Date: 2007-04-26
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The program, which has been running Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. through April 28th, is designed for children with disabilities, such as Down’s Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger's disorder, but welcomes children without disabilities as well. The children participate in modified activities such as kickball, t-ball, scooter board relay races and musical chairs.
(Media-Newswire.com) - BIDDEFORD – Four juniors in the University of New England’s Occupational Therapy Program are currently running a “Universal Recreation” program for Biddeford children, grades K-6, in conjunction with Biddeford Parks and Recreation.
The program, which has been running Saturday mornings from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. through April 28th, is designed for children with disabilities, such as Down’s Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger's disorder, but welcomes children without disabilities as well. The children participate in modified activities such as kickball, t-ball, scooter board relay races and musical chairs.
Co-coordinated by Betsy DeBrakeleer, COTA/L, ROH, clinical fieldwork coordinator in UNE’s Department of Occupational Therapy, and Dan Lettelier, of Biddeford Parks and Recreation, the program is run by juniors Elin Munson, Randy McMullen, Heidi Ouellette and Beverly Lagueux.
The project is part of the UNE students’ Level I fieldwork in preparation for their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This program is unique to the area, with comparable programs offered in Falmouth, Maine and Manchester, N.H.. The program is expected to expand into Saco and Old Orchard Beach, Maine next year.
Occupational Therapy Program
The Occupational Therapy Program at the University of New England in Biddeford and Portland is the longest standing and largest occupational therapy program in the state of Maine. It offers a five-year master’s program and a post-professional masters’ program. Occupational therapists work with people of all age groups and all ability levels to help them engage in those occupations, or tasks, that we do every day or once in a while that give meaning to our lives.
Clinical education is a crucial component of the occupational therapy curriculum at University of New England. The purpose of fieldwork experience is to provide occupational therapy students with the opportunity to integrate academic learning with clinical skills. Fieldwork requires the student to provide occupational therapy assessments and interventions to clients in a supervised setting. Through the fieldwork experience, the student therapist is able to demonstrate progressively higher levels of performance and responsibility.