Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists

🧠 Five Keys to Supporting Behaviour Regulation
📅 October 15–16, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (each day)
💻 Live Online
Expand your understanding of behaviour through a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed lens. This session explores how sensory, social, communication, and medical experiences shape interoception, regulation, and participation in neurodivergent individuals.
💡 You’ll learn:
• How to identify diverse sources of trauma
• The connection between trauma, interoception, and self-regulation
• Practical, neuro-affirming strategies to support clients across the lifespan
🎓 Presenters:
Kelly Mahler — OT, author & interoception expert
Chloe Rothschild — Autism advocate & educator

🔗 Register now: https://saot.ca/event/five-keys-to-supporting-behaviour-regulation/

Clinical Preceptor Award

Do you know a clinical preceptor who made a lasting impact on a student’s fieldwork experience?

The Clinical Preceptor Award recognizes outstanding performance in clinical education during any level of fieldwork placement. This award honours preceptors who demonstrate exceptional clinical teaching abilities and inspire the next generation of occupational therapists.

Award Includes:
⭐ Letter of recognition from the SAOT President
⭐ Announcement on the SAOT website and in e-Bulletin
⭐ Certificate presented at the SAOT Annual General Meeting

📅 Nomination Deadline: October 1 each year
https://saot.ca/members/awards/

Students are encouraged to recognize the preceptors who supported, guided, and inspired their learning journey.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BUXTMoZZp/

Free occupational therapy services for children are now available at our Campus in Camrose — and no referral is needed.

Our OT Teaching Clinic is booking appointments from May 19 to June 26. Graduate students, supervised by experienced OTs, can help with play and motor skills, school readiness, sensory regulation, self-care, and more — with in-person and virtual options available.

Email [email protected] to register. Spots are limited!

🧠✨ The 6 Guiding Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice
From Understanding to Embodied Practical Application

📅 November 27–28, 2026
💻 Live Online via Zoom

➕ Complimentary follow-up: January 7, 2027
💸 Eligible for 2026 Member Workshop Credit

Move beyond theory and into real-time, practical trauma-informed practice. This training focuses on how we respond in the moment to support safety, regulation, and connection in everyday clinical work.

💡 You’ll explore:
• The 6 guiding principles of trauma-informed care
• Nervous system responses, triggers & Window of Tolerance
• Co-regulation and stabilization strategies
• Reframing behaviour as adaptive, not “problematic”
• Supporting presence, connection & practitioner wellbeing

🎓 Presenter: Alexandra Dunn

👥 For OTs, therapy assistants, support workers & healthcare staff

🔗 Register: https://saot.ca/event/

Outstanding Clinical Contribution in Occupational Therapy Award

Do you know an OT who demonstrates exceptional clinical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and commitment to professional growth?

This award recognizes an individual who embodies the core values and principles of Occupational Therapy through meaningful contributions to practice and knowledge sharing.

Award Includes:
⭐ $1000 monetary award sponsored by BrokerLink
⭐ Letter of recognition from the SAOT President
⭐ Announcement on the SAOT website and in e-newsletters
⭐ Recognition at the annual SAOT AGM

📅 Nomination Deadline: October 1 each year

Celebrate the impact of an outstanding OT by submitting a nomination today. https://saot.ca/members/awards/

🏠 Home Modifications – Live Online

📅 October 28, 2026 | 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
📅 October 29, 2026 | 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
💻 1.5-Day Virtual Workshop

Strengthen your skills in assessing home environments and translating findings into practical, client-centred solutions. This workshop focuses on improving safety, accessibility, and independence for adults and older adults living with physical or cognitive challenges.

💡 What you’ll learn:
• Structured, room-by-room home assessment strategies
• Matching environmental barriers with effective modifications and equipment
• Working confidently with funders, vendors, and contractors
• Prioritizing recommendations using strong clinical reasoning

🎓 Instructor: Margot McWhirter, OT | Gerontology Specialist, Inclusive Aging

🔗 Register now: https://saot.ca/event/home-modifications-creating-accessible-inclusive-housing-4/

🧠 Movement, Perception & Plasticity (Suitable for TAs)

📅 May 29, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 PM MT
💻 Live Online

Discover how sensory and perceptual challenges impact movement—and how to turn that insight into effective, activity-based treatment plans for clients with neurological injury.

💡 What you’ll gain:
• Stronger clinical reasoning for neuro rehab
• Practical strategies you can apply right away
• Real-world learning through interactive discussion

🎓 Instructor: Teresa Siebold

⏳ Registration closes May 27 — don’t miss it:
🔗 https://saot.ca/event/movement-perception-plasticity/

SAOT peeps in Montreal for the CAOT Conference.
Lauren Leveille, President, Diana VandeStoel, VP, Robin Telasky, ED
CONFERENCE