OTASA Congress 2024
Filled with exciting keynote speakers, stimulating breakaway rooms and loads more, the OTASA congress took place from 3-5 July 2024.
We can’t wait to take things virtual with you!
OTASA Congress 3-5 July 2024
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Keep up with us as we share more information leading up to the congress,
Reflections on the 30th OTASA Congress
Read more..
Whenever I read or hear about artificial intelligence, I reassure myself that its impact will not be felt in my lifetime. Seems I am wrong.
Dr Karen Jacobs shared with us insights as to how AI will / should / could impact our practice.
Interestingly, Dr Jacob’s presentation was not the only paper on AI.
AI is apparently here and happening.
Dr Enos Ramano is a home-grown occupational therapist of whom we are very proud. He knows well the social ills which challenge our country and the inequities which exist in our current healthcare system. He urges us to interrogate our vision of the profession through a different lens and address our professional identity by considering a range of relevant topics.
Samantha Shann, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapy, shared with us important information on the very recent World Health Assembly’s resolution on rehabilitation – and called on us to be more actively involved on the rehabilitation agenda.
And then, of course, there was the prestigious Vona du Toit Memorial Lecture presented this year by Dr Tania Rauch van der Merwe – another home-grown occupational therapist of whom we are immensely proud. Tania is a deep thinker on the philosophical aspects of our profession – and a change agent. Thank you for sharing your thinking with us and for encouraging us to utilize our collective wisdom more resolutely in practice.
Based on what we have heard and seen during the Congress, I would like to share with you just a few broad thoughts and insights which have come to me and which I consider to inform us about the current state of occupational therapy in South Africa.
• The presentations inform us that, while not abandoning traditional health practice domains, occupational therapists are now working in a wide range of different contexts.
In the latter regard, we have heard papers discussing work in urban and rural communities; in well and in poorly resourced settings; in factories, and in playgrounds, to name but a few.
There is clearly much work being done to address the issues which the COVID pandemic brought with it.
All of this speaks, amongst other things, to the profession’s responsiveness to a multitude of different challenges faced by the people we serve.
• The focus on research which is increasingly evident in the papers presented at this congress, is encouraging. It attests not only to the commitment of practitioners to lifelong learning, but to the desire to better understand the many factors which impact on occupational performance, how and why occupational therapy makes a difference and the outcomes which can be expected if we apply our skills and expertise in particular ways.
• Close attention to the papers which have been presented reveals clearly that occupational therapy’s ethos – the innermost and distinctive features of our profession – endures.
It is something of which we should be proud and which we should guard fiercely.
I am sure many more highlights could be extrapolated from the presentations we have heard. While we cannot be complacent, suffice to say that occupational therapy is alive and well in South Africa.
As I was finalizing this brief address, I had something of an AHA moment (although I concede that I am often a bit slow and it may have been such a moment for me only; the Congress Committee having had this vision in mind when they were planning the congress.)
The theme and sub-themes of a congress are intended to provide a focus, stimulate thinking and shape the scientific program. Fact is, the theme and sub-themes of this congress will remain highly relevant as we leave this platform, get on with our professional lives and contribute to making occupational therapy everything it can / should / could be.
South African occupational therapists are facing a highly significant shake-up in the context of health care provision in South Africa. Whether we like it or not, the National Health Insurance Act has been passed and is here to stay. We will have to start thinking differently about our services and the manner in which they are provided. If we do not ensure that occupational therapy is at the forefront of discussions, planning and implementation of NHI, we will only have ourselves to blame. We are no longer a Cinderella profession. We have never been better able to articulate what and how our beloved profession can contribute to health for all.
I learned recently that there are a number of occupational therapists already very involved in planning for this new health care system – and we thank them for their work in this regard. BUT, each of us has a role to play – Let it happen. Let it matter.
The first sub-theme, ‘beyond all limits’, urges us to think outside of the box; to challenge ourselves; to be innovative as we consider how occupational therapy will fit into the complex and unfolding understanding of universal health care.
The second sub-theme tells us to ‘Spread the word and to tell our story’. I personally think that this is an area where we have much work to do. We have to use every opportunity which comes our way, every platform available to do just that – spread the word and tell our story.
