2016 Number Two Volume 9, Issue 2

The Connection Inside

This Issue:

President’s Pen 1

Theme

Established For

2016 KOTA

Conference

2

2016 KOTA

Photo Contest

Winners

Announced

3

2016 KOTA

Legislative Day

on the Hill

Highlights

4

Greater Kansas

City District

Update

5

Top Ten

Reasons…

To Subscribe to

KOTA CEU

6

CarFit Kit

Available from

KOTA

7

CarFit Kit Form 8

CEU Mgmt

Application

9

Membership

Application 10

KOTA Board 11

President’s Pen BY LADESSA FORREST, OTD, OTR/L

April was National Occupational Therapy Month! I hope you are

enjoying the nicer weather. I just love being able to get outside and

walk my dogs.

With April 1, 2016 comes the start of my final year as the KOTA President, and

it has been a great honor. As I start this final year, I want to say goodbye and

thank you to Nancy Dalinger, Amy Konrade, Pam Perry and Joel Thomas for

their service to our organization. I also want to welcome to their new positions,

Melissa Smith as Vice President, Mindy Hill as Education Officer and Kara

Rogers as the New President Elect. I appreciate the time and dedication all the

Board members show by serving this great state’s OT Association.

I recently had the honor of representing the OT professionals of Kansas in the

ASAP meeting just prior to the AOTA Conference in Chicago, IL. I am proud to

announce that once again Kansas won a state award during the ASAP meeting

for “Thinking Outside the Box” for the Photo Contest. Thank you to all the

participants. Other topics from the ASAP meeting: New York recently became

the last state to get Licensure for OTAs. Now all states are licensed for OT and

OTA. License Portability is a hot topic right now with AOTA looking into the

feasibility of forming state compacts versus expedited licensing in each state to

help therapists that work in multiple states. (Traveling therapists, therapists

that live along state borders, therapists practicing via Telehealth). Another

topic of discussion was regarding Accreditation. It has been decided that at this

time, the OT profession will have two entry level degrees: MOT and OTD. For

OTA, entry level will be Associate and Bachelors degree. ACOTE (Accreditation

for OT/OTA programs) is still developing the standards for the Bachelors

program and then will pilot to a few universities for accreditation.

This was the most attended AOTA Conference to date with over 10,000

registered attendees, plus vendors, presenters and AOTA staff. There were

several great speakers at this Conference. The Keynote speakers were Jessica

(Continued on page 2)

Page 2 Volume 9, Issue 2

Kensky and Patrick Downes, who are a married couple that were both injured in the Boston

Marathon Bombing. They were very inspirational. If you every have a chance to hear them speak, I

encourage you to take the time to listen. Another wonderful guest speaker at the AOTF Breakfast

with a Scholar was Lisa Genova, PhD, Bestselling Author and Neuroscientist. She was so engaging

and truly had an appreciation for Occupational Therapists and what we do to enhance our patient’s

lives. She has written many books that I encourage you to read: Still Alice, Left Neglected, Love

Anthony and Inside the O’Briens.

Finally I would like to mention that very there are new Rules and Regulations in the State of

Kansas regarding New OTA Supervision Requirements, and an amended Continuing Education

regulation as it relates to being a Fieldwork Supervisor. I encourage you all to watch your email

and/or mail for these new changes that will affect our profession. These changes are the result of

concerns voiced and requests made by members to the KOTA Board. In turn the KOTA Board and

OT Council for the State of Kansas have worked diligently for the past several years to make this

happen so it will be exciting once they are official.

Hope you celebrated OT Month,

LaDessa

(Continued from page 1)

What does occupational therapy and the Kansas state motto have in common? This may seem like

an odd question to ask, but let's take a look at each one and you will understand.

As OT practitioners, we are continually looking for ways to help our clients gain the skills they

need to become more independent and to assist them in reaching their goals in order to "live life to

its fullest". We use many different treatment techniques and modalities we have learned over the

years through education and experience to take a client the distance they wish to go. As we all

know, that distance varies from one patient to the next depending on their motivation and

potential.

