RESUMO
This exploratory research surveyed educators' use of universal design for learning (UDL) in occupational therapy education. Most common methods of engagement were displaying enthusiasm, providing examples, and offering learner feedback; representation was primarily offered through class discussion, lab experiences, and images; methods of action or expression were most frequently class discussion, projects, practicums and tests. The type of program, years of educators' clinical experience and faculty rank influenced some factors of UDL implementation. Further use of UDL principles that could facilitate improved learning outcomes of diverse learners within occupational therapy education is discussed.
Assuntos
Aprendizagem , Terapia Ocupacional/educação , Desenho Universal , Humanos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Parenting a child with disabilities comes with significant challenges to parental quality of life, often resulting in decreased physical, mental, and social health when compared to parents who raise typically developing children. AIMS: To address the needs of this population a 10-week interdisciplinary support group, based in attachment theory and incorporating equines, was developed called Taking the Reins of Self-care. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Designed to utilize the human-equine bond, the support group facilitated development of self-care strategies to increase quality of life of 6 parents of children with disabilities in the United States OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Qualitative phenomenological analysis of field notes and parent interviews revealed the following themes: confirming the horse as an emotional confidant, creating a safe haven, re-affirming identity, nourishing the emotional self, and meeting the challenge. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Analysis of Taking the Reins of Self-care substantiates the value of complimentary therapeutic approaches, attachment theory and the human-equine bond, and supports further investigation of the benefits of specialized parental support groups to enrich the experience of raising a child with disabilities.