Finally sub-theme ‘together towards tomorrow’, reminds us that, in addition to the role we may play as individuals, we must band together and embrace the power of the collective in framing our tomorrow. We have an unprecedented opportunity to ensure that our profession is afforded the recognition it is due; and, more importantly, to ensure that the population of our country are better able to access and benefit from our services.
We have to claim our space!
Many people have been involved to the planning and hosting of this congress – they know who they are and I thank them. I trust that you, as a delegate, will go away refreshed and renewed, inspired and invigorated.
Congress Sponsors
Keynote Speakers
To be announced soon.
Watch this space..
Samantha Shann
Samantha is the President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), a Founding Board Member for the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and a member of the Steering Committee for the World Health Organisation’s World Rehabilitation Alliance (co-chair for the Workforce workstream).
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Dr. Karen Jacobs
Dr. Karen Jacobs is a distinguished occupational therapist with a career spanning over four decades. She is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, the Program Director of the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy program and a Clinical Professor of occupational therapy at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
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She holds a Doctor of Education degree with expertise in various areas, including ergonomics, artificial intelligence, marketing, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Her passion for enhancing occupational performance has led to extensive research, publications, and presentations worldwide.
Dr. Jacobs has played a pivotal role in advancing backpack safety through the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) National School Backpack Awareness Day and promoting the recognition of occupational therapy through the creation of Occupational Therapy Global Day of Service.
As a Fellow of the AOTA, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and the International Ergonomics Association, Dr. Jacobs has been recognized for her outstanding contributions as a scholar, professor, advocate, and mentor, who has inspired countless students and practitioners.
Throughout her career, Dr. Jacobs has held leadership positions such as the president and vice president of the AOTA contributing to the growth and development of occupational therapy at both national and international levels and received awards including being a 2005 recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in Iceland and the 2011 Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award. Her advocacy for the profession is underscored by her involvement in various organizations and committees, working tirelessly to promote occupational therapy as an essential component of healthcare.
Dr. Jacobs has authored numerous publications, including books and articles and is the founding editor-in-chief in 1990 of the journal WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.
Dr. Jacobs stands as a trailblazer in occupational therapy.
Dr Enos Morankoana Ramano
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Abstract by Samantha Shann
Focusing on Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems – opportunities for occupational therapy locally and globally.
Worldwide 2.4 billion people are in need of rehabilitation services, with more than 50 per cent of people living in low- and middle-income countries not receiving the rehabilitation services they require. Year on year, this global need continues to grow, with changes in populations, lifestyles and the rise in communicable and non-communicable diseases putting ever-increasing pressures on healthcare systems. Today, many high-income (as well as low and middle-income) countries are reporting limitations in their rehabilitation services and shortages in their rehabilitation workforce.
This keynote will focus on the World Health Assembly resolution to ‘Strengthen Rehabilitation in Health Systems’ signed unanimously by World Health Organization Member States in May 2023, serving as a commitment by governments around the world to invest in rehabilitation.
By considering the wide-reaching aims of the resolution and the impact of social, environmental, and systemic factors on individuals, communities, and populations’ health and functioning, the presentation will discuss how, by being active in the rehabilitation agenda, we as occupational therapists can advocate for the rights of populations and work towards societal change. Exploring how we can work globally, regionally and nationally at all levels to ensure inclusive rehabilitation policies and initiatives, providing equitable access for all to services, and developing the occupational therapy workforce to meet present and future needs.
Programme and CPD
TOTAL CPD (including Pre-Congress) = 24 CEUs (including 4 Ethics CEUs)
2 July – 5 CEUs (applied for)
3 July – 7 CEUs (applied for)
4 July – 7 CEUs ( incl. up to 2 Ethics CEUs) applied for
5 July – 5 CEUs (incl. up to 2 Ethics CEUs) applied for
Student involvement
Speakers & Topics:
- Kate Sherry - Over the Horizon: Adventures in Rural Occupational Therapy
- Sinqobile Mdlalose - Resilience in Practice: An Occupational Therapist's Journey from Career Resistance to Self-Discovery and Claiming Space
- Beverley Hewson - Early Intervention in Occupational Therapy: The Footprint We Leave Behind
- Marilize Botha - Quick Fix or Long Term Satisfaction
OTT special workshop
CPD
Experience an enriching blend of the latest South African research and clinical practice insights at the upcoming OTASA Congress. Dive into a diverse range of topics, including Ethics, and earn valuable CEUs. The 2024 OTASA Congress ensures CEU points for all participants, presenters, and poster authors. As soon as the program is finalized, we will confirm the number of CEUs available.
