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Barbara Rider
Barbara Rider, PhD, OT, FAOTA is a professor emeritus from Western Michigan University. Her pioneering 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 through research and evidence, 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.
2024 Colloquium
The 2024 Rider Colloquium is scheduled for Friday, November 1 and will be hosted at the WMU College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) building.
The keynote presentation will be from Robert Ferguson, MHS, OTRL who will discuss "Fulfilling President Lincoln’s Promise: Overcoming the Stigma of Veteran Healthcare"
The plenary presentation will be from Amanda Carroll, PhD, OTRL, and will focus on "Serving Veterans in the Community: Community Based OT Research & Practice"
For more information about all of our speakers, click on our schedule of events.
Cost, time, and registration information will be announced later this summer. As with previous colloquiums, OT/OTA fieldwork educators and capstone mentors are eligible for reduced rates! Certificates will be available for 6 professional development units.
Note: Boxed lunches will be provided!
Previous Keynote Sessions
- 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