All students in the IC OT program are eligible for membership in ICSOTA. The club is involved in community events, social events on campus, fundraising, and promotion of Occupational Therapy on campus.
Students at IC have the opportunity to participate in a unique program called Center for Life Skills. In this interdisciplinary program with physical therapy, speech language pathology and therapeutic recreation students, OT students are exposed to learning situations involving adults with various neurological impairments. Programs for improvement in areas of occupational performance are provided for participants. Included in this program are aquatic therapy and intergenerational activities. The program takes place at Longview, an adult residential facility across the highway from Ithaca College.
Experiential learning is a major focus of the Occupational Therapy curriculum. Included in this gallery are examples of a variety of occupations that take place during the course of study at Ithaca College.
Wellness G.I.F.T.S. is a non-profit organization that is committed to "Giving Inspiration For The Soul," to families/group homes that are caring for individuals with special needs. The weekend programs are located in Bath, NY about one hour from Ithaca College.
Each retreat offers educational, recreational and therapeutic acitivities for all paraticipants. Many of the parents agree that the best part of the retreat is the respite care provided for their children! Ithaca College Occupational Therapy students are among the many "Assistants" that provide support and inspiration for the participants.
A quote from two IC students indicates the importance of the opportunity for this learning in the community: "Thanks for giving us the opportunity to make a difference this weekend. We finally put all of our knowledge from pediatrics into effect." (Lisa and Lauren)
Occupational Therapy students at Ithaca College participate in many scholarly events including thesis defense, presentations at college, state and national conferences. Many have written thesis (see research page) as well as having journal articles published.
Pi Theta Epsilon is a national honor society. New students are inducted every academic year based on academic performance within their OT class.
At the conclusion of the senior spring semester, students are nominated by classmates and faculty for recognition of hard work and dedication.
OT students can volunteer to work in the OT/PT clinic on campus or can work in the clinic for course credit. The clinic serves members of the Ithaca College community.
Students in the occupational therapy department develop friendships in the freshman year that continue through the entire college experience, and into professional life.
Susan Brokaw Kimmons, OTR, CHT was a beloved occupational therapist who worked at the Cayuga Medical Center. Her position required her to become proficient in Hand Therapy, and she passed the certification exam on her first attempt. Each year this scholarship is awarded to a fifth-year Occupational Therapy student, with preference given to a student who has demonstrated an interest in Hand Therapy.
