SIG Occupation
Connecting occupational therapists across Europe to advance participation, quality of life, and evidence-based rehabilitation for people with Multiple Sclerosis
SIG Occupation
About us
The Special Interest Group (SIG) on Occupation is a European network of occupational therapists focused on improving the participation and quality of life of people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
Launched in 1995, the SIG connects clinicians, researchers, and educators to exchange knowledge and collaborate on evidence-based occupational therapy. Through regular meetings and shared projects, the group fosters innovation and strengthens Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation across Europe.
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➜ Who participates
The group welcomes occupational therapists involved in clinical work, research, or education, as well as other professionals who support or collaborate with OT in Multiple Sclerosis care.
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➜ How it started
Founded in 1995 under the name "Technical Aids", the SIG began with support from RIMS and leadership by Marijke Duportail. It has evolved into a collaborative network that meets twice a year: once at the RiMS Conference, and once for a two-day in-between meeting, often co-organized with other SIGs.
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➜ Our goals
• Exchange clinical and research expertise
• Promote evidence-based occupational therapy
• Support collaborative projects and research
• Share therapeutic approaches in OT for PwMS
• Strengthen European OT networks in Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation
Meetings & Reports
SIG Occupation organizes two meetings each year:
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A short 3-hour meeting held during the RiMS Annual Conference.
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An interactive two-day in-between meeting hosted by a member organization, supported in part by RiMS.
These meetings revolve around dedicated themes, include planning for future initiatives, and often feature collaboration with other SIGs. Past joint topics have included wheelchairs in daily life, cognition, employment, and upper limb issues in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Members
Chiara Milo
Claire Dolan
Daniel Guillaume
Daphne Kos
Gioia Marcassa
Sharon Elizabeth Ståhlberg
Hilde Ryg
Isaline Eyssen
Inger Grethe Loyning
Jeanette Richwood
Jelka Jansa
Joke Raats
Laura Carotenuto
Lene Kallmayer
Lorea Etxebarria
Marcia Finlayson
Marijke Duportail
Nuria Filla
Pascal Van der Beeten
Sarah Burton
Sofie Ferdinand
Sofie Schouteden
Tarja Huilla
Therese Gjerde
Andrea Weise
Zorana Sicherl
Heidi Marie Visby Jacobsen
Susan Ringstrom
Saskia Van Hooydonk
Stephan Ilsbroux
Alexandra Golewska
Line Berthelsen
Photos
Publications
Joint publications of the SIG Occupation
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The Assistive Technology Team in Europe
Platform presentation at the 2nd International MS Week, 2002, Chicago 5-9
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Kos D., Kerckhofs E., Carrea I., Verzo R., Ramos M. Jansa J. Evaluation of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale in four different European countries.
Mult. Scler., 2005, 11: 76-80.
Interested to join?
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