Virtual Equipment Lab: Bringing Together Practice and Clinical Reasoning

  • Presented by SPIRAL Foundation
  • Level: Introductory
  • Access: All parts of the course, including assignments, must be completed within a 7 week viewing window.
  • Contact Hours: 1.5 contact hours, or 0.15 AOTA CEUs,
  • AOTA Areas: Occupational Therapy Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge.
  • Audience: OT students, OTPs
  • Completion Requirements: To earn contact hours or AOTA CEUs for this course participants must view this course in its entirety, and successfully complete the accompanying course quiz.
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  • Highlighting the use of 5 pieces of sensory integration intervention equipment
  • Introduction to the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS)   
  • Guided clinical reasoning using RTSS for five therapeutic activities for each piece of equipment
  • Considerations for safety and adapting activities based on client needs     
  • Reflection prompts
  • Resources and References  

    **Introduction and Bolster Swing FREE
Course overview

This Virtual Equipment Lab is designed for occupational therapy students (OT and OTA), early-career practitioners, and professionals transitioning into sensory integration practice. It serves as a foundational resource for developing clinical reasoning skills and building confidence in planning and delivering entry-level sensory integration interventions.

Participants engage in a comprehensive exploration of five essential therapeutic tools commonly used in sensory integration: the platform swing, bolster swing, hammock, scooter board, and crash pads. Through expert-led video demonstrations, experienced clinicians present five versatile ways to use each tool, offering real-life examples that illustrate the safe, purposeful, and individualized use of equipment in client-centered therapy.

A key feature of the lab is its integration of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS), a structured framework that supports clear and effective clinical reasoning. Participants learn to use the RTSS in identifying treatment targets, justifying intervention choices, selecting appropriate activities, and documenting their reasoning process. By applying RTSS principles, clinicians can deliver interventions that are both safe and effective. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

Recall the key principles of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS).

Identify safety precautions necessary when using sensory integration equipment.

Recognize activities that facilitate desired adaptive responses in clients.

Describe the role of clinical reasoning in selecting and modifying sensory integration interventions.

About SPIRAL Foundation and Presenters

SPIRAL Foundation is a leader in advancing research, education, and clinical practice in sensory integration. Founded by Dr. Jane Koomar and Anne Trecker, SPIRAL Foundation is dedicated to promoting best practices in sensory integration through high-quality training, evidence-based resources, and innovative clinical approaches.

This project is a collaboration of the SPIRAL Foundation team and it’s advisors, bringing together experts in research, theory and practice. Our team is committed to developing impactful education experiences that equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals with sensory processing challenges across diverse settings.

This Virtual Equipment Lab is led by SPIRAL team members, Olivia Easterbrooks Dick, MS, OTR/L, and Robyn Carreras, MS, OTR/L. Together, Olivia and Robyn bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that this course provides both foundational understanding and real-world application of sensory integration principles.

Robyn A. Carreras, MS. OTR/L

SPIRAL’s Education Coordinator, is an occupational therapist with extensive experience in pediatric practice, focusing on sensory integration and regulation. She is passionate about education and equipping professionals with the tools to enhance client outcomes.

Olivia Easterbrooks-Dick, MS, OTR/L

SPIRAL’s Research Coordinator, is a skilled occupational therapist with a strong background in sensory integration assessment and intervention. She is dedicated to translating research into practical strategies to support individuals with sensory processing challenges.


Disclosure: The speakers prepared this presentation as part of their normal job responsibilities.
ADA/Section 504: If you require special accommodations, please contact courses@thespiralfoundation.org

Cancellation Policies: Available here

Continuing Education: Occupational Therapy Practitioners/ Occupational Therapy Assistants: SPIRAL Foundation is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

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