Students Giving Back to the Community
Occupational therapy students participate in many community service activities that benefit people of all ages and promote awareness of occupational therapy and its powerful impact on society.
Pittsburgh Symphony’s Heroes and Inspirations Sensory Friendly Concert:
Support for families of individuals with diverse sensory and cognitive abilities to participate in this community event (see video below).
Other examples of community service activities include:
- Advocacy (American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Hill Day) – promoted occupational therapy and key interests of the profession through attendance at this annual event in Washington, D.C.
- 5k Fun Run/Walk (Open Your Heart to a Senior Program) – organized this fund raising event to benefit community dwelling seniors and to promote aging-in-place.
- Rebuilding Homes (Rebuilding Together) – previewed homes and made recommendations for home repairs for low-income homeowners in Allegheny County.
- Car Safety (CarFit) – promoted the occupation of driving by hosting multiple CarFit events in Allegheny, Westmoreland and Erie counties to ensure a safe “fit” between drivers and their environment (i.e., their car).
- Toy Drive (Alliance for Infants and Toddlers) – provided developmentally appropriate toys for children with special needs.
- Career Days (Investing Now; Health Career Scholars Academy: Assistive Technology) – introduced occupational therapy to middle and high school students through hands-on health and science learning programs.
- Museum Redesign (Carnegie Museum) – redesigned the children’s exhibit areas to increase opportunities for interactive learning.
- Kids Night Out (The Children’s Institute) – provided fun outings for children with special needs and their siblings, plus respite time for their parents.
- Adaptive Sports (Three Rivers Adaptive Sports (TRASPA) Adaptive Skiing program; Special Olympics) – assisted consumers to participate in events.
- Arthritis Walk (Arthritis Foundation) – raised funds and promoted awareness about arthritis.