Service Learning

After careful observation and discussion with the staff and administration of the center, this year’s group of occupational therapy practice placement students presented ergonomics education and training. All parties felt this would be a valuable and sustainable service-learning project for the staff and administration of the center.

Students researched principles of ergonomics and developed an excellent PowerPoint presentation and practical training course to protect their backs during daily activities such as washing dishes, cleaning, working in the garden, positioning for sleep, desk work, and core strengthening exercises.

During the course they took photographs to create a poster for the facility to remind staff and administration of techniques for back safety during daily activities.

Participants compared their traditional lifting and weeding techniques with techniques taught in the course.

Discussions were lively and staff members generalized the knowledge to other activities of daily living such as bathing and laundry.

Feedback from staff and administration was excellent and we saw many more opportunities for occupational therapists to contribute to ergonomic education throughout the nation.