapy and speech-language pathology training programs.

09/15/2025

The 4th annual BC Allied Health Professionals Day is October 10th 2025!

This year, the BC Ministry of Health has launched a new initiative called the "BC Allied Health Professional's Day Recognition Awards" and are seeking nominations through Oct 10th.

These awards will recognize excellence across seven categories, with the nomination period open until October 10th, 2025. All nominees will receive a certificate of recognition signed by the Provincial Chief Allied Health Officer.

Awards categories include:
🏆 Excellence in Clinical Practice
🏆 Emerging Allied Health Leader (< 5 years practice!)
🏆 Excellence in Clinical Education
🏆 Innovative Research and Knowledge Translation
🏆 Excellence in Rural and Remote Allied Health Care
🏆 Outstanding Allied Health Team

💖 Let’s work together to highlight and celebrate BC's incredible OT clinical practice and team-based care! 💖

🧠 I invite you all to consider nominating an OT colleague, OT team or Allied Health care team in your organization who deliver outstanding clinical supports and services in BC.

Takes no more than 5-10 mins to complete! 🧠

https://surveymoh.health.gov.bc.ca/public/survey/allied-health-professionals-day-awards-nomination-form

Want assistance or more info? Reach out to us at caotbc@caot.ca

09/15/2025

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Committee member call out!

ISC is seeking an Occupational Therapist for the Medical Services and Equipment Advisory Committee (MSEAC):

The MSEAC provides evidence-informed, impartial expert advice and recommendations on issues related to medical supplies and equipment, as well as vision care benefits under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. This advice helps to support and strengthen coverage of non-insured health benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients.

👉 Membership term of 4 years, up to 3 meetings/year.
👉 Must hold active registration/designation as an OT.
👉 Must have experience collaborating with indigenous organizations, elders, or community health representatives.
👉 Experience and interest in evaluating cost-effectiveness, safety and clinical utility of new equipment.
👉 Compensation for meeting and preparation time

More information on the committee here: 👇
https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1690554421845/1690554487853

➡️ Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest, along with a curriculum vitae to:
ssnarequetesccemfm-nihbmseacinquiries@sac-isc.gc.ca
by October 20, 2025.

Need more info? Reach out to us at: caotbc@caot.ca

CAOT-North
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
CAOT-SK
CAOT- BC

The Medical Supplies and Equipment Advisory Committee (MSEAC) is a multidisciplinary advisory body of independent health professionals and academic specialists.

09/12/2025

Our submission to the Federal government's pre-budget 2026 consultations underscores the critical role of the occupational therapy profession in Canadian health care systems.

📣 We're calling for investment in 4 specific areas that will support your practice and improve the health outcomes and lives of Canadians.

09/12/2025

BC OT leader in the mental health space (among many others) Kat Dikeakos, leads this upcoming workshop.

There’s never been a more important time that now to take care of your own mental health so you can give your best to those you support.

Start the workshop "Health care burnout 101: Occupational therapy for the clinician and the client" today to be able to develop a plan to prevent or manage burnout, for yourself and for your clients- https://caot.ca/client/event/roster/eventRosterDetails.html?productId=11768&eventRosterId=10

Upon registration, you will gain access to the 1-hour prerecorded lecture discussing how we are wired and why we are tired.

Then, join us live on September 25, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to explore signs and symptoms of burnout, occupational and functional life impacts, as well as the unique role of occupational therapists in assisting with burnout prevention, management and recovery.

Take the next step by registering now ➡️ https://caot.ca/client/event/roster/eventRosterDetails.html?productId=11768&eventRosterId=10

09/10/2025

Do you support or provide services, supports or health care to 2SLGBTQIA communities in the north? Check out this Prince George conference coming up on September 25th!

🌈Join for full day of professional learning for service providers, educators, healthcare teams, social workers, and community leaders who support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. "Serving with Pride" brings together experts, advocates, and practitioners to share practical tools, research, and lived experience that strengthen inclusive care within community services.🌈

Event organized by Community Living BC
Northern BC Q***r Connection Society
CLBC Start with Hi and Stay Connected

➡️More info and registration here:⬅️
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/serving-with-pride-inclusive-approaches-to-2slgbtqia-communities-tickets-1629126333719?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/29/2025

CAOT-BC members!
Check out the latest BC OTalk now!

✨In this issue, we highlight the inspiring stories & reflections of UBC MOT students’ international placements, as well as share an OT Spotlight on Paediatric leader, Tricia Lang!✨

Link to the MOT story here:
https://osot.ubc.ca/2025/08/08/international-ot-placements-cultural-humility/

👉Not a member yet & want to be?
Email us at caotbc@caot.ca👈

UBC Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

08/29/2025

Did you know the first-ever Women's Para Hockey World Championships happened just this year? Now is the time to be a part of history!

Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, this event is for you! All ages and abilities are welcome

WHEN: September 27 & 28 2025
WHERE: Richmond Olympic Oval

08/29/2025

Are you interested in advancing psychological health and safety in the workplace?

CHMA BC's Bottom Line 2025 conference in Vancouver BC October 27/28 focuses on the power of connection and compassion in supporting mentally healthy workplaces for all by building a sense of community. Gain practical tools, connections, and insights to lead meaningful change from within your organization.

Highlights of sessions include:
👉 Psychological Health and Safety Regulation
👉 Return to Work Services Following a Mental Health Injury
👉 Creating a Suicide-Aware Workplace
👉 Tackling workplace loneliness & isolation through leadership and choice

Contact us at caotbc@caot.ca for more information and a member 10% discount code!

Register or more information: https://lnkd.in/dAnzsSq5
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