- The Learning Environment
The Learning Environment
Our students engage in learning activities designed to meet varying learning styles. Typically, we combine classroom lecture with hands-on laboratory experiences, clinical observations, and field training to optimize student learning. During COVID 19 restrictions, we have utilized remote learning for our lectures and a hybrid model with approved personal protective equipment and social distancing policies for hands-on labs. Our position in the School of Public Health and Health Professions offers a unique perspective on the role of occupation in promoting health for individuals and communities. Our position in the Academic Health Center allows interprofessional learning experiences with students from other programs, promoting interaction with all members of the healthcare team. The diverse Buffalo, NY region allows opportunities to develop OT interventions for individuals from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Our students benefit from an environment with an emphasis on research and evidence-based intervention, access to a world-class library system, and experienced faculty with a broad array of specialty areas with the field of occupational therapy.
About Our Facilities
Our students benefit from the large and small lecture rooms afforded by the University. Our recently updated lab space allows students to experience OT evaluation and intervention techniques including plinths and mat tables for whole –body interventions, swings, scooter boards and other equipment for sensory interventions, moveable tables for table top interventions, and multiple stations for orthotic fabrication. Our newly-renovated rooms also include space for simulation of living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry activities of daily living.
About Our Faculty
We currently have 7 full-time and one part-time core faculty dedicated to occupational therapy and approximately 10 adjunct faculty. Our experienced and dedicated core faculty bring a broad range of specializations to our program. Research interests of our faculty include:
- Understanding the needs of caregivers
- Studying usability of a variety of assistive devices
- Effectiveness of falls prevention programs
- Modifying dental office environments for individuals with developmental disabilities
- The role of occupational therapy in the development of literacy
- Assisting refugees to develop activities, occupations, and daily routines
- Effectiveness of classroom-based sensory and cognitive interventions for children with behavior problems
- Helping teachers to effectively use assistive technology with students
- Development of a functional evaluation of upper extremity skills in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Faculty List Directory
Each faculty member is committed to teaching, research, and community service as part of his/her responsibilities to fulfill the mission of the department, school, and university.
Please visit the Rehabilitation Science department website for additional information about our faculty.