Miami, FL, April, 30th, 2024 (By: Monica Martinez). During Occupational Therapy month, students from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA) and course on Therapeutic Intervention for Individuals, out of Keiser University celebrated Special Needs Day by accompanying patients with various levels of disabilities from the Miami Achievement Center to the Miami Youth Fair earlier this month.
This is a profession that can be incredibly rewarding for the right individual. These kinds of therapists use real world events and experiences to positively impact their patients’ lives. They focus on elevating the proficiency of everyday activities of their patients, such as grooming, nutrition, and navigating their local community to ensure that they can get to and from work.
Led by OTA faculty members, Collen Blankenship and Marlene Guerrero, the student group who attended the Miami Youth Fair Event, earned valuable hands-on experience during their time at the Miami Youth Fair. The event was the ideal setting to provide students with opportunities to apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in a real world setting while doubling as a platform for those enrolled in the program to understand the broader impact of their work on individuals and the surrounding community.
“Participation in such events fosters collaboration between participants and mental health professionals in the Miami-Dade area, increasing a sense of community and mutual respect. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, Keiser OTA students acquire valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of community-based health care, equipping them with tools to advocate for inclusive practices in their communities,” said Carmen Perez-Padron, the Dean and Director of Student and Career Services at Keiser University.
“This experience not only enriches their understanding of mental health, but also cultivates empathy and resilience, empowering them to effect positive change and champion inclusivity in society,” added Director Perez.
The Miami Achievement Center was Established in 1962 by a group of concerned family members and friends of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The center’s mission is to further the independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides opportunities for clients to become more productive, self-fulfilled, and happier through its multifaceted program offerings.
Keiser University Occupational Therapy Assistant Program partnered with the Miami Achievement Center (MAC Town), to equip occupational therapists and assistants with crucial opportunities to engage in the community where they can provide disabled citizens with independence and participation in community events.
“We’re honored to spotlight the critical role of occupational therapists and their assistants, who are dedicated to enhancing independence and participation for individuals with varying disabilities. Our collaboration with Mac Town underscores our commitment to the community,” said Keiser University OTA faculty member Colleen Blankenship.
Professional career developments websites like LinkedIn boasts thousands of job openings for the profession in Florida, along with substantial sign-on bonuses of up to $2,000 for entry level positions in the field.
Keiser University’s Occupational Therapy Assistants Program (OTA) is a component of Keiser’s Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, an associate degree which prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. By earning this degree offered at Keiser University, students learn the therapeutic use of occupations which include self-care, work and play/leisure activities to maximize independent function, enhance development, prevent disability, and maintain health.
Since occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people gain skills needed to become independent in daily living activities, students also learn to apply intervention strategies may include adaptations to a task or environment or compensatory approaches to facilitate clients’ achievement of maximum independence.
*Monica is an education professional who specializes on work with at-risk students and those who have special needs.
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