Newsletter Issue 5 - May / June 2004
Delaware Occupational Therapy Association Newsletter
May / June2004
http://www.dotaonline.org
Rosemary Calvert, Editor
DOTA Officers
President: Kathy Caudle
katohtee@comcast.net
302-738-3110
Vice President: Molly McGinty
mollymcgintyotr@hotmail.com
302-430-5964
Secretary: Lisa Sligh
LAC613@aol.com
Treasurer: Jane McNicholas
jem@ravenet.com
PO Box 566 Claymont DE 19703
Important Dates
- Tues, Sept 7: DOTA meeting, 6:30, Kent General Rehab (Bayhealth)
DE Board of OT meetings:
- Wed, Aug 4
- Wed, Sept 8
- Wed, Oct 13
- Wed, Nov 17
- NO DEC MEETING
Board meetings may be rescheduled. Confirm meeting dates by calling 302-744-4511.
From the President
Our long range planning meeting, held on June 12, 2004, at the Bayhealth outpatient facility, was poorly attended. To those who participated, thank you. DOTA is your state association and the direction we take is determined by the needs of the membership. Although we could not vote on the many topics/concerns we had, the meeting was very informative. Some of the topics we discussed included membership retention/increase and improved networking by members, continuing education, website expansion and use of the website, and help needed for committee chairs. An overview of this information will be discussed briefly at our next meeting in September.
Specific goals set up include how/when we will provide continuing education and how to improve member participation and retention. This will be tied into the RA resolution related to state associations and AOTA membership.
As my first year comes to an end, I reflect back on a busy year and want to thank all who have taken an active role in ensuring DOTA remains a quality volunteer organization that meets the needs of its members.
Lisa Sligh’s tenure as DOTA Secretary has concluded. If you are interested in helping to keep the minutes, please contact me at Katohtee@comcast.net or 302-456-1962. Rosemary Calvert is also looking for help with the newsletter and website contributions.
Have a great summer. See you September 7.
Kathy
2004 Awards and Scholarship
Our OT academic student scholarship recipient for this year is Joy Burkley of Middletown, Delaware. She is a full time OT student at Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania. Joy wrote, "...I am consistently growing, growing in my interest of Occupational Therapy and growing through my education. " " ...I want to be an Occupational Therapist. I will get there."
This year’s President’s Award was presented to Jan Gorecki M.S. OTR/L. The OTR/COTA Partnership Award went to Dorrice Burns OTR/L and Will Crump COTA/L. Lisa Sligh COTA/L, Jody Tate OTR/L, and Debbie Oblath M.S. OTR/L were recognized with Service Awards for much appreciated work as Secretary, RA, and RA Alternate, respectively.
Members Needs for Continuing Education
Each year members are asked to supply on their membership application their opinions on continuing education needs. DOTA wants to improve continuing ed opportunities, expanding to half day and full day workshops twice a year (in addition to our conference). We are in need of some core people to organize such workshops. The following topics have been suggested by members:
Modalities/PAMS for OT, dynamic splinting, anatomy reviews, sensory integration for pediatrics and geriatrics, assistive technology in school and other settings, driving evaluations for seniors, Handwriting Without Tears, computer assistive technology, cognition, pain management for geriatrics, LTC wheelchair positioning, vision in geriatrics, balance, wellness in the elderly, early intervention, stroke, NDT, shoulder/hand rehabilitation, pediatric social skills, documentation, pediatric splinting, pediatrics and school based therapy, arthritis, CVA, PNF, the new OT Practice Framework, vision rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, falls, low vision services and treatment, public education on OT (especially AE and home modifications), Senior and Cheer Centers (increasing OT utilization), functional evaluations for paratransit, service dog use, home/building modification for universal accessibility.
DOTA is ready to move outside our membership to bring these needed workshops to us. If you can supply contacts, help set up a workshop, or are willing to present a workshop, please contact Kathy Caudle or Molly McGinty. Your efforts will be so appreciated.
Continuing Education
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network offers FREE in-service training to school related personnel on a variety of topics. Occupational therapists in school settings may explore what they have to offer related early intervention, assistive technology, etc. The closest location is in the King of Prussia area. The website is www.pattan.K12.pa.us/ and the logo is PaTTAN.
The Maryland Occupational Therapy Association’s annual conference is slated for November 5-6, 2004 at Community College of Baltimore, Cantonsville campus. For more information, call Pam at 410-381-8593 or e-mail Pam.Vogel@Verizon.net
Cost and agenda have not been finalized, and there should be reciprocity for other state association members.
Legislative Issues
Delaware HS1 to HB 292 was passed by the House of Representatives on June 22, 2004. It also passed the Senate. The DPTA and DATA reached agreement on common language for the regulation of Athletic Trainers that limits their ability to practice independently to musculoskeletal injury resulting from or limiting participation in or training for scholastic, recreational, professional or sanctioned amateur athletic events and requiring a physician’s referral.
They will not be independently able to treat other musculoskeletal injuries but can work under the supervision of a PT in those circumstances with direct supervision of every fifth treatment. Also, the ATC cannot independently initiate, modify or discontinue a PT plan of care – any changes require discussion and clearance from the PT who is ultimately responsible.—Cathy Ciolek
Thanks to my State Representative, Joe Miro of the 22nd District, for responding and supplying information about this bill.
