Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Occupational Therapy Department has partnered with NSC since 2006. A long-standing service-learning initiative is incorporated into OT 562 (Environmental Competence in Action), whereby refugee individuals & families demonstrating difficulties during the resettlement and post-resettlement periods participate in a semester-long project with students with the goal of increasing independence in preferred occupations, and client empowerment, confidence, and competence in integrating into their new communities. Students are introduced to the Refugee experience, resettlement processes, trauma-informed care, and use of interpretation services. The collaboration with NSC expanded through development of a full-time fieldwork experience in the InSPIRE program.  Students work on a one-of-a-kind collaborative team with case managers and social workers to provide services for newcomers to Philadelphia. The final level of student training at NSC involves OT doctoral student capstones projects, which include innovative projects such as the development of a non-language-based assessment of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), establishing an objective group therapy model for improved chronic pain management and functional outcomes and participatory action research exploring former newcomer’s perception of essential communication needs & skills to enhance and empower the refugee’s resettlement experience.

NSC staff recognize how OT service enhance its commitment “to assist newcomers with building a solid foundation for a self-sustaining and dignified future.”

Physical Therapy students, as part of the PT Society, in collaboration with Philadelphia Special Olympics, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, coach a weekly young athletes program at the East Passyunk Recreation Center. Young Athletes is a free, inclusive, sport and play program for children with and without disabilities from 2-7 years old. The participants are introduced to early gross motor skills including running, kicking, throwing, and jumping in a group setting which supports the growth of important motor, social, and early learning skills. This program provides an opportunity for all children to participate in a group motor activity while introducing developmentally appropriate sports skills in the child’s community.  

COTAD is a national, non-profit organization that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion across the occupational therapy profession. The COTAD Chapter at Jefferson was established to promote awareness, community, information exchange, and action around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Jefferson occupational therapy students. We aim to help students build skills needed to promote equitable care in occupational therapy through programming, resources, and support.