When settlers first came to Kansas, they had their work cut out for them. Without giving a full

history lesson, our motto refers not only to the pioneering spirit of the early settlers, but also is a

reference to the seven-year struggle to make the Territory of Kansas a state. They eventually

established the motto, “Ad Astra per Aspera” signifying, (to the stars through difficulties).

We could say that the end goal for each of our clients is "the stars". We could also agree that the

distance traveled to reach those "stars" is going to be "difficult" in one way or another. When you

combine the intention of occupational therapy and the concept behind the Kansas state motto, “Ad

Astra per Aspera-To the stars through difficulties”, you can see how both indicate the hard work

one must face and complete in order to reach the goal.

We are working to make the KOTA Annual Conference what you asked for. Hands on techniques

and proven treatments to achieve outcomes that you can use in your practice immediately. It is our

plan to give each OT practitioner the tools they need to assist clients in reaching their highest

goals, guiding them through the difficult process and hard work it takes to get there. Please mark

your calendars for September 15-17, 2016.

THEME ESTABLISHED FOR 2016 KOTA CONFERENCE By Mindy Hill

Page 3 Volume 9, Issue 2

2016 KOTA Photo Contest

“OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: TRANSFORMING LIVES -

ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION" Kansas Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016

KOTA Photo Contest. There were 10 entries, which all represented the perspectives of

occupational therapy around the State of Kansas. Judging was done by occupational therapists, as

well as by those who were not in the occupational therapy profession, but were recipients of

occupational therapy services.

Congratulations!

First Place – Domino

Time by Danielle

Watts—Danielle will

receive a full free

registration to the 2016

KOTA Conference in

September Second Place – Student

Learning From A Student

by Amy Scott – Amy will

receive two free days (Friday

and Saturday) attendee

registration to the 2016

KOTA Conference

Third Place – Sortin’ Pills

For The Week by Rachel

Hocker – Rachel will receive

a free Saturday attendee regis-

tration to the 2016 KOTA Con-

ference.

2016 KOTA Photo Contest Winners Announced

Page 4 Volume 9, Issue 2

The 2016 KOTA Legislative Day on the Hill took place in Topeka on

Tuesday, February 9. There were approximately 70 students,

clinicians and Board members present.

Representative Dan Hawkins (Chair of the House Health & Human

Services Committee) provided an update on legislation being

presented to his Committee. He also answered questions from the

attendees.

KOTA lobbyists introduced the legislative process with a

presentation entitled “I’m Just a Bill” with examples of how it is

relevant to occupational therapy.

Kathleen Selzer-Lippert, Executive Director of the Kansas Board of

Healing Arts, spoke on the licensure process.

Following the morning presentations, students delivered resistance

bands and postcards that defined and promoted the OT profession to

the legislators’ offices. Meanwhile, in the Capitol Rotunda,

occupational therapists staffed an informational table, and offered

legislators the opportunity to test grip strengths against the norms

on a Dynamometer. They also distributed AOTA’s brochure “Grip

and Grin” filled with tips from OTs about surviving handshaking on

the campaign trail. This was timely entering reelection season.

Attendees also observed committee meetings and general sessions.

Thank you to all who attended!

2016 KOTA Legislative Day on the Hill Highlights

(Above: pictures from the KOTA Legislative Day on February 9, 2016)

Page 5 Volume 9, Issue 2

Greetings from Kara and Heather! This season has brought many changes

for many of us within the Greater Kansas City District. We’d like to begin by

thanking a few colleagues.

First, thank you to Kristi McDaniel Denny, Representative Assembly Representative, and Wendy

Hildenbrand, Director, AOTA Board of Directors, for presenting at the district meeting on

Wednesday, March 16. Kristi spoke on the motions that were to be presented to the AOTA

Representative Assembly at AOTA Annual Conference in Chicago. If you would like more

information or specific details from Kristi, please email her at kmcdaniel24@yahoo.com. Wendy

spoke on AOTA’s Distinct Value Statement/Initiatives and Centennial Vision Reflection. Please

contact Wendy at WHILDENB@kumc.edu for specific details. Thank you for your service to AOTA

on behalf of the State of Kansas and local occupational therapists.

