Barbara Rider
Barbara Rider, PhD, OT, FAOTA is a professor emeritus from Western Michigan University. Her research in sensory integration and developmental reflexes, along with a nationally recognized study on packaging that led to reformed packaging standards underscores her impactful, research driven career. As chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at WMU from 1976 to 1986, she emphasized the importance of research, inspiring faculty to adopt a research-driven approach. Barbara was one of the first occupational therapists to champion research and evidence-based practice in education. In 2004, driven by her passion for advancing the field, she established this colloquium to unite scholars, clinicians, educators, and students in their pursuit of evidence-based practice and professional development. This annual, daylong event features lectures and sessions led by prominent OT educators and practitioners.
Barbara Rider Colloquium 2025: Hidden Occupations
We’ll be diving deep into the “Hidden Occupations” that are often overlooked yet crucial to holistic care. This event will shine a spotlight on essential topics that span all populations and practice areas, with topics on the areas of sexuality and intimacy, cultural considerations, gender-affirming care, neurogenic bowel and bladder, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, screen time, stress management, and compassion fatigue. See session descriptions for abstracts and speaker bios! Other highlights include poster sessions of the baccalaureate projects completed by our OTA students.
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University
Regular registration: $100 (August 1-October 31)
We are excited to be back at the Fetzer Center (free and easy parking! Comfortable chairs! More room!) this year with the keynote and plenary sessions hosted in the ballroom and two sets of breakout sessions on topics related to implicit bias, pediatrics, and adults. Attendees can earn up to 6 PDUs. Registration rate includes coffee and tea, continental breakfast, and a boxed lunch. You will be given the option to select your boxed lunch option as part of your registration.
Previous Keynote Sessions
- 2025 - Jenn Soros & Beth Ann Walker - Breaking Silence Through Science: Transforming Approaches to Sexuality and Intimacy Through Evidence and Innovative Dissemination
- 2024- Rob Ferguson - Fulfilling President Lincoln's Promise: Overcoming the Stigma of Veteran Healthcare
- 2023 - Cheryl Esbrook- Early Mobilization: Research and Guidelines for Practice
- 2022 - Dr. Amy Lynch - Empathy Across the Lifespan: Considerations for Becoming a Trauma Informed Occupational Therapy Practitioner
- 2019 - Dr. Stacey Watson - Medical Overview of Pain and Pain Management: A Doctor’s Perspective on an Interprofessional Team Approach
- 2018 - Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore - Identifying Essential Elements to Promote Independence in Adults with Acquired Cognitive Impairments
- 2017 - Sherrilene Classen - Prevention Oriented Driving Rehabilitation Science: Blending a Public Health and the Health Professions Perspective
- 2016 - Wendy Wood - Nature-enriched Occupational Therapy, Imagine!
- 2015 - Carolyn Baum - Effective Assessment of Occupational Performance : Linking Brain to Everyday Life
- 2014 - Christina Metzler
- 2013 - Roger O. Smith
- 2012 - Sue Haward - Hippotherapy: How Does it Help our Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Clients?
- 2011 - Jan Davis
- 2010 - Dr. Winnie Dunn - Living Sensationally Understanding your Senses
- 2009 - Suzanne Peloquin
- 2008 - Dr. Wendy Coster - Embracing Ambiguity: Facing the Challenges of Measurement
- 2007 - Dr. Florence Clark - Lifestyle Redesign: How to Sculpt a Meaningful and Healthy Life in Older Adulthood
- 2006 - Dr. Mary L. Schneider - Primate Model of Sensory Processing Disorder: Neurobiological Correlates, Genetic Influences, and Possible Causal Mechanisms
- 2005 - Dr. Jim Hinojosa - Excellence in a Time of Hyperchange
- 2004 - Dr. Carolyn Baum - Making A Difference: Professional Vision, Values and Advocacy