The Department of Occupational Therapy hosted the 2024 Pitt OT Spring Colloquium as a virtual event on April 23, 2024, to discuss current issues and the newest OT research, education and theory to create the best occupational therapy practice for the future. The Colloquium opened with a welcome address from Associate Professor and Chair Juleen Rodakowski and recognition of the Pitt OT award recipients. Dr. Joy Hammel and ENGAGE Peer Facilitator and Co-Investigator, Tina Harris delivered the Joan C. Rogers Distinguished Lecture, "Increasing Participation Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Long-term Disabilities: Participatory Research involving Occupational Therapy & Disability Community Collaborations.” The event concluded with capstone presentations from our entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students.
This event is open to Pitt OT students, alumni, fieldwork supervisors, educators, practitioners, community partners and friends of Pitt OT.
Occupational therapy practitioners can earn a maximum of 2.5 continuing education/professional development contact hours for attending the event. Click here to download the Virtual Pitt OT Colloquium Certificate of Attendance.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
3:00 – 3:30 Welcome and Awards
3:30 – 4:30 The Joan C. Rogers Distinguished Lecture
4:30 – 5:30 OTD Capstone Poster Session
Welcome Address from the Chair and Awards Recognition Ceremony
Juleen Rodakowski, OTD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
The following awardees will be recognized at the 2024 Pitt OT Spring Colloquium:
Award of Appreciation
Lisa Peters, OTR/L
For supporting the University of Pittsburgh Department of Occupational Therapy in research, education, and service
Excellence in Clinical/Community Education, Level I Fieldwork
Jessica Durci, MOT, OTR/L, CPAM
For demonstrating dedication to high-quality education of occupational therapy students in Level I Fieldwork
Excellence in Clinical/Community Education, Level II Fieldwork
Kelly Ripepi, CScD, LSVT,PAMS, OTR/L
For demonstrating excellence in occupational therapy practice, management, advocacy, and education in Level II fieldwork
Alumni Award of Excellence
Holly Stants, MS,OTR/L, SCLV, CLVT
For demonstrating the distinct value of occupational therapy in service and leadership
Joan C. Rogers Distinguished Lecture
Joy Hammel, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA
Dr. Joy Hammel, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA identifies as a disabled woman, activist and scholar. She is a professor and the Wade Meyer Endowed Chair in Occupational Therapy and Disability Studies at UIC. Her research and teaching focus on community-based participatory action research related to community living and participation choice, control, and societal opportunity with people who are aging with disabilities and disability & aging communities. She is the co-principal investigator of the national center grant, the Americans with Disabilities Act Participation Action Research Consortium (ADA PARC) that examines disparities disabled people experience in housing, community living and community participation since the passage of the ADA and uses this information to effect policy and systems changes at national, state and community levels. Dr. Hammel was Appointed National Chair of Task Force to develop Technology Competencies for Occupational Therapists by the American OT Association in 1994, awarded Fellow in the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA) for Excellence in Research and Education in 1996, and received University of Illinois’ Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000. In 2013, she was recognized as the University of Illinois College of Applied Health Sciences’ Outstanding Educator of the Year and in 2014 was awarded the Terry Brittell OTA/OT Partnership Award by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Dr. Hammel earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1986) and her Master of Art in Education, Instructional Design/Educational Technology from San Francisco State University (1989). She later earned her PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley (1994).
Increasing Participation Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Long-term Disabilities: Participatory Research Involving Occupational Therapy & Disability Community Collaborations
People with disabilities describe participation as being able to do what you want or need to, and with whom, when, where, and how you want. Social participation, and its inverse social isolation, has now been correlated with emotional and physical health outcomes, and even mortality rates. Full participation in society is also a civil right under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But are we focusing on equitable and full participation in our rehabilitation interventions, and are these interventions reaching people living in under-resourced communities? This presentation will highlight how people with disabilities experience and describe participation, and how these experiences have been embedded into community-based, participation-focused interventions. The ENGAGE intervention will be featured as an example of a participation-focused program that is co-facilitated by OT practitioners and Peer Mentors who have had a stroke and was developed via collaborative team science between the University of Pittsburgh, Washington University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to...