Next, thank you to Lynne Zagortz for your voluntary service to the Greater Kansas City District!

Lynne recently retired from her position as the Coordinator of Inpatient Rehabilitation at Shawnee

Mission Medical Center. Lynne volunteered for many years as the on-site coordinator for the

district meetings including making room and technology reservations. She played a crucial role in

making sure our meetings went as smoothly as possible. Congratulations on your retirement!

Third, as of May 18, Heather is taking over as the Greater Kansas City Officer. Kara is moving

into her new role as President Elect and will be shadowing LaDessa Forrest for the next year

before she runs for the KOTA presidency. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we

make these new changes. Please email Heather with any comments or concerns related to the

Greater Kansas City District.

Finally, on March 9, Heather welcomed Robert James Wright with her husband Dan! A few days

later, on March 19, Kara welcomed Lucy Elizabeth Rogers with her husband Jon. All moms and

babies are doing well and adjusting to new family life!

We look forward to continuing serving the Greater Kansas City District!

Thank you,

Kara and Heather

KOTA Greater Kansas City Co-Officers

Greater Kansas City District Update By Kara Rogers, MOTR/L and Heather Wright, COTA

Rogers Wright

(not pictured)

SAVE THE DATE!SAVE THE DATE!

2016 KOTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

September 15-17, 2016

Embassy Suites and Conference Center

Olathe, Kansas

Page 6 Volume 9, Issue 2

AARERE YYOUOU LLOOKINGOOKING FORFOR AA NNEWEW EEMPLOYMENTMPLOYMENT OOPPORTUNITYPPORTUNITY??

Check out the employment page of the KOTA website! Take a moment to browse job

advertisements from employers seeking qualified health professionals at:

http://kotaonline.org/employment.htm

Are you an employer interested in advertising a job opening with KOTA? Please visit

www.kotaonline.org to market your organization through our online employment ads and

quarterly newsletters.

Top Ten Reasons… TO SUBSCRIBE TO KOTA CEU MANAGEMENT

1. CONVENIENCE

2. Access to your CEU Information via website, 24/7

3. Full support of KOTA staff

4. Peace of mind that CEUs meet the Kansas Board of Healing Arts and National Board

for Certification in Occupational Therapy criteria

5. All CEUs are reviewed and either approved or denied through a member of the KOTA

CEU Review Board

6. During an audit, KOTA provides your CEU information to the Kansas Board of

Healing Arts

7. All KOTA pre-approved classes are automatically applied to your record …a hassle-

free convenience of KOTA CEU Management!

8. All records are kept in one location for ease of renewing your NBCOT license

9. Upon completion of your CEUs, you are sent a letter of verification

10. Excellent Value!! Only $75 for the two-year cycle! Click Here to Sign-Up today!

Like KOTA on Facebook!

Page 7 Volume 9, Issue 2

Are you interested in hosting a CarFit Event?

In order to assist Event Coordinators and CarFit

Technicians to host successful CarFit events, the Kansas

Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) has developed

its own unique ‘CarFit Kit’. This kit is FREE for

Coordinators and Technicians who are KOTA members to

loan from the KOTA office (subject to availability).

What is CarFit? CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and

developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American

Occupational Therapy Association.

What are the Objectives of the CarFit program? The program is designed to help older

drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can

take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community

mobility. A proper fit in one's personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but

also the safety of others.

