̽̽ received a $5.75M grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to build laboratories and renovate classroom space in preparation for the launch of a new occupational therapy doctoral degree program. Senator Patrick Leahy directed the $5.75M in funding to support ̽̽’s program through the FY22 Appropriations bill.
“This funding provides us with an incredible opportunity to incorporate some of the latest technology in rehabilitation to build innovative labs that will benefit ̽̽ students and the greater community,” said Occupational Therapy Program Director Victoria Priganc.
Leahy added, “The demand for occupational therapists is growing exponentially as Vermont and the country’s demographics age. ̽̽ will now have state-of-the-art OT classrooms and laboratories that will put the school at the national forefront training Vermonters for this growing field.”
Plans for construction include pediatric, outdoor, and anatomy laboratories and a “smart apartment” featuring accessible technologies and modifications that can maximize independence and improve quality of life for people with disabilities or and older adults as they age in place. The project represents a significant investment to develop Vermont’s first occupational therapy degree program and address a critical need for occupational therapy services in the state.
“The College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides an excellent interprofessional healthcare educational setting for the occupational therapy program,” said Dean Noma Anderson. “Occupational therapy students will be studying together in a college with faculty and students in nursing, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, public health, exercise science, and laboratory science.”
The new pediatric lab will help children develop self-confidence and the motor skills important to function and socialize. The space will also facilitate collaboration between students in the occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology graduate programs, enhancing future potential for interprofessional collaboration to maximize progress during therapy. The “smart apartment” simulation lab will feature accessible technologies and home modifications in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living spaces, allowing students and members of the community to test high tech and low tech solutions that can help with independent living. The outdoor lab will help people learn how to engage in desired activities outside of the home. The proposed anatomy lab will serve as a professional lab for all students in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
“We are grateful to HRSA and Senator Leahy for their commitment to addressing workforce needs in the state and region in occupational therapy and providing funding that makes possible the implementation of a new academic program at ̽̽,” said ̽̽ Provost Patricia Prelock. “This funding ensures the creation of an innovative infrastructure for experiential learning for our students that will ultimately benefit children and adults challenged to meet their daily living needs.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023.