Expect accreditation at 1 CEU per hour for course attendance and 2 CEUs per hour for speakers. Poster presentations will also contribute to your CEU tally. In a new initiative, we aim to offer additional CEUs for engaging with posters through reading and completing related MCQs. The proposed main program is set to provide 15 CEUs, with 3 dedicated to Ethics points. Additional CEUs will be accredited for pre and post-congress workshops.
Make the most of this affordable opportunity to accumulate a substantial portion of your annual CEU points. Join us at the Congress to enhance your professional knowledge and network with like-minded individuals in the occupational therapy community.
Prizes
- Best overall oral presentation
- Best presentation in the field of OT in mental health (sponsored by the Crouch Foundation)
- Best overall project in the field of Physical Rehabilitation
- Best Poster
Other awards that will be presented at the Congress
Albie Sachs award
For excellence in services to people with disabilities
The Albie Sachs award is a prestigious award for an Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Technician/Assistant who has distinguished themselves through professional excellence and dedication to serving people with disabilities.
Nominations were called for from the OTASA membership and nominees reviewed by a nominated panel and final vote was taken by the OTASA council.
The winner of the Prize is Judy Cawood
Vona and Marie du Toit award
For the best student research completed in 2023
A Message from the President
The Biennial congress is an important event in the OTASA calendar. It is an opportunity for the occupational therapy community to come together to learn, grow and discuss to professional developments, professional challenges in this time of change and uncertainty in our country. But more importantly, it is an opportunity for occupational therapists working in diverse settings to come together to advocate for our unique profession and to celebrate collectively:
‘One profession: one voice’.
Read more..
It was the wish of the national EXCO to have an in-person or at least a hybrid congress in 2024. After a though exploration of the costs, the financial risks, and the financial concerns of occupational therapy community, it was with reluctance that the decision to hold an on-line congress was taken. This decision was taken primarily to enable all occupational therapists across the country in all sectors to have access to congress at a reasonable cost and could even allow international access, without additional costs of travel and accommodation at a time of fiscal constraints.
The 2024 OTASA Congress is being organised by Southern Gauteng branch. The theme for this congress: OT for Changing Contexts – make it matter, make it happen resonates with emergent practices in new and exciting contexts and proactively anticipating and contributing actively to change in the more traditional service delivery contexts.
We encourage you to submit abstracts and join us in this exciting and hopefully thought-provoking professional event. It is also an opportunity to collect CPD points.
We look forward to you joining us.
Vona du Toit Memorial Lecture
Who was Vona du Toit
Vona du Toit (van Staden) was in the first cohort of students to receive an occupational therapy diploma in 1946 from the Wits, the first training centre in the country. This diploma was an addition to the diploma in primary education and higher primary education which she had already achieved.
She initially worked in the Johannesburg Hospital complex and one year after qualification she was appointed to the first occupational therapy post at the Pretoria General hospital. In 1951 she established the OT department at the newly opened Pretoria School for the Cerebral Palsied. In 1955 she and Ilse Eggers developed the 3-year curriculum for the occupational therapy diploma as well as the teaching resources for the Pretoria College of Occupational Therapy. In 1963 she became the Principal of the college (later renamed the Vonna du Toit college of Occupational Therapy in her honour) and head of the occupational therapy clinical services at the HF Verwoerd hospital. It was from this position that she advocated for and advanced influenced for the development of the profession across the country.
She will be remembered best for two key initiatives who she pioneered with a committed team of clinicians who provided the first professional evidence to support practice:
- Pretoria Multi-Motivational Therapeutic apparatus
- VdT Model of Creative Ability which is now internationally recognised and provides the philosophy and process for occupational therapy intervention in many fields of practice
She was awarded “Professional woman” of the year in 1962 and in 1973 was recognised as one of the top 25 most influential “Business and professional” women across South Africa.
