Bagless and Brilliant – Because Your Best Therapy Tool is You!
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Indiana Early Intervention Conference
Conference In-Person Price – $100
Virtual Min Conference Only – $50
Registration Information: https://earlyintervention.iu.edu/index.html
Description
Ditch the therapy bag and embrace the power of everyday moments! In this energizing Tot Talk, you’ll discover how to design purposeful, goal-oriented interventions using items from the child’s natural environment. From household routines to common materials, you’ll learn practical strategies to increase engagement & developmental skills, reduce stress, and finally reclaim your vehicle from clutter! Research on early intervention generally supports the idea that home-based and family-centered approaches lead to better outcomes by using a child’s natural environment and family’s goals. Bagless therapy aligns with these principles, using everyday items to practice skills, and benefits from the flexibility it offers families. Bagless therapy supports providing services with family guided routine based early intervention (FGRBI). Gain renewed confidence in your ability to adapt, improvise, and make meaningful progress without fancy tools!
Audience
This workshop is best suited for those who provide services in natural environments. Parents/caregivers, day care workers, social workers, psychologists, behavior analysts and technicians, administrators, and developmental, occupational, physical and speech therapists.
Audience size is unlimited. Sponsors may open workshops to the general public for their own set fee or combine with other business to help with costs. Movement breaks will be designed as appropriate for the group size.
Session Length
This workshop is usually set for 1-2 hours, depending on needs. It may be combined with other information to make it a full day workshop.
Presentation Format/Course Level
This in person or virtual workshop is customizable to group experience (generally beginner to intermediate)
Objectives
• Participants will learn practical strategies to increase engagement & developmental skills using everyday items found in natural environments.
• Participants will recognize the value of involving caregivers in the therapeutic process, using activities designed to be implemented within daily routines.
Speaker Biography
Susan Swindeman, OTR Sue Swindeman is the CEO of Tot Talks, LLC which launched in 2025. Through Tot Talks, she gets to do what she loves — share simple, sensory-based strategies and other tools that make everyday life easier and more joyful for children, parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and practice owners. At the heart of her approach is a deep belief in the power of family engagement and team communication to create meaningful outcomes for children and the heroes who support them.
Susan Swindeman, OTR/L, has been transforming the lives of children since earning her degree in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1984. She is certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests and has advanced training in sensory processing, sensory-based strategies, neurodevelopmental treatment, and feeding.
In 1994, Sue founded Wee Care Therapy, Ltd. and led the organization through 2024, growing it from a single-therapist practice to a multidisciplinary team of 45 passionate providers including behavioral, developmental, occupational, physical and speech therapies, along with many related services and programs. In 2024, she sold the practice to new hands that shared the same heart and philosophy.
Sue believes in the continual pursuit of excellence through advanced training, mentoring, and collaboration. She shares her experience and knowledge through presentations on sensory processing, and is co-author of the books Tools for Tots: Sensory Strategies for Toddlers and Preschoolers and Tools for Infants: Sensory-Based Strategies for Parents, Caregivers, and Early Intervention Providers. These valuable resources have been translated into German, Turkish, and Brazilian Portuguese. Sue leads workshops around the world and, when schedules allow, presents with Maureen Kane-Wineland, PhD, OT/L, or other like-minded professionals with diverse experience.
References
Guldag, O., & Turan, F. (2025). Review of studies on routine-based interventions in early childhood in terms of bibliometric features. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 20(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v20i1.9686.
Piller, A., McHugh Conlin, J., Glennon, T., Andelin, L., Auld-Wright, K., Teng, K., & Tarver, T. (2025). Systemic review of sensory-based interventions for children and youth (2025-2024). Frontiers in Pediatrics 13:17220179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1720179.
Honorarium & Further Information
Contact sueswindeman@tottalks.org for pricing and more detailed information on customized workshops, or consultations to meet your needs.
Disclosure
Sue Swindeman receives compensation for her book sales.
Disclaimer
Tot Talks content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, medical or legal advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Individuals should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or licensed attorney for guidance specific to their situation. Users of these materials and activities are presumed to be aware of any physical or medical limitations that may contraindicate their use. Techniques and equipment demonstrated may carry a risk of injury, however minimal, and should only be used under the supervision of trained professionals.
