Celebrating OT Month the CPERL Way

Introduction

April is National OT Month and CPERL is celebrating by reflecting on how our habits of excellence allow opportunities to give within our scope and reach.

In CPERL, we know that environments matter. Our lab sits on the 7th floor of the College of Applied Health Sciences Building (AHSB) where we are often surrounded by interdisciplinary colleagues. We value having dedicated research spaces to conduct our work, collaborate with team members, and host our weekly lab meetings. While 'doing whatever it takes' to create our lab's work, we often stay late and are among the last in the building. We use this time to 'hold down the fort',  maintaining a friendly presence, engaging with the maintenance team, and acting as a resource for those less familiar with the ins and outs of the building. Our team values the opportunity to make AHSB feel like a welcoming space. To this end, Mary made a personal donation of furniture to make an inviting and functional hallway nook for students and staff.

Another way to extend our reach is through intentional giving to organizations that address real-world issues and promote equitable access for children and families. CPERL has been working with AHS IT to attempt to donate our retired iPads to the Center Ann Sullivan of Peru (CASP), an organization that supports students with disabilities and their families to improve their independence and participation in their education. Through the UIC OT Department's long-time connection with CASP, we hope to share our resources and promote equitable access to education.

Through our every day habits and intentional efforts, the CPERL team strives to create environments that promote participation and access to excellence extending beyond the walls of our lab.