On November 28th, individuals Eric, Shawn, and staff members Stephanie and Benjie from ADAPT’s Staten Island Day Program visited SUNY Downstate College of Health Related Professions to conduct a presentation and speak with students about disabilities and related assistive technologies. Vikram Pagpatan, Professor at the College’s Occupational Therapy Program, asked Shawn and Eric to provide an overview of alternative based controls for powered mobility to occupational therapy (OT) students. Professor Pagpatan wanted his OT students to experience practical experiential forms of learning, especially in the realm of powered seating and mobility. The students were very appreciative of the visit.
“We want to thank ADAPT for yesterday’s outstanding presentation! Shawn and Eric were truly inspiring and did an amazing job educating our students on the importance of clinical reasoning and the value of powered mobility done right! Stephanie and Benjie were also amazing speakers as they spoke on the day to day activities at ADAPT and truly were advocates for Shawn and Eric,” said Professor Pagpatan.
Everyone agreed that the overall experience was professional and rewarding and it really helped the students gain a higher appreciation of the complexities of assistive technology and the importance of human connections.
Professor Pagpatan and students are eager to visit Eric and Shawn and other people supported at the ADAPT’s Port Richmond site on Staten Island.
