News
Samuel Merritt University Offers Free Occupational Therapy Pediatric Clinic
OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 29, 2009 - For the sixth year the Occupational Therapy (OT) program at Samuel Merritt University (SMU) offers its annual free OT Pediatric Clinic for children between 6 months to 16 years.
The OT Pediatric Clinic, which is staffed entirely by occupational therapy students, supervised by a licensed therapist, provides early intervention for children and a place for students to get hands-on experience in their field of study. The 10-week OT clinic runs until December. Classes are held on Wed's at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.
Occupational therapists help children improve their ability to perform self-care tasks, engage in play and social activities, and participate in academic activities. Research shows that early intervention is best because the brain is more capable of change during that period of time.
“Children enrolled in this clinic typically have difficulty with performing at age level in one or more of the following areas: self-care skills including dressing, self-feeding, grooming, bathing, or toileting; play skills including manipulation of toys, initiation of independent play, and engaging in play with other children; and pre-academic skills including writing, cutting with scissors, and organizing work space and materials,” explains Ginny Gibson MS, OTR/L, CHT, Assistant Professor at Samuel Merritt University Master of Occupational Therapy Program. “Sometimes, when certain problems stand between a child and normal play, the help of an occupational therapist is needed.”
About Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University, located on `Pill Hill' in Oakland, California, is celebrating 100 years of educating health science practitioners who are committed to making a positive difference in diverse communities. Nearly 1,300 students are enrolled at SMU, with campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo. The University offers an undergraduate degree in nursing; master's degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant; and doctoral degrees in physical therapy and podiatric medicine. For more information visit www.samuelmerritt.edu.
Contact
Media Relations
Elizabeth Valente
(510) 725-7980
evalente@samuelmerritt.edu