This course draws upon the knowledge from emerging product design concepts and principals and advocates for inclusiveness of all consumers regardless of their age, abilities, disabilities, and personal affinities. Students will apply critical thinking and hands-on learning to evaluate day-to-day technologies by use of various design criteria, identify usability problems, and design technology solutions. Course work will include readings, interactive activities, discussions, quizzes, and group projects.

Occupational therapy is introduced as a human service profession through experiential and academic activities, which illustrate the personal and professional skills required to practice in a variety of settings and roles. Basic concepts of human occupation and the therapeutic use of occupation are explored. Comparisons are made to related human service careers. Students are encouraged to do a personal assessment of their interest and potential for further study of occupational therapy.

Students develop skills and knowledge for analyzing daily existence, patterns of activity and the occupational choices pursued by humans. Students explore how the self-identity of individuals with and without disability is influenced by participation in everyday activities, and contextual factors: Through reading, reflective writing and collecting personal narratives of individuals with disability, students examine the relations among engagement in daily occupations and the orchestration of routines and social participation with self identity and well-being. Majors only. Writing intensive.

In-depth study with faculty supervision. Prereq: junior standing in OT major; approval of major adviser and faculty of area concerned.