The utilization of community programming to enhance OT and OTA collaboration in education

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects older adults. As PD progress, an individual’s motor skills, gait, cognition, psychosocial skills, and ADLs may be impacted. As a result, individuals diagnosed with PD often are referred to occupational therapy for assessment and treatment intervention. Neurodegenerative diseases such as PD are covered throughout the didactic portions of an occupational therapy student’s education. The culmination of lecture and lab-based instruction can only increase a student’s ability to evaluate and treat a client effectively and holistically with PD. It is vital that students have the foundational knowledge of assessment and intervention techniques utilized with neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, prior to engaging in fieldwork experiences. Occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) engaged in the unique experience of a community PD support group.