OCTH 657: Specialty Practice Areas in Occupational Therapy
Credit Hours: (2)
Exploration of various specialty practice areas in occupational therapy.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
Topics include:
- Effects of Disease Processes
- Grade and Adapt Processes or Environments
- Community Mobility
- Dysphagia and Feeding
- Assistive Technologies and Devices
- Referral to Specialists
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
All MOT courses utilize instructional strategies that rely on active learning and
best teaching practices.
Additional instructional methods for each course are determined by course instructors
in alignment with course content. These may include:
- Simulations/role-plays
- Student presentations
- Flipped classrooms
- Gamification
- Collaborative learning in teams
- Field/Lab experiences
- Guest speakers
- Case Studies
- Other
Goals and Objectives of the Course
B.2.6. Effects of Disease Processes
- Analyze occupational performance aspects that are affected by diagnoses including
heritable diseases, genetic conditions, mental illness, disability, trauma, and injury
B.3.8. Grade and Adapt Processes or Environments
- Assess, grade, and modify the way persons, groups, and populations perform occupations
and activities by adapting processes, modifying environments, implementing assistive
technology or adaptive equipment, and applying ergonomic principles to reflect the
changing needs of the client, sociocultural context, and technological advances.
B.3.11. Community Mobility
- Evaluate the needs of persons, groups, or populations to design programs that enhance
community mobility, and determine alternative means of transportation in community
settings, including driver rehabilitation and other community access options.
B.3.13. Dysphagia and Feeding
- Evaluate and provide interventions for dysphagia and disorders of feeding and eating
to enable performance, and train others in precautions and techniques while considering
client and contextual factors.
B.3.15. Assistive Technologies and Devices
- Apply the principles of assessment to identify appropriate features of assistive technologies
and durable medical equipment to support the client’s participation.
- Demonstrate the ability to design, fabricate, apply, fit, and train in assistive technologies
and devices (e.g., aids for communication, mobility, sensory loss, computer access,
seating, and positioning systems) used to enhance occupational performance.
- Document a justification to secure funding.
B.3.17. Referral to Specialists
- Evaluate and discuss mechanisms for referring clients to specialists both internal
and external to the profession, including community agencies.
Assessment Measures
Projects, assignments, competencies, and tests as appropriate.
Other Course Information
Additional course information provided as needed in course semester syllabi.
Review and Approval
February, 2009
December, 2020
June 5, 2025