1. Describe what participation looks like from the insider perspective of diverse people with disabilities, and the evidence linking participation to emotional and physical health outcomes.
2. Strategize ways to create and implement community-based, participation-focused interventions in OT practice, and collaborate with disability communities in culturally tailoring these interventions to meet community needs.
OTD Capstone Poster Session
This virtual poster session is the culmination of our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students' doctoral capstone experience, relating theory to practice and demonstrating synthesis of advanced knowledge. We invite you to explore the range of topic areas presented by our OTD students. We hope that you enjoy and engage in active discussion as you view the posters presented below.
To participate in a poster session, click on a poster title below to access additional information including a unique Zoom link for each poster. The student presenters will introduce their work every 20 minutes starting at 4:30 p.m. Each introduction will be followed by questions and discussion. Participants will not have the capability to share video/audio but may ask questions by typing in the Q&A window.
Aging in Place: Improving Health and Wellness Programming Through Occupation-Based Activities for Older Adults Living Independently
OTD Peer Network: Liann Ching, Megan Dranow, Alison Essiaw, Isabella Marchioli, Gina Rowley
Faculty Mentor: Cara Lekovitch
Abstract: This poster presents health and wellness programs for residents of an independent living community with visual impairments or other physical disabilities. Programs were designed to target physical health, emotional well-being, and social engagement, and emphasize accessibility for all residents. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance participants' independence and demonstrate how the field of occupational therapy can support aging in place for older adults with physical disabilities.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Identify group interventions to improve the health and wellness of older adults with varying levels of physical disability.
2. Understand the process of development and implementation of health and wellness programming for older adults in an independent living facility.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95479028856
For questions about this poster, Contact Megan Dranow at med149@pitt.edu.
All "On Board" at Brother Andre's Café: Creating an Inclusive Onboarding Process
OTD Peer Network: Genesis Aguila, Claire Finnerty, Michaela Tarallo, Allison Thomas & Kayla Valente
Faculty Mentor: Ann Marsico
Abstract: Our project’s purpose is to create an onboarding and training process for employees and volunteers/support staff at Brother Andre’s Cafe. These processes will equip the cafe, and establishments employing individuals with IDD, with strategies and resources to empower and support the employees to engage in meaningful work and learn lasting transferable skills.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Describe specific strategies, approaches, and interventions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to support performance in the workplace.
2. Understand the components of designing accessible training modules for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their support persons
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97209097232
For questions about this poster, Contact Allison Thomas at Amt172@pitt.edu.
Be TRU to Yourself-Wellness Programming Based on SAMHSA's Principles in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting
OTD Peer Network: Maigen DiCristofaro, Quinne Johnson, Kasey Lehner, Alexandra Pasterak, and Alyssa Szczepanski
Faculty Mentor: Denise Chisholm
Abstract: This poster describes programming based on SAMHSA’s principles of wellness developed through an occupational therapy lens for individuals with mental health diagnoses to promote successful reintegration into the community from an inpatient setting. Interventions focus on meaningful activity exploration, routine establishment, and coping strategy implementation. In conjunction with education on community resources, patients’ self-efficacy and feelings of discharge preparedness were evaluated.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Understand how multi-dimensional and client-centered wellness interventions facilitate patient self-efficacy and management of their health and wellness routines.
2. Describe strategies for discharge preparedness to bridge the gap between community supports/resources available and the needs of patients once reintegrated into the community.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/99752398241
For questions about this poster, Contact Quinne Johnson at QMJ1@pitt.edu.
