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News from Austria
September 2008
In May, the 29th and 30th, the „Day of Occupational Therapy“ with a focus on Independent Aging took place. It was a big event representing our profession in all major Austrian Cities to the public and in different media. The main goal was to gain publicity and awareness, especially on Occupational Therapy in the field of dementia, rheumatism, parkinson and stroke. In Vienna experts in geriatrics and rehabilitation discussed at the opening event together with OTs from the National Association at a round table. In the regional capital cities people were able to inform themselves in public places, like on the main squares or in health facilities. The regional groups of OTs invested a lot of time and energy in preparing this event, which was a success. The next “Day of Occupational Therapy” is planed to take place in 2009 with a focus on pediatrics.
In autumn 2008 the first master study program will start at the FH Campus in Vienna. For more information have a look at www.fh-campuswien.ac.at.
April 2008
Last year the Austrian National Association of OTs was renamed into
ergoaustria. In the course of this a new logo and layout for all printmedia and for the homepage was designed. Have a look at
www.ergoaustria.at.
All the regional groups are working hard on preparing the first nationwide “Day of Occupational Therapy” in Austria on 30th of May 2008 with the motto “Independent Aging”. In each regional capital a diversified program, supported by politicians, media and experts, is waiting for interested people in public places. A lot of colleagues have agreed to present Occupational Therapy to the public through open days on their workplaces.
Austria wants to implement a master study program in the near future. Right now there are two possible providers and locations under consideration, one in Vienna and one in Krems.
Ergoaustria got the ISO 9001:2000 Certification in Quality Management.
After finishing the DACHS project “Ergotherapie 2010” a new project group for health promotion and prevention will be formed in Austria. It should be an organisational platform for all OTs working or planning to work in health promotion and their expertise.
At the general assembly of ergoaustria on the 29th of March 2008 in Innsbruck Marion Stadler was reelected for president. Furthermore the national board together with the regional groups decided to work out a structure that strengthens the voice of the regional groups in major decisions.
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