Each spring semester, CPL Primary Lead Dr. Ryan Lavalley leads a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) course focused on community practice. This year he was assisted by Seth Mitchell, 2nd year PhD student in occupational science. In the course, six teams of four students are introduced to practice oriented toward community change and provided with an experiential learning opportunity to contribute to and/or design a real-world transformative initiative alongside a community partner. Situated through a lens of justice and critical perspectives, the course examines the everyday unfolding of groups, communities, and social systems including their impact on wellbeing and participation in occupation.
Throughout the semester, student teams meet with and engage with local organizations to develop initiatives or resources that support the organizationsâ work. Below, the spring 2024 MSOT students share announcements about resources and initiatives theyâve supported through their community partners.
AED in ED:
Students worked with the to develop the âAED in ED on the Webâ project aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusion in Durham, N.C. As part of the organization’s commitment to promoting disability justice and equity, AED in ED hopes to implement a comprehensive plan to revamp its digital presence. Through a 3-step approach, it hopes to revitalize its webpage to serve as a space for valuable resources and a brand-new interactive calendar that will feature community events tailored towards inclusivity and accessibility. This project aligns with AED in ED’s mission to foster meaningful connections and empower all DPS students and families. Stay tuned for updates on their progress!
B3 Coffee:
Students worked with to create an 11-week leisure activity program to explore different hobbies to occupy participantsâ âchill time.â The objective of this program is to provide participants with an opportunity to develop interests in different types of low-cost, minimal prep hobbies in seven main areas: nature-based, art-based, self-care, active, creative, games/brain teasers, and social planning. Members are encouraged to share their own preferred leisure activities and will have free time to explore and reflect on the hobbies reviewed throughout this program. The ultimate goal is to help reduce boredom at home and give each participant the tools to initiate and conduct leisure activities as well as to promote positive mental health outcomes. B3 is excited to explore new hobbies with its members!
Chatham County Aging Services:
is working to bring , or Community Aging in PlaceâAdvancing Better Living for Elders, to Chatham County. This program is a home-based, client-centered program that promotes aging in place and improves outcomes for older adults. Chatham County is projected to have the third-fastest rate of aging in North Carolina by 2030, and this program aims to promote safe aging in place for this population. Specifically, CAPABLE will support older adults with health management in their home environment.
CAPABLE is an evidence-based program that is proven to improve independence, safety and health, lower healthcare costs, and enhance participantsâ motivation and self-efficacy. CAPABLE participants will collaborate with a nurse, occupational therapist, and handyperson to establish goals, modify the home environment, and further develop problem-solving skills promoting safe aging in place.Â
We know that Chatham County older adults are CAPABLE of safe aging in place!
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County:Â
For more than 40 years, has been serving the community under the mission of building homes, developing community, and inspiring hope. Habitatâs newest developmentâWeavers Groveâis well underway, with the first cohort of homebuyers beginning to meet each other and prepare for moving in. To meet the evolving needs of Habitat Homebuyers at Weavers Grove, the students worked with the Neighborhood Engagement team to develop the Pattern Plan as a framework for developing multi-lingual, multi-cultural community at Weavers Grove. With this plan, Habitat hopes to build a sense of community, social cohesion, and collective action at Weavers Grove through a language access approach. This approach includes a process for developing community guidelines, support for residents to host events, and a framework for developing cross-language conflict resolution. Habitat welcomes engagement and connection with development efforts at Weavers Grove!Â
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HOPE NC:Â
Students worked with to propose a newly developed model for a community facilitator role to lead community programming and initiatives that promote social inclusion and belonging for people of all abilities and ages. The community facilitator would create opportunities for community members to do things together, create welcoming and accessible programs and community spaces, create opportunities for people to have meaningful roles in the community, create a sense of belonging and inclusion, and create opportunities for people to make their own choices and be involved in decision-making for the community.
These evidence-based principles can help promote community inclusion, and the students are eager to share these strategies and see how HOPE NC implements them in the future. They are excited for HOPE NC to âcreateâ a more inclusive world, one community at a time!
Sonja Haynes Stone Center:Â
Students worked with the to develop an accessibility and usability initiative. This initiative aims to integrate the use of modern technology, improve the functionality of space, and increase accessibility features to ensure an inclusive experience and welcoming environment. Students proposed that these implementations will take place across the next two years and will include features such as a new multifunctional student lounge, a pop-up cafe featuring local businesses, and several ADA-compliant upgrades throughout the building. The students are hopeful you will visit the Stone Center to see these exciting changes; in the meantime, you can follow the Stone Center on social media for updates. Students are excited for the Sonja Haynes Stone Centerâs #YearOfAccess!