First–year students from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program got an inside look at the home healthcare industry with a visit to the Hauser’s Mobility and Rehab Trade show.
Led by their professor Sarah Cole and lab technician Julie May, students participated in the excursion to the tradeshow in Grimsby on September 13 as part of their Basic Clinical Skills class.
“By attending the trade show, the students were able to be introduced to the different types and styles of assistive devices and equipment that their future clients and patients may be using,” said Cole. “They were able to do this in a hands-on, interactive way that benefitted all types of learning.”
Students visited equipment vendor booths and got a close look at the various types of equipment on display – wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, mattresses, cushions and more – and asked questions about them. They also had the opportunity to attend three different educational talks from guest speakers such as Paralympic athlete Kevin Rempel, contractor homebuilder Pat Acquisto, occupational therapist and assistive technology professional Brenlee Mogul-Rotman, and long-term care professional Brian Michalicka from Invacare Canada, on topics including universal design and accessibility, and how different styles and types of equipment can be beneficial to clients.
Cole believes that her students benefited from the experience.
“These students are now more prepared for when they are completing their future placements, as all healthcare settings have different equipment available to their clients,” she said. “Thus, they have a better understanding of the purpose and functional properties of such equipment.”
