News To Know
Dr. Thomas Fisher Receives Award
Dr. Thomas Fisher, Chair of the Indiana University School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy, received the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association’s (IOTA’s) prestigious 2007 Occupational Therapist of the Year Award. Thom’s leadership as Chair of IOTA’s Legislative Committee achieved passage of the OT Licensure Bill in Indiana after nearly two decades of effort by the Association. Dr. Fisher is pictured with IOTA’s President, Chris Mahnesmith (pictured right), and Vice President, Loretta Sherwood (pictured left).
Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Join in Celebrating
IU President Dr. McRobbie's Inaguration
On Thursday, October 18th, 2007 several faculty members of the Department of Occupational Therapy department attended the new President of Indiana University, Dr. Michael McRobbie's inaguration. Faculty members pictured are: Top (left to right), Dr. Justiss, Dr. Crabtree, and Dr. Scott. Front (left to right), Dr. Schmid and Ms. Janson.
Four Occupational Therapy Faculty Members Present at National OT Conference
Representing the Indiana University Department of Occupational Therapy, four faculty members presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Annual Conference and Expo in St. Louis, Missouri April 19-23rd. AOTA conference presentations are selected via a competitive juried process, so it speaks highly of the Indiana University Department of Occupational Therapy faculty to be accepted for all sessions they submitted.
Program Chair, Dr. Thom Fisher presented the educational short course "Case management: A Natural Fit for Occupational Therapists."- Dr. Jeffrey Crabtree & Dr. Michael Justiss presented the educational short course "Public Transportation as a Community Mobility Instrumental Activity of Daily Living: Occupational Therapy's Role."
- Dr. Arlene Schmid presented "Fear of Falling after Stroke: A Qualitative Review" poster session. Her research has been accepted for publication in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
All full-time OT Faculty were in attendance at the 87th Annual AOTA Conference, along with six IU Occupational Therapy students. A well attended alumni reception was given by the Indiana University Department of Occupational Therapy. Faculty especially enjoyed reuniting with former students, fieldwork educators, faculty, and friends.
Carol D Nathan Leadership Award
Courtney Egolf is the Department of Occupational Therapy's Carol D Nathan Leadership Award recipient for 2007 for outstanding leadership potential. In addition to her 2 year role as the President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association at Indiana University, Courtney has worked to educate undergraduate students about occupational therapy. Courtney plans to work in spinal cord or brain injury rehabilitation upon graduation.
Occupational Therapy Students Receive Academic Awards
April Ebrecht: 2007 Chancellor Scholar for the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Sarah Hall: T.K. Carl Promise Award
Dr. Arlene Schmid, Department of Occupational Therapy Receives a $50,000 Grant
The Indiana University Center for Aging Research Roybal Center has funded a study to explore fear of falling after stroke. It is a longitudinal study to better understand the development and prevalence of fear of falling after stroke. The impact of fear on physical activity, participation, community mobility, and quality of life will be investigated. This research will be fundamental in future studies regarding interventions to increase physical activity in the post-stroke population.