GROSSMONT COLLEGE – Over past decades, interests in nursing departments across the United States have been growing exponentially  among students. Part of their fascination is the  technological advances these departments have been helping to make in the treatment of patients.

The 4th annual Assistive Technology Show was sponsored by the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program on Nov. 15 here at Grossmont College. Second year OTA students were asked to find people with disabilities who needed assistance with their everyday life needs.  Some of those needs and activities included; only having the use of one hand, arthritis and being able to care for a child,  and work while confined to a wheelchair.  OTA Instructor Darlene Cook said her “students were assigned to assist with grooming and household needs.”  

At more than a dozen different booths, students went through the motions of explaining the functionality of their products while describing how they came up with their concept.  Booths contained information about each case study, the specific problem the study addressed, the occupational impact the product will have, how the product will solve the problem and a  breakdown of costs to build the product.  The only limiting factor in their constructive thinking was a budget of  only $25.  Cook added, “students are to use everyday items to help improve the life of their case study.”

Students showcased ideas like the Prep Perfect, Leisure Laptray and Kiddie Konnects.  Molly Civinskas, designer of the Kiddie Konnects, created her product for a client who spent most of her life in a wheelchair.  Being unable to take her child outside for walks was the problem and Civinskas developed an easy solution through unsnapable swing bars.  These bars allowed her client to connect a baby stroller directly to her wheelchair with the option of unsnapping and rotating the stroller back to her for easy access to change and fulfill whatever needs the child has.

It was clear to anyone in attendance that the OTA students took their work seriously and had a deep appreciation for helping out and giving back to their patients.

 *

Jeitler is features editor of GC Summit.  He may be contacted at [email protected]