This weekend saw us deliver Module 3 live and interactive via Zoom to therapists from the UK and Ireland. We have successfully used Zoom and GoToWebinar during COVID-19 to have live interactive CPD webinars about Sensory Ladders, Assessment and Research. We wondered if Zoom would allow us to see and work in almost the same way as we would usually do in the face to face classroom module?

“I just want to say thank you for such an enjoyable 3 days. It was excellent, and I learned so so much. I’ve been working in paeds for 4 years and never really truly understood the Clin Obs until you explained it the way you did. I just think your course should be compulsory for all Paeds OTs!!! It was excellent. Thank you. Looking forward to the next stages…

…You can leave my name in and please do share the review. I will be recommending the course to every OT I meet, especially my Paeds team (OT, SLT and PT). Looking forward to doing an in-service on everything you have thought me. Thanks again. See you in August.”

Helen Hoyne, July 2020

img_4852We could see and talk to each other in real-time, share coffee and a laugh as we learnt the tests of postural praxis and praxis on verbal command in the SIPT. We considered the new items in the EASI that assess posture and praxis, including some that the original Ayres’ Clinical Observations, developed and published in 1972 in the iconic ‘Blue Book – Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders’.

photo_2020-07-23 07.32.26We explored what’s the same and different in Design Copy (SIPT) and Designs (EASI). We measured angles in Constructional Praxis and wondered curiously about what each test measures and how this contributes to clinical reasoning.

photo_2020-07-23 07.32.33It was exciting to see how technology can help us to deliver such an efficient hands-on, somewhat socially distanced learning experience. And, that it is possible to do this while having fun and getting to know each other as if we were together doing it face to face.

And, as the first 3 days drew to a close, we started planning the time before now and the final day 4 of Module 3. Our delegates are now ready to begin building EASI kits, and borrowing SIPT kits from local therapists or ASI Wise to be able to practice with family and friends, and where possible starting to assess their case study client as well.

“I wanted to say thank you for yesterdays session and all your hard work putting it all together in such a different way to normal. I really enjoyed the sessions.” CY July 2020

img_4845Guided by the data-driven decision-making process, delegates will now collect data to plot onto the interpretation tool, including how to consider and include data from a range of assessment tools and tests, interview, client and carer narrative and observation of play and leisure, even when this is via telehealth.

Looking forward to our final day together in August, and the Tutor Group chat online before this, watching and supporting people’s progress mastering new assessment skills.

photo_2020-07-23 08.34.16

“It’s working really well online, in my opinion. I really wasn’t sure about doing M6 online and neither was my colleague, but I’ve told her how good it is and we’d both now like to do it.” HM July 2020