This course focuses on assistive technology solutions to maximize independence at home, in the community, and on the job for individuals who experience physical disabilities. Students will acquire skills in conducting accessibility assessments. Topics explored include wheelchair seating and mobility; ergonomic hand tools; independent living aids; ramps and lifts; vehicle modifications; and modifications for canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. Intensive hands-on AT exploration will be completed on campus or virtual evidence provided will be accepted.

Students will integrate their prerequisite knowledge of occupation. The course will develop skills required for interpretation of biomechanical analysis for creating successful occupational performance for individuals with varied musculoskeletal, cardiac, and respiratory dysfunction. Integration of the occupational therapy clinical reasoning process and the use of occupations as a therapeutic mechanism for change will be emphasized. The analysis of environment as it relates to human movement and participation in desired occupations will be explored.

Lab.

OT 855 Level II Fieldwork, I, online discussion is a co-requisite course that accompanies OT 854 and OT 856: Level II Fieldwork. Students respond to instructor-led discussion prompts as well as to postings of their classmates. The online discussion provides the opportunity for students to relate fieldwork experiential learning to all areas of UNH coursework including: mind-body systems, health-and-human systems of care; assessment; intervention; documentation; evidence-based practice; client-centered and occupation-centered practice; and application of research to practice. Students engage in on-going discussion about professional identity and the transition from student to professional as they describe and discuss fieldwork challenges and successes across a variety of practice settings.