Planning a Workshop

The ICAN does not have its own schedule of planned workshops (except for the on line certification workshops available through this site). Approved CO-OP workshops are always created at the invitation of a host.  Those interested in hosting an approved CO-OP workshop are asked to consider the information provided below, and then contact the ICAN, or contact the Certified CO-OP Instructor of their choice directly.

Organizing a CO-OP workshop takes considerable planning. It is a good idea to plan a year in advance – this gives you time to negotiate a convenient date with the instructor(s) and to advertise the workshop so that you can have maximum participation and, presumably, recoup your costs and, perhaps make a profit.

Since the intention of the workshop is that the participants learn the basic skills necessary to use CO-OP and since CO-OP is a hands-on approach, it is suggested that there be a maximum 1:25 ratio of instructor to participants. This allows time for each participant to have feedback at various points throughout the workshop. So, depending on the number of participants you anticipate, you can request one, two or more instructors.

Individual CO-OP Instructors will work with the host or course organizer to create a contract for the workshop. The contract will include items such as the dates of the course, the fee that will be paid to the instructor, which of the instructor’s expenses (e.g. travel, accommodation, meals) will be reimbursed, which materials are provided by the host and which are provided by the instructor, and cancellation policy.

A common structure for CO-OP Workshops is that they occur in two parts, and over three days. Part 1 is two full days, usually given back-to-back, and provides instruction and practice in CO-OP’s key elements. Part 2 is a consolidation day that occurs a minimum of two months later, and is devoted to reviewing experiences with the implementation of CO-OP and deepening understanding with the approach in general.

Participants are issued a certificate of attendance by the workshop host organizers.

Who May Attend a CO-OP Course?

There are no restrictions or requirements for attending the CO-OP course set by the ICAN. Local associations are free to set their own restrictions.

Because anyone can enroll and the course will not be modified for different audiences, the ICAN to inform you that 1) the course was designed for individuals with a background in OT. Moreover, 2) participants will be expected to understand the concepts/terminology being discussed (e.g. client centeredness).

Note that the certification course is primarily designed for occupational therapists and physical therapists; however, other qualified rehabilitation specialists (registered with a professional body) may contact the ICAN to apply for registration in the certification course.

Visit our Becoming a Certified Therapist page for more information.