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e are proud to announce that Dr. Tal Jarus and Mr. Michael Lee, from the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, are recipients of the 2 011 International Research Collaboration Workshop Grant from UBC’s Office of the Vice President Research & International. The VPRI office, through this initiative, supports the development of workshops that will foster significant research collaborations with groups at leading research institutions

outside of North America. The program’s objectives are to: 1. Be a catalyst for international research collaborations in areas of mutual excellence; 2. Lead to the development of joint research proposals with research institutions outside of North America; and 3. Strengthen or develop long-term partnerships and advance formal institutional research agreements.

Dr. Jarus and Mr. Lee will be hosting a three day collaborative, international, and interprofessional workshop entitled,

Understanding the in and out of the university transition process for students with disabilities in health and human service professions at UBC in early 2012.

The workshop will include researchers, professionals and students, with expertise in

the topic of disability and higher education, from five participating countries (Canada, Israel, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden) and will examine current legislation, policy, practice and perspectives from several different health and human service professions including education, law, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, and speech and language pathology. With the announcement of success of the application, the VPRI office stated, that “we are delighted to support an international workshop of such high caliber, and we wish you success with your international workshop as you build new collaborations and partnerships.”

We at OS&OT are delighted too – congratulations to you both on the achievement!

H

ow time flies! September already seems far behind. We are very pleased to have welcomed 38 new students into the program (37 regular stream and one short stream). Several activities were held to celebrate OT month namely a presentation from Marieke Decker, an OT from Germany; the students enjoyed being able to compare OT practices from one country to another.

The program also co-sponsored a presentation on the Scope of Practice review in collaboration with COTO and OSOT on October 25. Fifteen clinicians attended and felt that the presentation and case scenarios really help them understand that this endeavour is really beneficial for the profession as a whole.

The New Year promises to be another busy time in occupational therapy at the University of Ottawa with more news to come!

Dr. Tal Jarus and Mr. Michael Lee:

2011 International Research Collaboration Workshop Grant Recipients!

By Kate Keetch, PhD, Research Grants Facilitator, UBC Faculty of Medicine

Fall facts from U of O CAOT Life Membership

Congratulations are extended to Dr. Elizabeth Townsend, Professor Emerita, who was recently awarded Life Membership with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists in recognition of her extensive contributions to CAOT and the profession at large.

Dr. Townsend is the former Director of the School of Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie and one of the founding faculty members of the school.

By Dr. Paulette Guitard O.T. Reg.(Ont.) O.T.(c) Director, Occupational Therapy program

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This unique and pioneering research effort will occur in an ecologically valid, real-life context. The potential for commercialization of new products and technologies is substantial. Concerted knowledge transfer and exchange efforts will translate findings across the community and to other communities and environments around the world. Most importantly, services, tools and technologies developed as part of this innovative project will impact on the life of children, adults and elderly individuals with physical challenges as they participate in their communities and fulfill their daily life goals.

Living Lab ...con’t from front