How can I become involved in CarFit? CarFit is a program whose success depends on

volunteers across the country. There are two ways one can become involved in Carfit:

By becoming an Event Coordinator, you will be trained to host CarFit events following proper

programmatic procedures. Event Coordinators train CarFit technicians, secure dates and locations

for CarFit events, participate in and monitor CarFit events and communicate with the national

organizations, AAA, AARP and AOTA. Event Coordinators must attend a two-day training

conducted by a CarFit Instructor. To find an Event Coordinator Training in your area, please visit:

http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/RegisterCoordinator

By becoming a CarFit Technician, you will be able to participate in CarFit events hosted by a

CarFit Event Coordinator. A half-day training teaches you the three parts of each CarFit event:

Check-in, Check-up and Check-out. To find a Technician Training in your area, or to volunteer for

an event, please visit: http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/RegisterVolunteer

The KOTA CarFit Kit includes the following items to assist you at your CarFit event:

Hole-in-One Key Holder (replacement cost: $10.00)

HANDYBAR Auto Safety Handle (replacement cost: $45.00)

Grab & Pull Seatbelt Handle (replacement cost: $15.00)

DMI Leg Lifter (replacement cost: $15.00)

Gray Stress Wedge (replacement cost: $30.00)

Swivel Seat Cushion (replacement cost: $20.00)

Deluxe Orthopedic Seat Cushion (replacement cost: $30.00)

Organizer Envelope (Please return organizer envelope. Handouts are for your use and need

not be returned.)

A UPS return label will be included in the KOTA CarFit Kit for your convenience in shipping the

Kit back to the KOTA Central Office. Please complete and submit the form on page nine of this

newsletter in order reserve the KOTA CarFit Kit. Included in the organizer envelope is a checklist

to assist you in returning the Kit in its entirety to KOTA.

CarFit Kit Available from KOTA

1

KOTA CarFit Kit Reservation Form

Thank you for your interest in participating in a CarFit Event!

In order to assist Event Coordinators and CarFit Technicians to participate in successful CarFit events, the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA) has developed its own unique ‘CarFit Kit’. This kit is FREE for Coordinators and Technicians who are KOTA members to loan from the KOTA office (subject to availability).

What is CarFit? CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

What are the Objectives of the CarFit program? The program is designed to help older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in one's personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of others.

How can I become involved in CarFit? CarFit is a program whose success depends on volunteers across the country. There are two ways one can become involved in Carfit:

By becoming a CarFit Technician, you will be able to participate in CarFit events hosted by a CarFit Event Coordinator. A half-day training teaches you the three parts of each CarFit event: Check-in, Check-up and Check-out. To find a Technician Training in your area, or to volunteer for an event, please visit: http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/RegisterVolunteer

By becoming an Event Coordinator, you will be trained to host CarFit events following proper programmatic procedures. Event Coordinators train CarFit technicians, secure dates and locations for CarFit events, participate in and monitor CarFit events and communicate with the national organizations, AAA, AARP and AOTA. Event Coordinators must attend a two-day training conducted by a CarFit Instructor. To find an Event Coordinator Training in your area, please visit: http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/RegisterCoordinator

The KOTA CarFit Kit includes the following items to assist you at your CarFit event:

Hole-in-One Key Holder (replacement cost: $10.00)

HANDYBAR Auto Safety Handle (replacement cost: $45.00)

Grab & Pull Seatbelt Handle (replacement cost: $15.00)

DMI Leg Lifter (replacement cost: $15.00)

Gray Stress Wedge (replacement cost: $30.00)

Swivel Seat Cushion (replacement cost: $20.00)

Deluxe Orthopedic Seat Cushion (replacement cost: $30.00)

Organizer Envelope (Please return organizer envelope. Handouts are for your use and need not be returned.)

A UPS return label will be included in the KOTA CarFit Kit for your convenience in shipping the Kit back to the KOTA Central Office. Please complete and submit the form on page two in order reserve the KOTA CarFit Kit. Included in the organizer envelope is a checklist to assist you in returning the Kit in its entirety to KOTA.

P.S. We want to hear about the success of your event! Send pictures and a short summary of your event to amy@kotaonline.org to see your event appear in the KOTA Quarterly Newsletter.

Revised 04/2015

CEU MANAGEMENT ENROLLMENT April 1, 2015 – March 31, 2017

Kansas Occupational Therapy Association KOTA * 825 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 500 * Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: (785) 232-8044 or toll free (877) 904-0529 Fax: (785) 233-2206 Visit us on the web at www.kotaonline.org * Email: centraloffice@kotaonline.org

Enrollment Application

This packet contains important information regarding applications for approval of CEUs in the state of Kansas for the current cycle. The new cycle

begins April 1, 2015 and ends March 31, 2017. The KOTA office administers the CEU Management System and will report your CEUs to the Kansas

Board of Healing Arts at the appropriate time. When you have reached your required number of CEUs, you will be sent a congratulatory letter from

KOTA.

If you are not a member of CEU Management and are audited by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts or NBCOT, it will be your responsibility to provide

proof of your CEUs.

Filing Fees

The CEU Management System enrollment fee is $75.00 and covers the entire 2-year cycle. It is NOT membership in KOTA and does not include

any of those benefits.

Enrollment Procedure

Please complete the form below to enroll in the KOTA CEU Management System. It is very important to include ALL information requested so your

records can be maintained accurately while supplying the necessary information to the Board of Healing Arts at license renewal time. If your name,

address or other information changes during this period, you must notify the KOTA office immediately in writing, in addition to the Kansas Board of

Healing Arts. It is very important that the Kansas Board of Healing Arts and the KOTA office have your current name and address listed in the same

manner for accurate licensing.

CEU Requirements

We recognize 1 hour (60 minutes) to equal 1 hour of contact time unless otherwise noted on the Reference Table inside the CEU Renewal Folder.

CEU hours are required for all OTs and OTAs in the state of Kansas according to licensure date as follows.

Total CEUs required

Date of Original/Reinstated Licensure: for current cycle:

Prior to 4/1/2015 40

4/1/2015-3/31/2016 20

After 4/1/2016 0

CEU Application Process

All CEU application forms are included in the CEU Renewal Folder, available for download at www.kotaonline.org or you may contact the KOTA office

to have copies mailed to you. A new application form completed in its entirety along with ALL supporting documentation must be submitted for each

course to be reviewed. Keep a copy of each submission for your records. DO NOT submit KOTA pre-approved courses. The provider will remit

attendance information, and credit will be given based on the sign-in roster returned to KOTA by the provider. Retain the certificate for your files. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detach and complete this form and mail to:

KOTA * 825 S. KANSAS AVE SUITE 500 * TOPEKA, KS 66612

Name_________________________________________________ Kansas License Number__________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State ZIP _____________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone ( ) ______________________________ Work Phone ( ) ____________________________________

E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________________________________

Payment Information

Check Enclosed Visa MasterCard Discover

Card Number______________________________________________ Exp Date ________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________________________________

825 S Kansas Ave, Suite 500

Topeka, KS 66612

Phone 785-232-8044 or Toll Free 877-904-0529

Fax 785-233-2206

Email - centraloffice@kotaonline.org

www.kotaonline.org

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

PRACTICE AREAS (Please check all that apply)

Administration & Management

Early Intervention and School

Developmental Disabilities

Education

Gerontology

Home & Community Health

Mental Health

Physical Disabilities

Sensory Integration

Technology

Work and Industry

Other ___________________________________

Gloria Scammahorn

Memorial Student

Scholarship Fund

I would like to donate a

voluntary contribution to

this fund in the amount of

$ _______________________

(Enclose a separate check

payable to AOTF (Kansas)

Student Scholarship Fund.)

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Registration Discount at

KOTA Conference

OT Representation of

legislative issues

Online KOTA Directory….

a GREAT Networking tool!

KOTA’s Quarterly

Newsletter, The Connection

Access to “Members Only”

section of the KOTA website

MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT

INCLUDE CEU MANAGE-

MENT SERVICES

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Occupational Therapist…….……$60.00

New Grad ...……………………....$35.00

(Grad date less than 1 year ago)

School ________________________

Grad Date ____________________

Occupational Therapy Assistant…...$50.00

New Grad …………………………$30.00

(Grad date less than 1 year ago)

School _________________________

Grad Date _____________________

Associate*….………………………...$50.00 * Must show full membership in another OT state

association.

Student* …….……………………….$20.00 * If student, must list school affiliation:

_________________________________________

DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP

(Please check one)

Capital (Topeka Area)

Greater Kansas City Area

Southern (Wichita Area)

Great Plains (Central/Western Area)

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Check Enclosed Visa MasterCard Discover

Card Number_____________________________________________________________________

Exp Date_____________ Signature ________________________________________________

MEMBER INFORMATION

Please type or print neatly; Fill in all areas:

Name ___________________________________________ License Number _____________________

Home Address ___________________________________ City, St Zip __________________________

Home Phone _____________________________ Cell Phone _________________________________

E-Mail Address _______________________________________________________________________

Employer_____________________________________ Work Phone ___________________________

JOIN OR RENEW AND GET A HALF PRICE MEMBERSHIP FOR A FRIEND!

With any current or new member paying full price get one new membership at half price!

Two current members are not eligible for this promotion.

Must send both applications in at one time and must note name of second member on

each application.

Name of Second Member:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your membership is not

deductible as a charitable

contribution for Federal

Income tax purposes. However,

payment of membership

investments may be deductible

as an ordinary and necessary

business expense subject to the

following restrictions:

Under the Omnibus Budget

Reconciliation Act of 1993, 18

percent of your dues are used

for lobbying and not deductible

as an ordinary and necessary

business expense.

MEMBER INVOLVEMENT

Is there anything special you would like to be

involved with through KOTA?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Page 11 Volume 9, Issue 2

ELECTED VOTING MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE BOARD President

LaDessa Forrest, OTD, OTR/L

Phone: (316) 209-9019

president@kotaonline.org

President Elect

Kara Rogers, MOTR/L, BSEd, ACE

Phone: (815) 739-3581

kara.rogers11@gmail.com

Vice President

Melissa Smith OTR/L

Phone: (316) 250-0225

ergonomicsrus@cox.net

Secretary

Lynette Hofer, B.S., A.S, OTA/L

Phone: (316) 347-1078

secretary@kotaonline.org

Treasurer

Marnie Selstedt, COTA/L

Phone: (316) 729-1218

treasurer@kotaonline.org

ELECTED VOTING MEMBERS

Government Affairs &

Reimbursement Officer

Allen Espelita, OTR/L, CEAS I

Phone: (785) 608-2461

arespelita@gmail.com

Capital District Co-Officer

Rachel Hocker, COTA/L

Phone: (785) 200-1125

rachel0122@hotmail.com

Capital District Co-Officer

Whitney Radke, COTA/L

Phone: (785) 416-0205

wradke07@gmail.com

Great Plains District Officer

VACANT

Greater Kansas City District Officer

Heather Wright, COTA

Phone: (785) 691-7068

heather.parkin@gmail.com

Southern District Officer

Heather Drews, OTR/L

Phone: (620) 968-7673

heatherandjay@sbcglobal.net

APPOINTED NON-VOTING MEMBERS CE Peer Review Officer &

District Technology Officer

Angela Petite, MS, OTR/L

Phone: (913) 683-3914

smlone3@gmail.com

Education Officer

Mindy Hill, OTR/L

Phone: (316) 250-7521

hillotr@sbcglobal.net

International Liaison (WFOT)

Liz Zayat, MS, OTR/L

Phone: (816) 501-4129

liz.zayat@rockhurst.edu

Membership Officer

Theresa Bukaty-Chop, MS, OTR/L

Phone: (913) 626-8121

theresa.chop@gmail.com

Nominations Officer

Sharenne Lohrenz, COTA/L

Phone: (620) 345-8491

sharenne68@yahoo.com

OT/OTA-At-Large

VACANT

KOTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS