USAHS Occupational Therapy Faculty to Share Their Expertise in South Africa

Faculty members from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences will present their research at the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, May 21 to 25. The theme of the event, which takes place every four years, is “Connected in Diversity: Positioned for Impact.” The WFOT represents more than 350,000 occupational therapists in 72 countries and promotes the important role of occupational therapy around the world.

USAHS faculty will cover a wide range of issues, including the impact of armed conflict on children, African American preschoolers with autism, and children with visual impairments.

Oral Presentations

May 22, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Cross-Cultural e-Learning Between Cypriot and American Occupational Therapy Students: A Pilot Study – Kayla Collins, MOT, EdD, OT/L and Mary Zadnik, SCD, MED, OTR/L (presenter)

May 23, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
The Impact of Marginalization, Armed Conflict and Longitudinal Stress on the Health and Wellness of Children: Exploring Vulnerabilities, Resiliency and How Occupational Therapy Can Help – Jose Rafols, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L (presenter), Marcia Hamilton, OTD, MSHS, OTR/L, BCP

Guided Poster Presentation

May 24, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
A Comprehensive Approach for Assistive Technology Assessment and Intervention Across the Lifespan with Diverse Populations – Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP

Poster Presentations

May 22
Promoting Self Efficacy, Health and Wellness, Starting with Ourselves – Marcia Hamilton, OTD, MSHS, OTR/L, BCP

May 22
The Integration of Telehealth, Telerehabilitation and Tele Surveillance in Contemporary Practice to Connect Marginalized and Geographically Displaced Populations with Occupational Therapists and the Transdisciplinary Healthcare Team: A Review of Three Case-Studies to Validate Usage and Assimilation – Jose Rafols, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L

May 25
Serving Children with Visual Impairment, Low Vision, Deaf/Blind, and Cortical Visual Impairment: Rethinking Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Increased Participation in Daily Occupations in the Educational Setting – Gina Benavente, DHSc, MPH, OTR

May 25
Diagnostic Disparities and Functional Challenges of African American Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder – Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP

The university has offered occupational therapy programs for more than 20 years. Today, it’s entry-level programs include a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and its post-professional programs include a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD) and continuing professional education.