She served on many Health and Disability related Councils.
She held many official positions within national occupational therapy association (SAAOT) including Chairperson of the Education committee and a President. In 1972 She became an Honorary Life President
In 1973 she was elected the first Chairperson of the Professional Board for Occupational Therapy of the SA Medical and Dental council (SAMDC later renamed HPCSA).
Internationally, she was the South African delegate to the WFOT from 1962 and became 2nd Vice president in 1970 and 1st Vice President in 1972.
In 1974 she was made an Honory Fellow of the WFOT at a meeting in Vancouver and the citation which summarised her contribution to the profession both as a professional but also as a person.
- “ We believe that Vona has had an inestimable influence on the development of the profession in South Africa and her imagination and pre-sight have had far-reaching effects beyond the confines of her own country. We recognise her indestructible belief in the worth of the profession and her unflagging efforts to stimulate its growth in breadth and depth. Her provocative ideas act as a catalyst to her colleagues’ thinking and effectively prevent professional complacence. A dynamic approach and conviction typify Vona’s contribution within her profession and beyond it.”
- The OTASA Memorial Lecture is awarded to Occupational therapists who emulate the characteristics of this extraordinary occupational therapist.
- Excellence in clinical practice, education and research
- Innovative leadership, mentorship and role modelling
- Advocates for the profession and disabled people
- Demonstrates continued dedication, commitment to the profession and its values
The 2024 Vona du toit memorial lecture has been awarded by the OTASA Council (the decision-making committee of OTASA) to:
Dr Tania Rauch van der Merwe. Her lecture titled Harnessing Human Praxis: Turning Our Wisdom into Practice with Impact will be presented as a keynote address during the congress on Thursday 4th July 2024.
It will be a hybrid event with congress delegates able to join the lecture on-line or in-person at eFundanathi on the Wits education campus.
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Tania, the eldest of three sisters, grew up during apartheid in the Free State, experiencing moments of magic in the Northwest. Despite her Christian upbringing, her parents encouraged her to explore spiritual material from the public library, deemed controversial at the time. Initially interested in psychology, she discovered occupational therapy through a conversation in Grade 10 and was drawn to its dynamic nature.
Tania qualified as an occupational therapist from UFS in 1994, coinciding with South Africa’s first democratic election. She then worked in physical rehabilitation in the USA before returning to South Africa for various roles in medico-legal assessment, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Her marriage to JC, a philosopher, steered her interest towards the philosophical aspects of life and her profession.
She earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2006, focusing on the critical investigation of ideology. Her academic journey continued with a PhD in 2019 with the astute supervision of Prof Andre Keet, and Prof Elelwani Ramugondo, entitled: THE POLITICAL CONSTRUCTION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CURRICULUM AS DISCOURSE. Joining Wits University in 2020, she now serves as a senior lecturer, specializing in research, teaching, and coordination.
Tania’s passion for education led her to become a postgraduate education specialist at the Wits Centre of Learning and Teaching in April 2024. Her teaching spans research, ethics, critical theory, and occupational therapy. Her research interests include critical discourse analysis, higher education, feminist studies, and social justice.
Active in academia, Tania is involved in organizing the 2024 World Conference on Qualitative Research and co-editing a book on African-based epistemologies. She chairs and participates in various research committees and serves as a reviewer for national and international journals.
Outside academia, Tania cherishes her role as a parent to two children, Heyter and Zea, who continue to teach her about growth. She acknowledges the support of family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, grateful for their influence on her journey. She looks forward to fostering change agents in the future, standing on the shoulders of giants.
Previous recipients of this prestigious memorial lecture
Number
Year
Recipient
Title
[WFOT President]
[Hon President SAAOT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[Member of the 1st OT board of the HPCSA]
[Dean Faculty of Medicine, Wits]
[OT]
[Chairperson: National Council for the Blind]
[Chief medical Superintendent Groote Schuur Hospital]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]
[OT]