Perspectives Spring 2015

PERSPECTIVES • SPRING 2015 20 OT Fort Lauderdale OT Department, and Lori Wise of UM- NSU CARD (Center for Autism-Related Disabilities) to informally reevaluate how the newest technology could better help Archer to engage in desired activi- ties. With the right equipment (ad- justable, table-mounted iPad holder and adjustable head pointer), the team was able to make an Apple iPad accessible to Archer, giving her newfound independ- ence. Archer shared her experiences with the MOT and SLP students, and her determination, passion for life, and willingness to be transparent for the sake of educating others were obvious. For the participating MOT and SLP students on this special day in October, Archer demonstrated her independent access skills to the students. With much practice, she has become quite experi- enced in navigating the iPad, opening up many opportunities to engage that she otherwise would not have had. Using a text-to-speech app, Archer expressed her gratitude by saying, “Dr. Lauer, thank you for opening my eyes to the world through this iPad. I can do a lot on my own now. I can read my email, my Face- book, my music, and I can put the cam- era on myself. I’m learning how to read and write. And I’m learning to do art- work on my iPad. I love watching YouTube videos of my favorite singer Diana Ross—I love the way she moves her hair. “People like me like to learn about stuff, just like everyone else,” she added. “My iPad makes that possible. It’s a whole new world for me. I want your students to remember how you helped me so they can help other people like me to have access to technology like this, too.” When she was done, there was not a dry eye in the room. AAC? AT? The occupational therapy student poster competition is a highlight each fall during the Florida Occupational Therapy Association an- nual conference. Occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students throughout the state present the results of programs or research projects developed and imple- mented during the previous year. The posters are rated by judges and viewed by conference attendees. This year, out of 49 posters, one OT and one OTA student poster were selected as the most outstanding poster in each category. The NSU Occupational Therapy Department is proud to announce that a group of five NSU second-year MOT students was awarded the best overall poster in the OT student category. The poster, titled “Taking the Pain Out of Painting,” was the result of a practicum experience in the OT Mental Health and Wellness course. The students completed a needs assessment and combined their knowledge of mental health/mental illness and physical disabilities to create an ergonomics program for artists at the 9Muses Art Cen- ter in Fort Lauderdale. 9Muses, part of the Mental Health Associ- ation of Southeast Florida, promotes recovery through the arts. OT STUDENTS PRESENT POSTER AT FOTA By Cathy Peirce, Ph.D., OTR/L, Associate Professor, Director, Dr.OT Program Pictured (from left) are MOT students Sam Miller, Caroline Fee, Mary Peterson, Elizabeth Kretz, and Michael Novak.