22 Sept 2026
Kate Sheehan OT and Dr. Ruth Parker to present purposeful bathroom CPD seminars at OT Show
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Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, in association with KS Occupational Therapy, will be presenting bathroom focused on-stand and theatre-based CPD sessions at the OT Show 2026.
The Occupational Therapy Show 2026. Stand D20, NEC, 25–26 November 2026.
Part of the Gainsborough Healthcare Group, multi-award-winning Abacus is a leading manufacturer, supplier and 360-degree installer of accessible bathrooms and baths for adults and children with disabilities. To add value to its products and services, the Abacus Academy provides a free, educational platform for healthcare, housing and medico-legal professionals. This includes e-learning, CPD ‘Lunch ‘n’ Learn’ sessions and bath demonstrations thanks to the fleet of Abacus educational vehicles.
At the 2026 OT Show, there will be express on-stand seminars from the Abacus Academy. These will count to CPD hours, and all attendees qualify for a free certificate:
FUNdamental the importance of bathing as a play and leisure occupation
Dr Ruth Parker, occupational therapist DiPCOT, MSc PhD. Stand D20.
Wednesday 25th November, 10:40 – 11:10
Thursday 26th November, 14:15 – 14:45.
Synopsis
This presentation explores bathing as both personal hygiene and a meaningful activity that supports health and well-being. It considers different washing options, cultural preferences and the practical, physical, sensory and emotional benefits of bathing. It also highlights the importance of:
• Privacy
• Environment
• Equipment and enjoyable experiences
• Reflection on professional attitudes and expectations
• Challenging the assumption that accessible facilities should default to a level-access shower
• Emphasising the need to recognise enjoyable or leisure-based activities as important contributors to overall health and well-being.
Learning outcomes
• Reflect on the impact of legislation across health sectors
• Consider the role of ‘necessary and appropriate’
• Discuss the evidence of ROI and how to apply it
• Challenge consistency of ‘occupation centred’ assessment
Designing a Shower Room: When Standards Meet Real Life
Kate Sheehan, occupational therapist DipCOT FRCOT FUoW. Stand D20.
Wednesday 25th November, 14:30 – 15:00
Thursday 26th November, 10:30 – 11:00
Synopsis
This presentation explores how to design a shower room that moves beyond minimum standards to respond effectively to the realities of everyday life. It considers how Part M of the Building Regulations provides an essential accessibility baseline, while the Inclusive Housing Design Guide offers a more practical interpretation for inclusive design.
The session will explore a person-centred approach that balances design regulation, standards and an individual’s needs, wishes and anthropometric measurements within their home environmental constraints and the way they carry out their daily tasks.
Learning Outcomes
• Explain how Part M and the Inclusive Housing Design Guide inform accessible shower-room design
• Apply a person-centred approach by identifying the individual’s needs, wishes and relevant anthropometric measurements
• Assess the built environment to identify barriers, constraints and areas where design compromises may be required
• Analyse the tasks a person needs to complete and how their individual methods influence the design
• Bring regulatory guidance, personal requirements and environmental factors together to develop a practical, inclusive design response
In association with Abacus, Kate Sheehan will also be speaking at the Showcase Theatre:
Does the Disabled Facilities Grant meet our clients’ needs in 2026?
Kate Sheehan, occupational therapist DipCOT FRCOT FUoW. Showcase Theatre.
Wednesday 25th November, 10:40 – 11:10
Thursday 26th November, 10:50 – 11:20.
