What's on December 2022 - Occupational therapy, brain injury and neurorehabilitation events
You will find links to these fantastic events at the bottom of the page or via the numbers referenced.
And the VR winners are…
This is a great opportunity to learn more about some of the great things going on in the [vocational rehabilitation] sector. 
Inspirational successes in the vocational rehabilitation (VR) sector are celebrated this month at the healthcare sector’s headline 2022 awards.
GP Dr. Rob Hampton, who is a Public Health England Medical Champion for Work as a Health Outcome, will be presenting the awards on behalf of the Vocational Rehabilitation Association during their annual virtual ceremony on the 1st of December.
Head to the VRA’s website for more: [1]
Northern ABI lights
Catch up on the ground-breaking work of an outdoor neuro rehabilitation provider in the Lake District at this month’s Northern Acquired Brain Injury Forum (NABIF) quarterly get-together.
Claire Appleton of Calvert Reconnections in Cumbria will be explaining its model of outdoor rehabilitation for brain injury survivors at the meeting in Carlisle.
There will also be a video update on the Northumberland Head Injuries Service while Louise Chance, Manager of Chance for Life Case Management, will be outlining vocational rehabilitation provisions in the area.
More details and booking via the UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum here: [2]
30th International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Most often, in moments of crisis, people in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities are the most excluded and left behind.
United Nations [3]
Transformative, inclusive, and innovative – just three of the motivators driving the disability rights fight on the 30th International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) this month.
Headed by the United Nations, the annual event has been addressing inclusivity imbalances for the world’s disabled people – now numbering over one billion - since its launch in 1992.
But this year, the focus is squarely on innovative approaches that can progress disability inclusivity, with specific discussion around:
- Employment – including accessibility and assistive technologies
- Reducing inequality – the innovations, practical tools, and good practices needed to widen diversity
- Sport - as a good practice example for innovation, employment, and equity
The UN will be hosting a free virtual meeting on the 5th of December to share ideas on this year’s theme, ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world“.
Discover more about this and other events around IDPD Day on the 3rd of December here: [3]
Dizzy sights
Set your learning sights on the treatment and management of dizzy patients at a workshop at the London Transport Museum this month.
An expert team will be offering hands-on advice on diagnosis, treatment of manoeuvres, vestibular migraine, Vertigo and stroke, and other issues arising from dizziness and imbalance.
Find the full details from organisers, the journal of neurology and neurorehabilitation, ACNR, here: [4]
Headway wonders
Brain injury charity, Headway’s annual awards return this year for a star-spangled celebration of the UK’s brightest brain injury stars.
Brain injury survivors, their carers, campaigners, and volunteers will be honoured for their inspiring personal achievements at the event in London.
The award categories for 2022 are:
- Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year (sponsors, Slater & Gordon)
- Carer of the Year (sponsors, Barr Ellison LLP)
- Volunteer of the Year (Anthony Gold Solicitors)
- Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award (sponsors, No. 5 Barristers Chambers)
Among the recipients of last year’s awards were Alex Richardson, Achiever of the Year, and businesswoman, Nicola Evans, 36.
Nicola pursued her dream career despite surviving six strokes, the last of which caused her to lose the use of her left arm and leg and 50 per cent of her vision.
Read more of her amazing story plus Headway’s 2022 Awards here: [5]
Lighting up Christmas
For the first time in three years, The Children’s Trust is lighting up its headquarters to herald Christmas and raise vital funds.
Tadworth Court mansion and gardens in Tadworth, Surrey, will be the focus of the fab illuminations evening this month in support of the children’s brain injury charity.
Amid the bright lights, there will be stalls offering hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and more while local performers sing festive songs for everyone to join in.
Information about the outdoor event on the 10th of December can be found here: [6]
N.C.O.R.E. courses
Here are some of the courses on offer via the N.H.S.'s National Centre of Rehabilitation Education this month:
5th of December: Exploring Gait as it relates to Posture & Balance for Therapy Assistants & TI's
6th of December: Kinesiology Taping Course
8th of December: Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept: Part A: The Upper Quadrant: Peripheral Joints, Cervical and Thoracic Spines
Further details on these and other N.C.O.R.E. courses are here: [7]
R.C.O.T. roundup
And here are some of the courses available via the Royal College of Occupational Therapists:
1st and 2nd of December: Learn Sleep: Course in CBTi (online)
6th and 7th of December: Parkinson's Advanced MasterClass 42 Neurology Academy (Sheffield)
6th of December: The power of peer support – Finding your voice after a diagnosis of dementia (online)
7th of December: Demystifying practice-based learning - panel discussion, Q&A (online)
8th of December: Training to help OTs prescribe and issue walking aids (online)
Full details about R.C.O.T. courses and costs can be found here: [8]
NEW FOR 2023! Look out for our new annual what’s on calendar of occupational therapy, brain injury and neurorehabilitation eventsstarting in January 2023!
