OT Students Complete Fieldwork in Hawaii

During Intersession 2018, eight senior occupational therapy students participated in a level 1 fieldwork in physical disabilities course on Kauai, Hawaii. The purpose of Aloha Kauai is to help students understand how occupational therapy services can improve the health and quality of life of residents living in a medically underserved, multicultural community. Students assisted residents with disabilities in traditional hospital settings and community-based programs, including adapted surfing and equine therapy programs. They also participated in community service activities such as gleaning fruit for church food banks and distributing personal hygiene items to the homeless population. As a result, these students were able to experience the powerful influence that culture can have on engaging people in meaningful occupations and in developing professional skills they will need as future leaders in a globalized world.

Students get ready to help residents with disabilities engage in the meaningful occupation of surfing on Hanalei Bay as a part of KORE (Kauai Ocean Recreation Experience).