Dr. Elizabeth A. Cada, Ed.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, and Dean of Graduate Studies

This event highlights the importance of interprofessional communication in health and human services.

Lidia Huerta, MHS, CCC-SLP/L, Department of Communication Disorders, and Elizabeth Wanka, DrOT, OTR/L, Department of Occupational Therapy

The focus of this presentation is to have future educators and rehabilitation providers explore their level of cultural awareness and cultural competency when providing services to children with disabilities and their families.

Dr. DeLawnia Comer-Hagans, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Health Administration & Dr. Zo Ramamonjiarivelo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Health Administration.

This presentation addresses some of the health disparities that exist among children with disabilities. For example, children with disabilities experience higher rates of obesity and diabetes than children without health disparities. The presenters will also discuss the impact of health policies within the health care system on children with disabilities.

Dr. Divya Sood, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor. Department of Occupational Therapy & Dr. Caren Schranz, DrOT, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy.

The focus of this presentation is to highlight the impact of the social and physical environment of the home on daily occupations of children with disabilities. The presenters will discuss the influences of parental stress, availability of resources within the home environment and parental responsiveness on the participation patterns of children with disabilities. The presenters will also discuss an intervention model to create enriched home environments for children with disabilities.

Dr. Terri Christiansen, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Division of Psychology & Counseling

The focus of this presentation will be on clarifying the issues that frequently arise as educators and families attempt to support and problem solve around the educational process of children with autism in the school setting. Identification of critical factors that can lead to team disaster or team success will be discussed.

Dr. Robbie O’Shea, PT, PhD, DPT, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy

Many factors play into a family’s ability or desire to participate in community activities and services. This session will explore some of those factors and discuss barriers to participation.

Dr. Jennifer Armstrong Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Disorders

Learning how best to address the myriad of complex issues in growing numbers of children and youth with Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD) has become a national concern. This presentation will explore the challenges faced by these children and describe a collaborative approach for treatment for academic professionals and related personnel.