Waking up with OT and AT

Presented by Cicily McBride and Sara Story (Spaulding University)

Friday, September 9, 2022
10:30am – 11:45am

Session Description

Occupational therapists provide compassionate and inclusive care to individuals to promote quality of life through increased participation in meaningful activities. Our knowledge regarding both high and low assistive technology can benefit many individuals. Frequently, individuals needing assistive technology may not know what to choose from the hundreds of options, how to work the equipment, and how to implement it into their lives to improve independence. Occupational therapists can work with the individual to assist with choosing AT and assessing usability without leaving the comfort of their home by using telehealth. Telehealth is a service delivery type that uses videoconferencing software available on most tablets and smartphones. Telehealth increases one’s accessibility to quality occupational therapists that can aid in assistive technology. This presentation will provide information on improving the telehealth experience for all parties, demonstrate what an occupational therapy session would look like, and recommend assistive technology to incorporate into one’s morning routine.

Presenter Biographies

Cicily McBride is currently working toward her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy at Spalding University in Louisville, KY, with a degree conferment scheduled for January ’23. Her current research interests are home assessments conducted via telehealth and aging in place.  

Sara Story is an occupational therapist, Department Chair and a core faculty member at Spalding University in the Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Story has experience working in productive aging and mental health. She serves on the Kentucky Occupational Therapy Association as Co-Chair of the Central District. Dr. Story is board-certified in gerontology through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Her interests, presentations, and publications include mental health services, geriatric community-based therapy in utilizing technology to enhance outcomes in older adults, fall prevention, community mobility, and home modification and safety in underserved rural communities.