Lantern Hosts Annual Therapy Forum

Wednesday, 8 May 2013

There is something in the air at Lantern School. Could it be because it’s Autumn? Ladies from all over descend on the school. The reason? The annual therapy forum for LSEN schools. Food for the soul for these hardworking ladies.

The theme for this wonderful morning was: Plant a seed. The hall was beautifully decorated by the skillfull therapists in shades of green. Therapists browsed the various exhibits while enjoying coffee and muffins. Everyone was super excited when they received wonderful goodie bags stuffed to the brim.

The speakers outdid themselves. They were introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, Heloise Zeedijk. We started with a talk by Joanne Glendinning and Fleur Durbach. They gave a talk on RAVE-O and instrumental enrichment in the classroom. This technique is used to develop comprehension in children with learning disabilities.

That was followed by Professor Cornelia Smith from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand. She entertained and informed with a talk on managing difficult behaviour in children and adolescents.

Brunch was served while everyone soaked up the autumn sun. After the break the therapists were motivated by Johan Swanevelder, a teacher, theologist, puppeteer and entertainer.

Trinette Raats, a clinical dietician from Florida was next. We learnt so much about brainfood and supplements and secretly wished that the talk wouldn’t end.

Sadly, the lovely morning had to come to an end. Louise Smith, a representative from NAPTOSA, addressed a few issues regarding therapists. A lovely day was had by all. We would like to thank our sponsors: Brint Technologies, Craft Chocolates, Dr Elize de Koker, Oticon, PNA, RNA Distributions, Unitron and SA Toy Trade.

Article by Heloise Zeedijk
Head of Department (Speech Therapy)