This year the Lebanese Occupational Therapists Syndicate (LOTS) has organized two vital trainings; the first introduced the WHO TAP training with the completion of the “Introduction to assistive products module”, which was done on June 21st, 2025. Over 40 participants joined this interactive training. Thanks to Dr Hassan Sarsak who delivered and facilitated this training in collaboration with the LOTS President Dr. Fatima Chehouri-Nasser and LOTS board members.
Training Specifications
Title:
“World Health Organization (WHO) Training in Assistive Products (TAP): Assistive Technology Training for Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Healthcare Professionals”
Outline/objectives
1. Rehabilitation and Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Worldwide: Promoting Integrated Continuum of Care, Health Equity, and Disability Inclusion.
2. Global Roadmap Fostering Universal Access to Assistive Technology: Healthcare Initiatives, Contributions, and Future Directions.
Description
The Assistive Technology Training Program is a specialized continuing education course that aims to enable occupational therapists, rehabilitation and healthcare professionals to develop knowledge and practical skills in the process of providing appropriate assistive technology devices and delivering assistive technology services to people of all ages and types of disabilities. The program is based on the World Health Organization (WHO) training packages and other educational and clinical resources. Specifically, the program was delivered in both theoretical and practical components, with 10 hours of training, using a case-based and evidence-based learning approach.
The second training was hosted on November 1st, 2025, which was given by Mrs. Rana Ghanawi, a child protection expert and social worker. The training was delivered in person and hybrid format. A huge thank you to Mrs. Rana Ghanawi who provided OTs with valuable insight into this topic.
Training Specifications
Title
“Observation and Referral Mechanisms: The Role of Frontline Occupational Therapists in Identifying and Responding to child Protection Concerns”
Outline/objectives
1. Understand the concept of child protection in Lebanon.
2. Become familiar with the Law 422 and its mandatory reporting principles in cases of child abuse.
3. Strengthen capacity of occupational therapists to respond appropriately to situations involving child protection or potential exposure to harm encountered during clinical practice.
4. Gain knowledge of appropriate reporting mechanisms through professional channels, ensuring both confidentiality and ethical responsibility in referring information to the social worker, who is responsible for follow-up.
Description
This three and a half hour training is designed to provide occupational therapists with accurate knowledge about the child protection Law 422 and the necessary process and procedures for reporting cases of child abuse occurring on Lebanese soil. This includes the rights of all children residing in Lebanon. This training program covered the 422 Law in details and highlighted the mechanisms of reporting cases of suspected child abuse. Training included hands-on case study examples for greater understanding of the gravity of this issue as it pertains to occupational therapists.