Online Learning Module – Working Together for Optimal Outcomes: Occupational Therapists (OTs) and OT-Assistants in Canada
Working Together for Optimal Outcomes: OTs and OTAs in Canada (SV1) © 2023 by Teresa Avvampato is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
In response to a need identified in an environmental scan, this resource was developed to support OT-OTA collaboration preparedness in the Canadian context. This resource shares foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support OT and OTA collaboration.
This resource is intended for OT and OTA students in Canada. The resource is designed to support client and system outcomes by sharing factual information about the OT and OTA role in Canada and information to support collaboration in practice.
Access the resource here: https://working-together-for-optimal-outcomes-ot-ota-collaboration-sv.tiiny.co/.
Patient Education Aids
- Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Health Topics – Wexler Medical Centre, Ohio State University
https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/pages/patienteducation/atoztopicdetail.aspx?t=Physical%20Therapy%20(PT) or, https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/pages/patienteducation/atoztopicdetail.aspx?t=Occupational%20Therapy%20(OT)
This site provides printable patient education aids for occupational therapy and physical therapy intervention in pdf format free of charge.
- PT Tool Kit or OT Tool Kit
http://www.pttoolkit.com or, http://www.ottoolkit.com
Both of these toolkits include a comprehensive collection of patient education handouts and treatment guides in pdf format. There is a fee to purchase these collections.
Wheelchairs
- Role of the OTA/PTA in Wheelchair Provision: Part 1 & 2
http://www.sunrisemedical.ca/blog/the-role-of-ota-pta-part-one and http://www.sunrisemedical.ca/blog/the-role-of-the-ota-pta
Both articles support the role of the OTA & PTA in the provision of wheelchair mobility.
- Wheelchair Skills Program – Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine
http://www.wheelchairskillsprogram.ca/eng/index.php
This on-line resource contains training videos as well as printed resources to support wheelchair training.
- Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference http://www.csmc.ca
This is an annual conference in Toronto , ON and features representatives and equipment relevant to anyone involved with wheelchair mobility.
Clinical Anatomy
- Evidenced Informed Muscle Manual
https://prohealthsys.com/prohealth-products/textbooks/muscle-manual-textbook-2/
This manual is an evidenced based resource to maintain your clinical anatomy skills if you are new on the job or just returning back to work in a clinical environment.
Stroke Rehabilitation
- Stroke Engine – Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Rcovery
https://www.strokengine.ca
This is a comprehensive database for health professionals and families who want comprehensive information on stroke rehabilitation.
Pediatrics
T.A Use In Paediatric Setings
http://www.therapybc.ca/ta_use.php
This website provides resources to promote the delivery of paediatric therapy in BC. There are some historical reports and research reviews on the use of assistants in paediatric settings that may be helpful for OTAs and PTAs interested in expanding their roles in paediatric populations.
Supporting the Sexual Health of People with Dementia
The Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Provincial Coordinating Office provides behavioural health care services to older adults with, or at risk of, responsive behaviours/personal expressions associated with dementia, complex mental health, substance use, and neurological conditions. Their teams primarily support in long-term care homes, but also support those in hospital and living in the community. In response to nation-wide demand for resources on how to assess and respond to the sexual health needs of those that they support, they launched a BSO Sexual Expression and Dementia Working Group back in 2019 to develop evidence-informed resources on this topic.
In February 2025, the BSO Sexual Expression and Dementia working group released Supporting the Sexual Health of People with Dementia, a free online program for healthcare providers to build confidence, knowledge, and skills in supporting the sexual health needs of people with dementia, and to respond to sexual expressions of risk. The online program is accompanied by downloadable resources that can be integrated into practice. These include a conversation guideline, conversation planning and summary worksheet, and a framework on assessing and responding to sexual expressions of risk.
The modules can be accessed through ALZeducate (with the creation of a free account) and Surge Learning (for those whose organization subscribes). You can find more information, including the content of each module, on their website: https://brainxchange.ca/bsosexualhealth