OTA Faculty Member Participates in National Conference
This past spring, Dr. Cathy Gardner, Adjunct Faculty in Raritan Valley Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program, participated in a panel of occupational therapists from across the country at the National Occupational Therapy Conference in Orlando, FL.
Through donations from RVCC, program participants were able to create Go-kits to help them prepare for an emergency. Other donations included a multi-purpose crank radio, flashlight, hot/cold packs, pill organizer, hydration stick packets, sewing kit, water purifier packets, first aid kits, and hand sanitizer.
During the conference, participants identified the role of occupational therapy in assisting community members with how to identify threats and prepare for an emergency. Occupational therapy’s approach to the person, environment, occupations, and participation (PEOP model) enables therapists to assist those who are at greatest risk for challenges during an emergency, such as the elderly, or those with physical, developmental, or mental health challenges.
The group is now working on publishing an occupational therapy assessment to help determine community members’ vulnerabilities and their level of preparedness, as well as areas of need in being prepared.
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July 25, 2024
Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383
