Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of Charlie Baumer, COTA

Charlie Baumer is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who was interviewed by two year II occupational therapy students at the University of North Dakota at Casper College as part of a life history qualitative study. The interview was a semi-structured interview that lasted two hours with questions that were geared toward the history and evolution of occupational therapy in Wyoming. This single interview is a part of a larger life history qualitative study to gather information in regards to the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through the life histories of occupational therapy in both states. The students designed a series of questions regarding Charlie\u27s perspective on the profession, his experiences, and how the profession has changed in Wyoming overtime. This study is intended to contribute to current and future generations of occupational therapy practice has evolved over time in North Dakota and Wyoming. Upon data analysis, the students identified three categories, Legality, OT Practice, and Characteristics. Charlie demonstrated his passion for occupational therapy by sharing his experiences within the profession. His contribution to the profession indicated how occupational therapy has evolved in the state of Wyoming and how it will continue to evolve.https://commons.und.edu/ot-oral-histories-posters/1006/thumbnail.jp

From Here to There: An Occupational Screening Tool for Transitioning Soldiers

Time has shown that it can be difficult for military personnel to resume their typical life roles within civilian life. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were the longest wars in United States history and involved some of the most intense ground engagements since Vietnam (Cogan, 2014). This left many soldiers to deal with the traumatic experiences they went through. This study aimed at developing a screening tool to address the difficulties experienced by veterans during their transition into civilian life. The researchers began with a thorough review of literature to identify the occupational challenges the project would address. Following completion of the literature review, the researchers identified an occupational therapy model to guide the development of the screening tool and accompanying manual. Once the tool and the manual was created the researchers presented the documents to a local veterans club and finally presented the project at oral comprehensive exams at the university. The researchers created the Military Community Reintegration Screen (MCRS), which addresses three domains related to the person, occupation, and environment. Each domain is further broken down into subdomains and tasks that are specific to a veteran’s transition to civilian life. The manual addresses how to use and score the screening tool, as well as when to make a referral to occupational therapy services. This tool has not been clinically tested or used. Further research on the development, usefulness, and effectiveness of the screening tool is still desired by the researchers. Screening tools and assessments are available to military personnel for reintegration into the community; however, they are generally used from research purposes or are not part of the separation requirements, therefore, are not being completed by the soldiers. There are still individuals who are not receiving the treatment they need and due to the stigma around mental illness, many soldiers who are vulnerable to mental illness are denying their need for mental health treatment

Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of Charlie Baumer, COTA

Charlie Baumer is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who was interviewed by two year II occupational therapy students at the University of North Dakota at Casper College as part of a life history qualitative study. The interview was a semi-structured interview that lasted two hours with questions that were geared toward the history and evolution of occupational therapy in Wyoming. This single interview is a part of a larger life history qualitative study to gather information in regards to the history and evolution of occupational therapy practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through the life histories of occupational therapy in both states. The students designed a series of questions regarding Charlie\u27s perspective on the profession, his experiences, and how the profession has changed in Wyoming overtime. This study is intended to contribute to current and future generations of occupational therapy practice has evolved over time in North Dakota and Wyoming. Upon data analysis, the students identified three categories, Legality, OT Practice, and Characteristics. Charlie demonstrated his passion for occupational therapy by sharing his experiences within the profession. His contribution to the profession indicated how occupational therapy has evolved in the state of Wyoming and how it will continue to evolve

[Hillside Nursery and Fruit Farm materials]

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[Hillside Nursery and Fruit Farm materials]

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Some new fruits originated at the Minnesota State Fruit and Breeding Farm.

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