Building Bridges Across Sensory Education: The B.A.S.E. Program
OTD Peer Network: Christie Cyktor, Hannah Dorobek, Brice Hounshel Smith, Alexandria Hwang, Drew Nguyen
Faculty Mentor: Joanne Baird
Abstract: This poster will describe the impact of a general sensory education webinar designed for caregivers of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We measure the impact of the webinar on self-efficacy and confidence in identifying sensory dysregulation and utilizing strategies within the home and community settings.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Identify the preferred delivery formats for educational materials for caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder
2. Understand the impact of the caregiver education webinar on confidence and self-efficacy of caregivers with children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/92330092316
For questions about this poster, Contact Christie Cyktor at clc290@pitt.edu.
Empowering Cancer Survivors- Bridging Information Gaps
OTD Peer Network: Larry Boyer, Lauren Danko, Sophia Textoris, Rachel Titus, Cassandra Trovato
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer White
Abstract: This project highlights the value of education for individuals after cancer-related surgery using a distinct OT perspective to address the feelings of unpreparedness and limited access to education and resources often experienced by cancer survivors.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Articulate the importance of providing occupation-based education for community-dwelling cancer survivors to recover and reintegrate into their daily lives after cancer-related surgery.
2. Describe the development and implementation of occupation-based cancer-related surgery resources and the resultant outcomes for community-dwelling cancer survivors.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97768519378
For questions about this poster, Contact Rachel Titus at racheltitus@pitt.edu.
Empowering Teens to Mentor Through Resilience, Expression, and Continuous Hope (R.E.A.C.H.)
OTD Peer Network: Rachel Abelson, Anastasia Dolan, Kelly McDonald, Shannon O’Leary, Meg Randig
Faculty Mentor: Avital Isenberg
Abstract: A cancer diagnosis profoundly impacts youth, introducing physical, psychosocial, and developmental challenges. However, a gap exists in interventions tailored for this population. This quality improvement project contributes to this cause by identifying the needs of youth impacted by cancer and developing a subsequent teen mentorship program. R.E.A.C.H. aims to foster social connections, enhance well-being, and promote community participation in teens impacted by cancer.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Describe the identified needs and priorities of youth and families affected by cancer within the scope of occupational therapy.
2. Examine the feasibility of developing a Teen Mentorship program based on the Positive Youth Development framework.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97722827085
For questions about this poster, Contact Anastasia Dolan at ALD277@pitt.edu.
Fall Prevention: Environmental Modifications and Staff Transfer Training within a Geriatric Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
OTD Peer Network: Ashley Bomer, Kathryn Johnson, Elizabeth Koehler, Kaleigh Pikulsky, Caroline Watson
Faculty Mentor: Cara Lekovitch
Abstract: Inpatient falls are a serious health concern that can ultimately jeopardize a patient’s ability to reintegrate into the community, impede their ability to complete meaningful occupations, and return to their least restrictive environment. The leadership and staff on the Integrated Health and Aging Program at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital expressed a need for a fall prevention program. Occupational therapists are experts in safe transfer techniques and environmental modifications promoting patient safety and wellness; ultimately, reducing the incidence of falls on the unit.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Synthesize the impact of the proposed fall prevention program on patient falls, staff transfer confidence and competency, and health care environment.
2. Understand the unique role that occupational therapists play in implementing fall prevention programs specifically related to transfer training and environmental modifications.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/92194462808
For questions about this poster, Contact Kaleigh Pikulsky at kap233@pitt.edu.
Promoting Self-Efficacy through a Peer Mentorship Program for Survivors of Domestic Violence
OTD Peer Network: Julianne Forzano, Tana Pierro, Alexa Rieger, Kyra Stolz, Lily Swanson
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer White
Abstract: Survivors of domestic violence initially benefit from foundational needs being met, such as housing, food, and clothing. Once met, more complex aspects of well-being can be explored to support quality of life and occupational performance. Research shows peer mentorship has a positive impact to survivors’ self-efficacy via growth in role competence. This program pairs past and current residents at HEARTH to fill an identified need for peer support to increase self-efficacy and sense of community.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Identify the importance of mentoring relationships in community settings in regard to positive changes in self-reported self-efficacy.
