Occupational therapy has been recognized as an essential profession in the area of low vision (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2017). With the increasing number of older individuals developing visual impairments, focus has been placed on educating occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) about adult and geriatric clients. However, the same emphasis has not been placed on best practices for pediatric clients with low vision. Wittich, et al. (2016) reports that entry-level occupational therapy programs do not consistently provide adequate instruction to create competence treating a sensory loss such as vision or hearing. Additionally, over 90% of school-based OTPs report having students with low vision, but only half of those therapists report having sufficient confidence to complete assessments (Workman, et al., 2016). Therefore, pediatric specific continuing education is needed for school-based OTPs to improve confidence and competence in low vision. To address this need, Expanding Horizons in Pediatric Low Vision Education (Expanding Horizons) will be created to address the educational needs of school-based OTPs. Expanding Horizons is a professional education and networking program. It will provide information and collaboration opportunities regarding the expanded core curriculum (ECC), which is required for students with visual impairment and should be vii provided simultaneously to their academic instruction (Chase, 2022; Sapp & Hatlen 2010). As part of Expanding Horizons, OTPs will have access to continuing education in each area of the ECC, a resource library, practice chats, and one on one consultation with a pediatric low vision expert. This program will allow OTPs to develop a framework for assessment strategies and opportunities for collaboration and consultation with a focus on school-based occupational therapy provision.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/46610 |
| Date | 24 August 2023 |
| Creators | Stone, Emily Beth |
| Contributors | Berner, Kevin, Jacobs, Karen |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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