Scheduled at 9:00 am in Penrose 2 on Thursday, November 14.
#39787Speaker(s)
- Michelle Brodsky, ATRC Campus Service Coordinator, Colorado State University
- Rachel Gramig, Assistive Technology Service Provider, Colorado State University
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
The ATRC at Colorado State University strives to ensure that students and employees are aware of and can access assistive and mainstream technology options. Using an occupational therapy lens, we seek to enhance participation and emphasize the interaction between the whole person engaged in the activity within a chosen context. In this session, we will share our service delivery model and demonstrate some assistive technology to support organization, time management, and stress reduction.
Abstract
The Assistive Technology Resource Center (ATRC) at Colorado State University provides assistive technology services and out of the Department of Occupational Therapy, an academic unit housed in the College of Health and Human Sciences. The ATRC has developed a framework for AT practice that builds off the foundations of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model, which appropriately and effectively matches the best assistive or mainstream technology to the student’s needs.
Many college students experience time management and organization challenges while trying to balance the demands of school, work, and personal life. ADHD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), depression, anxiety, and other cognitive disabilities can create additional barriers to success. Overwhelm, missing deadlines, difficulty keeping track of assignments, finding the time to study, and lack of motivation and focus can all lead to decreased participation, increased stress, feelings of inadequacy, and reduced engagement in school. Students are also reporting increased numbers of mental health barriers that pose difficulties in their success at the college/university level. In a 2022 study, The American College Health Association surveyed over 54,000 undergraduate students in which 77% reported some form of psychological distress. Examples of AT that can support these students include digital calendar systems, reminders, task management programs, timers, body doubling apps, stress reduction apps, and reading and note-taking programs to increase focus and reduce stress.
This session will provide participants with a best practice model of assistive technology service delivery using a client-centered approach. Through demonstrations and case studies, participants will learn how to support students who struggle with organization, time management, and mental health challenges.
Keypoints
- AT assessments and training using a client-centered approach for best practice model.
- AT for Time Management, Organization, and Stress Management for academic success.
- AT's role in student mental health support in conjunction with other professional services for student succes.
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Psychological
Topic Areas
Assistive Technology, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Michelle Brodsky
Michelle is an occupational therapist working in the Colorado State University Assistive Technology Resource Center. She serves CSU employees and students with disabilities by identifying and implementing assistive technology to support their participation in work and education. She also educates campus members on the importance of accessible electronic materials and universal design. Her practice is anchored in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Michelle has also worked as a school-based occupational therapist and as a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She has two grown children and enjoys dog training, partner dancing, yoga, and exploring all the beauty of Colorado.
Rachel Gramig
Rachel Gramig has been practicing as an Occupational Therapist for 14 years. In addition to her work with the Assistive Technology Resource Center at CSU, she also works as an Ergonomic and Injury Prevention Consultant. Rachel is a certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, and she spent 10 years of her OT career working in Neuro Rehabilitation before returning to Assistive Technology Service Provision. She is an avid hiker and musician and recently completed the Colorado Trail. When she’s not on the trail or singing with her band, she enjoys spending time with her husband and fur baby, Pippa.