Article from WMTW News
Occupational therapy students show off their creations at University of New England’s Adaptive Projects Expo
PORTLAND, Maine —The University of New England hosted its annual Adaptive Projects Expo Tuesday afternoon.
Over 20 first-year occupational therapy students presented their innovations.
“They are tasked with creating a project for a child that helps them access different occupations,” said faculty member Jamie Harmon.
Occupations could mean anything from handwriting to getting dressed or organizing one’s thoughts, according to MaineHealth.
Projects at the expo included sensory buckets, life-sized board games, a water table, and toothbrush adaptations.
Harmon said the projects are inspired by the needs of the community. Before the semester begins, she consults local clinics to ask if they have any specific needs. She said some of this year’s projects will be donated to Storey Smith Pediatric Clinic, Gallant Therapy Services, and Play Warriors, Inc. She says it’s a way for students to connect to the community and give back.
“They might have a challenge of mobility, or sight, or hard of hearing. They might have sensory processing challenges, a whole variety,” Harmon said.
Nathan Tolosky’s project was inspired by his love of climbing.
It’s a tent-shaped rock-climbing wall, but inside, kids can find a hammock. Color-changing LED lights line the inside of the tent, and background music plays.
“I learned that therapy doesn’t have to be restricted by your tools,” Tolosky said. “You can make whatever you need to target something in a therapeutic intervention.”
Harmon says the interactive nature of the project is formative for students.
“We do a lot of learning in the classroom, but in addition to that didactic component, we really want them to put them into practice and see how it really can change the lives of children,” she said.
