We’re using Forum Theatre in the Therapeutic Use of Self class this week. It’s sunny and warm so we’re able to use an outdoor space. Here’s the article that first inspired me to use this approach: http://muse.jhu.edu/login?uri=/journals/literature_and_medicine/v016/16.1brown.html

I spent the afternoon in jail. I had the opportunity to do a “jewelry with meaning” workshop at the local women’s prison with the Occupational Therapist and two OT students who are there. It was great to see what the women created and sad to see how hungry they are for purposeful, meaningful things to do. The project encourages participants to identify strengths and then make a bracelet that reminds you of those strengths on a daily basis.
Thanks J, L & L for letting me be a tiny part of the work you do.

This is such a lovely place to write in. Peaceful views but I’m far from tranquil. Still working on my proposal for my doctoral research. I want to use narrative inquiry to explore “occupations as means” in OT practice. I think it is what makes OT unique and yet it appears to be challenging to do. I’m looking for some “positive deviants” who practice OT this way in spite of challenges. Wrote an identity memo this week. One of the questions to answer was “what in this research are you most afraid of?” I think it’s that I’ll not find anyone practicing this way. Then what? It will change what I say in the classroom. And it will break my heart.

I was so thrilled on Wednesday night to see Lindsay Eales, one of the occcupational therapy students at University of Alberta, appear on this national show, doing a duet with Harmanie Shairp, a dancer who uses a wheelchair. Lindsay is a dancer and choreographer, and is about to graduate as an occupational therapist. She has a passion for dance and for finding ways to enable everyone’s participation in dance. She is doing a fantatic job of getting that message out. Check out this short clip of a number she choreographed for the U of A Orchesis Dance Club last year. Way to go!!

Here’s the clip from the show:

SYTYCD Canada clip

The week was the second annual AMHOTCoP event. The organizing committee was happy to have 30+ occupational therapists join us to discuss and present ( in some wonderfully creative ways) their dreams for the future of occupational therapy practice in Alberta. Thanks to everyone who attended! And thanks to the sponsors, including Capital Health, Grey Nuns’ Hospital and the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta.