“Generate, Celebrate, Resonate” is a more than appropriate theme for the 2007 Occupational Therapy Graduating Students’ Conference, to be held on November 15.
OT students will have the opportunity to present group projects to peers, teaching staff and occupational therapy practitioners, as well as make contacts with potential employers.
Head of Division of Occupational Therapy, Dr Sylvia Rodger, said the conference was sure to be an inspirational occasion.
“The students have worked hard over the past semester to take these clinically driven projects from concepts to fully considered proposals and have carried out a range of tasks focusing on service development, delivery or evaluation to bring them to fruition,” Dr Rodger said.
“In viewing the three streams of projects in paediatrics, mental health and physical rehabilitation, the breadth and variety of occupational therapy practice is obvious.
“I am constantly enthused and energized by the potential of occupational therapy to address such divergent needs of individuals who experience some form of occupational dysfunction, deprivation, alienation or injustice.”
27 OT projects will be presented on the day, many of which were undertaken in emerging and innovative areas of practice.
One final year OT project involved developing a group therapy program for girls, aged eight to 13, who have experienced sexual abuse.
Students found that the presence of peers was important and valuable to the healing process.
Another project looked at the contribution OT can make in assisting prisoners to successfully reintegrate back into the community.
The group developed a manual of resources which prisoners could use to assists their transition back into the community, including information on employment, healthcare, housing, identification, legal and financial issues, public transport and general independent living skills.
Graduating student and event organiser, Amy Morrison, said she hoped students would take advantage of UQ’s industry connections.
“During morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, students will have the opportunity to peruse trade displays and speak with company representatives from organisations such as Queensland Health, CRS Australia and OT Australia Queensland.
“These organisations have provided financial sponsorship that allows the conference to be financially viable and free to students and guests in return for the opportunity to advertise and discuss employment opportunities with soon-to-graduate therapists,” Ms Morrison said.
Dr Rodger said she was looking forward to both the project display and congratulating the 2007 graduating OT class.
“The University of Queensland staff and fellow clinicians join with me in congratulating the students on their achievements thus far and wish them well in their early careers as occupational therapists.”
Media: Further information, Ms Morrison (otstudentconference07@gmail.com) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au).
