Boston University Entry-level OT Program

The EL-OTD 2 students celebrated Occupational Therapy Month at the Massachusetts State House by educating visitors about occupational therapy. Students created and presented posters about the role of occupational therapy in addressing occupational performance impacted by sleep, pain, ergonomics, low vision, and caregiver support.

In the Assistive Technology class, the EL-OTD I students adapted battery-operated toys for children with disabilities. Students worked in teams to add jacks to the toys and build 3D-printed switches for each toy. The toys and switches the students adapted were donated to clinic sites, educational programs, and children with disabilities.

In Integrative Seminar, EL-OTD I students took Implicit Association Tests developed by Project Implicit to unmask biases related to race, disability, age, sexuality, and mental health. After receiving their results, students discussed their biases, how these biases may influence interactions with others, and what they can do to manage these biases as future occupational therapy practitioners.

Clinical Assistant Professor Jen Kaldenberg recently published a research paper in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy. The study identified the perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing low vision rehabilitation services for older adults with visual impairments in the state of Massachusetts. Findings showed that while visual impairments are progressive and chronic conditions, individuals are not receiving continued care. The implications for the education and advocacy roles of occupational therapy with older adults with visual impairments are highlighted.

EL-OTD II student Arti Gandhi is working with Assistant Professor Dan Fulford in the Approach Motivation & Participation (AMP) Lab. Arti is currently working on creating a paradigm to measure what motivates people with schizophrenia to engage in social interaction. The goal of the research is to help identify the point at which people with schizophrenia struggle with wanting social connection but are having difficulties with taking action. This paradigm will be used to guide intervention to improve social and occupational performance outcomes.