Call to Action (from Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative, www.dati.org)
The latest news out of Washington regarding the reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act is that the House has passed their reauthorization bill, HR 4278, and the Senate has introduced their version of the bill. The next step is for the House and the Senate to begin negotiations and come up with a compromise bill that can be passed by both houses of Congress.
This compromise bill must be agreed upon quickly because there are only seven legislative weeks left before Congress adjourns. If a reauthorization bill is not agreed upon, the only way that DATI support can continue is for Congress to once again waive the sunset provision in the appropriations bill.
What can you do to help?
For your convenience, we have drafted a letter urging Delaware's Congressional delegation to support the reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act.The letter also asks the delegates to waive the sunset provision if they are not able to come to an agreement on the AT Act before the adjournment of Congress. Please feel free to customize the sample letter and send it to our Congressional delegation. The DATI welcomes copies of your correspondence as well. Given the security concerns in our nation's capital, email and fax communications are preferable to mailed ones.
A copy of this sample letter is included in this mailing.
Employment Opportunities
OTR/L 5-10 hrs/wk at Rehabilitation Consultants, Inc. Hiring immediately for a Delaware licensed OTR/L at a large North Wilmington outpatient clinic. Caseload includes all ages, neurological, pediatric and orthopedic. Please contact Robert Catalano, MA PT Cert MDT at RCIPT@aol.com
OTR/L 5-10 hrs/wk for various assisted living centers with Rehabilitation Consultants, Inc. Hiring immediately for a Delaware licensed OTR/L. Patient evaluation and supervision of experienced COTA at various assisted living centers. Be part of an energetic PT and ST team. Please contact Robert Catalano, MA PT Cert MDT at RCIPT@aol.com
Pediatric School Based Occupational Therapists needed to begin September 2004!!! Therapy Services of Del. Inc. is in need of full and part-time therapists for work in the schools. These are contractual positions available in Wilmington, Delaware and Southern New Jersey areas. Client caseloads: Full spectrum of children with developmental challenges. Grade levels from preschool through high school. Ongoing continuing education program. (This year included Mary Benbow OTR and Judi Bierman PT). Flexible hours that are compatible with family schedules. Work with a supportive group of OTs, COTAs, PTs, PTAs, and SLPs/CCC. We welcome new grads or individuals interested in pediatrics. For those individuals without pediatric experience, we will provide some center-based sites as well as a mentor. If interested; please contact Carolyn or Treasa@ Therapy Services of DE., Inc., 24 Gates Circle, Hockessin, Delaware 19707. Call: (302) 239-0920 or fax a resume to (302) 234-1661.
Christiana Care: Looking for some extra spending money this summer? Considering a new full-time or part-time position? Discover how our Occupational Therapists make an impression each and every day. Located in Delaware, Christiana Care is one of the nation’s largest private health systems. We bring together the latest technology, top-of-the-line resources, modern facilities, and some of the most talented people in the healthcare field. Find out how you can make your own impression. In this position, the Occupational Therapist will evaluate and treat patients with physical dysfunctions in the acute care setting as required by physician's written order. Candidates must be a Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy program, with a current DE license and registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. For more information, or to apply online for immediate consideration, please visit christianacare.org or email resume to Jonathan Judy at jjudy@christianacare.org
Genesis Rehab Services is hiring immediately for full-time, part-time, and per diem OTRs and COTAs for our skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in the Newark and Wilmington areas. We are a dedicated, flexible, and fun rehab team, seeking therapists of all experience levels. Please contact Cheryl Merritt, MS, OTR/L for more information by emailing OtDeeter@comcast.net or calling (302) 528-1255!
Rehab Dynamics is currently seeking a full time Occupational Therapist for our skilled nursing facility in Lewes, Delaware. This is a beautiful facility located within minutes of the shore. Work with a full team of therapists providing rehabilitation services in this subacute and long-term care center. Earn a very competitive wage and full benefits package, including 401(k). New grads and experienced therapists are encouraged to apply. Additional opportunities are available for OTs and COTAs for PRN work in Wilmington, Dover, and Lewes. Call Kathy in our recruitment department at (800) 632-2191.
Imagine yourself working at Beebe and relaxing on the beach! Beebe Medical Center is experiencing tremendous growth. To meet the needs of our patients, we are seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist. Position offers a great deal of flexibility: a portion of the day working in our skilled nursing facility (adjacent to the hospital), and a portion of the day seeing home care patients (managed by our home health care division). Must have current DE licensure, with a current drivers license. Offering sign-on bonus, outstanding compensation and benefits package. Live and work at the beach -- call today!
Beebe Medical Center
424 Savannah Road
Lewes, DE 19958
PHONE: (302) 645-3336
FAX: (302) 645-0965
creynold@bbmc.org
RehabCare Group Inc. is seeking prn COTA or OTR for the Milford DE location. Contact Wendy Mears (302) 424-4438 or (302) 430-5964, or email her at wmot@dmv.com
Come and join the Sunrise Senior Living Team! Forwood Manor is looking for a per diem Occupational Therapist. We are an Independent full service community, including independent living, assisted living, and health care. We are looking for an energetic, caring individual to join our team. Please call Joanne Downie, Director of Rehabilitation Services at (302) 529-1600 x232.
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