Occupational Therapy
News and Events

Capstone Research Presentations

Capstone Presentations will be Friday, November 20th beginning at 2:00 in Science Center Room 115.  Please join us as our second year graduate students present their Capstone Research projects.

Health Literacy and Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study

Establishing Normative Data for Hand Grip Strength: Greenleaf Evaluation Reporting System

Proactive or Reactive: Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialists' Strategies to Meet the Needs of the Older Driver

The Possible Relationship between Video-Gaming Habits and Grip Strength Among Children

The Development of TOGSS as a Real-World Measure of Executive Functioning: Planning, Problem-Solving, and Working Memory

Occupational Therapy Interventions in Nursing Homes: Is Occupational-Based Practice a Reality or Dream

The Effect of Individualized Ergonomic Assessment and Intervention on Compliance and Satisfaction

Older Adults Use of Technology in Home and Community Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Visit our In The Field Blog for a glimpse into the life of our students on fieldwork

Three Rockhurst Presentations at the AOTA 89th Annual Conference and Expo

The 2009 AOTA Conference was held in Houston, Texas from Thursday, April 23 – Sunday, April 26, 2009. We had 3 student and faculty research projects that were presented at the conference.

Rues, J., Broadhurst, A., Trott, L., Schrenk, K., & Woodroof, C. (2009, April). Are we ready: Occupational therapists’ competence in off-road assessments of older drivers.

Spake, E., Harmon, W., Branson, N., & Beckler, K. (2009, April). Academic dishonesty within occupational therapy assistant programs.

Vacek, K., Cavender, R., Grady, S.,Regan, C., & Schmitt, M. (2009, April). Establishing normative data for hand grip strength: Greenleaf evaluation reporting system.

Proud of Our Alums

Two fellow Rockhurst graduates, Brian Mills (OT 2000) and Larry Briscoe (PT 2000) will soon be famous! They developed a multiple use/tool goniometer. This new goniometer is revolutionary because it can be used as a goniometer as well as an inclinometer. Even better, the tool can be used one handed! Brian and Larry work together at KU MedWest and have continued to collaborate on projects since graduating from Rockhurst.

After Brian and Larry conceptualized the tool, they involved a CAD draftsman and developed a prototype. Sammons Preston will feature a ½ page ad this December for the new tool.
Brian and Larry have also established a company, Quantum TMT (Tool, Materials, Teaching). The website is being developed and will provide information for therapists and physicians about the new tool. We are so proud of you!

And make sure to keep an eye out for these two…
there is more in the works!!

OT Announces 2009 Awards and Recognitions:
Jane Rues Service Recognition:

The entire graduating class of 2009

Robin Bowen Leadership Award:
Amy Broadhurst and Teryn Ebert

Rues Scholarship Awarded
Congratulations to Rachel Stieren, Rockhurst OT student, winner of the 2009 Rues Scholarship. Rachel demonstrates outstanding achievement in the areas of learning, leadership and service. We are very proud of you.

OT Department Awarded Re-Accreditation for Maximum Number of Years
The Department of Occupational Therapy Education was assessed for re-accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) this year. We are proud to announce we received the maximal accreditation time of ten years. ACOTE formally stated 14 strengths of our program, one suggestion, and no areas of non-compliance. 

Occupational Therapy Alumni 
We are looking for you! Please send your current information to Jane Rues  

Alumni Corner
The Alumni Corner is a place for Rockhurst OT alumni to tell their peers about potential employment opportunities or just make a personal announcement. If you know of anything Rockhurst Alumni might be interested in hearing, please e-mail the information to Career Services.  Career services is available to Alumni and Graduating Students.  To check for new opportunities in Occupational Therapy, contact Mike Theobald by phone at 816.501.4061 or e-mail mike.theobald@rockhurst.edu