AOTA highlights and OT BINGO MAY 2025

Forgive me if I'm still walking on a cloud after April! What an amazing month!  As you know, I had the priviledge of travelling to the US to attend the AOTA conference in Philadelphia.  I have to admit feeling intimidated by the sheer number of people attending the conference (I was told 10 000 people).  I was blown away by the enthusiasm of my colleagues with their innovation, research and drive to see our profession become even stronger. ​

An absolute highlight was all the amazing people I met! After working and connecting with people online, it was a blast to actually meet in person.  It was also very reassuring that we all speak the same "OT language".  Here are some of the awesome people that I met... Jaime (Miss Jaime OT), Jayson (OT Schoolhouse ), Alvin (OT outside the box), Kelly Mahler, Annmarie (AnnmarieOT), Polly (Legiliner), Ralph (Hungry Cutters), Sarah (Doodles Help Handwriting), Michelle  (Tummy time method). I also met a handful of Aussies including Samantha Hunter (CEO, OT Australia). 

Now, it wasn't all just fun and games. I attended many fascinating talks including the Power of puppets, AI in OT practice, Ethical responsibility of trauma responsive neurodiverse affirming care, Business models fo OTpreneurship and more! Here are a few poster highlights. 

Each month this year I have been sharing prompts that I've called "OT BINGO".  The only one I really marked off last month was the conference but let's see what May will bring. The May prompts include:
* gym ball
* squeeze
* pop tube
* kinetic sand
* grid paper
* frogs
* downward dog
* playdough
​* letter size

​But wait.... Aussie OTs (teachers, parents or anyone else), I have a special treat for you! Head over to Your Kids OT on Instagram and Facebook this week (May 5 - 9, 2025).  I have a giveaway to share with products donated to me from Hungry Cutters and Legiliners! I wanted the opportunity to share my trip with you! 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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