2. Describe the value of self-efficacy with domestic violence survivors.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/93722158958
For questions about this poster, Contact Alexa Rieger at alr205@pitt.edu.
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Enriching Participation (P.R.E.P.)
OTD Peer Network: Camryn Albrecht, Kotia Harris, Elizabeth Harvey, Livia Mackes, Maura Sharkey
Faculty Mentor: Joanne Baird
Abstract: Outpatient psychiatric rehabilitation programs strive to provide an environment of structure, routine, skill-building, socialization and learning to enhance an individual’s participation in their everyday activities. This poster highlights the benefits of having an occupational therapy perspective to promote a client-centered approach to care. This approach will increase client engagement through meaningful group activities and support staff members’ experience working in this setting.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Apply various facilitation tips and general recommendations to enhance group participation.
2. Implement a schedule guide in an outpatient rehabilitation mental health setting.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/95455775916
For questions about this poster, Contact Elizabeth Harvey at EKH31@pitt.edu.
S.T.R.I.V.E.: Supporting Transitions and Reaching Independence through Vocational Experience for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
OTD Peer Network: Juliann Alfera, James Dunn, Valerie Jordan, Denica Obis, & Hannah Pulley
Faculty Mentor: Avital Isenberg
Abstract: S.T.R.I.V.E is a quality improvement project that optimizes resources for direct support professionals (job coaches) at a non-profit vocational habilitation facility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This approach aims to strengthen the client-job coach relationship and promote vocational engagement for all. After this session, participants will be able to identify strategies to optimize workplace performance and recognize priority training for job coaches.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Identify strategies to optimize employee vocational performance to promote workplace satisfaction and participation.
2. Recognize priority areas of training for direct support professionals working with individuals with developmental disabilities in a vocational setting.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/96485523718
For questions about this poster, Contact Denica Obis at denica.obis@pitt.edu.
WeePASS: Development of New Task Items
OTD Peer Network: Kylie Hofmeister, Genevieve Prutting, Stana Topich, Kara Travanti, Stephanie Zenor
Faculty Mentor: Denise Chisholm
Abstract: The WeePASS (Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills – Pediatric version) is a client-centered, criterion-referenced, performance-based assessment tool. This poster introduces three new WeePASS task items, and describes the clinical importance and utility of the WeePASS, and illustrates how to incorporate WeePASS tasks in the occupational therapy evaluation process.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Describe the clinical utility of the WeePASS and how to implement the 3 new tasks (use of a spoon, use of a fork, and donning/doffing socks) in clinical practice.
2. Understand data trends from trialing the new tasks with children and from the training of occupational therapy practitioners.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/91691156523
For questions about this poster, Contact Stephanie Zenor at stephaniezenor@pitt.edu.
Zoning In: A Sensory Approach to Enhance Emotional Regulation in Schools
OTD Peer Network: Natalie Bullock, Melanie Crank, Sarah Heller, Courtney Purdy, and Sarena Shah
Faculty Mentor: Erin Mathia
Abstract: This poster will describe how sensory and emotional regulation interventions, based on the Zones of Regulation®, were designed and implemented to reduce behavioral disruptions while enhancing education and social participation of elementary students in school and at home. Additionally, this poster will advance that field of occupational therapy through a sensory-based intervention that is inclusive to all students in a K-5 elementary school.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to.....
1. Identify the outcomes of evidence-based emotional and sensory interventions in reducing disruptive behaviors while enhancing education and social participation of elementary students.
2. Discuss how caregivers can carryover sensory and emotional regulation strategies used at school into the home environment to facilitate further skill development and improve overall occupational performance of elementary students.
Join URL: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/99320718078
For questions about this poster, Contact Sarah Heller at SJH97@pitt.edu.