Date of Award

4-2005

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Debra L. Hazel

Second Advisor

Dr. Paula W. Jamison

Third Advisor

Dr. Joseph Smolarkiewicz

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a national survey of occupational therapists to ascertain what current trends are taking place in the field of home modification and barrier-free design and to examine how occupational therapists view their role in the practice of home modification and barrier free design.

METHODS

A 16-question survey was developed and included two hundred and fifty US licensed and or registered occupational therapists randomly selected from the AOTA membership listing.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of occupational therapy in the emerging practice of home modification and barrier -free design is regarded as important by occupational therapists in the United States. Many occupational therapists are involved with home accessibility considerations with their clients. More workshops should be made available for continuing education. Also, more outcome studies need to be performed to ensure quality outcomes and to ensure the reliability and validity of current assessment tools.

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