A survey of occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and health-information education programs revealed the most important admission criteria were overall grade point average and GPA in foundation courses. Low priority was given to the need for student diversity or students' interest in working in underserved areas. (SK)

An interdisciplinary core curriculum for nursing and occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy is based on a client-focused care delivery system. The organizational framework identifies independent, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary functions of each field in terms of four roles: care provider/patient advocate, collaboration,…

Parents were trained to provide infants (n=4) with low muscle tone secondary to Down Syndrome with a home intervention oral motor training program. Four case studies indicate that all four children demonstrated improved oral motor function for eating, drinking, and speaking. (Contains references.) (DB)

This article reviews current research that has located disease genes causing hearing impairments, discovered the ability of sensory cells of the inner ear to regenerate, developed vaccines to prevent otitis media, developed programmable hearing aids, improved cochlear implants, and demonstrated the positive effects of physical therapy with balance…

Based on a systems theory of motor control, reactive postural control (RPA) and anticipatory postural control (APA) in children are reviewed from several perspectives in order to develop an evidence-based intervention strategy for improving postural control in children with limitations in motor function. Research on development of postural…

Collaborative teamwork is viewed by many as a characteristic of effective working relationships between adults who provide special education and related services in educational settings. Although a substantial body of research exists on the philosophy and practice of collaborative teamwork, the contributions of veteran team members regarding which…

Evidence of the efficacy of developmental therapy is examined through a literature review of meta-analytic and single-subject research. Future research directions for evaluating the effectiveness of early physical therapy and occupational therapy are discussed, such as criterion-referenced outcome measures and functional outcome measures.…

Effects of a program of motor therapy on the motor ability levels of eight multisensory handicapped children were examined. Participation improved performance for all subjects. The gain scores from pretest to posttest indicated that children with multisensory disabilities may benefit from such a program. (Author)

This paper summarizes major provisions of statutory law, federal regulations, and case law that address the delivery of physical and occupational therapy to students with disabilities in educational settings. It focuses on relevant provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the…

Investigated student issues in distance education in order to implement an online videoconferencing model for physical-therapy students. Topics include understanding student preferences; changing the educational paradigm; successful distance-learning student characteristics; use of the Internet; and the need for student interaction, both…

Each year, a large number of students begin college with aspirations of entering a health profession. High school teachers and guidance counselors as well as college admission counselors and prehealth advisors can assist students by providing current information regarding general entrance requirements to health professions programs. The purpose of…

The School of Allied Health Professions at the University of Connecticut conducted a comprehensive program evaluation of its undergraduate programs in physical therapy, medical technology, and clinical dietetics. The evaluation process is described as well as a model that appears to meet the unique needs of postsecondary programs in allied health…

Early intervention services provided to 68 toddler-age children with disabilities were analyzed. Data were collected across family, child, and service characteristics. Children received services distributed across special instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy delivered primarily at the childcare center. Individual…

Examined mainstreaming modifications judged to be important by ancillary professionals in recommending mainstreaming of students with mild exceptionalities. Data revealed that no significant differences were noted in number of selected modifications as function of diagnostic category. Ancillary staff members indicated, however, that substantial…

A study of 50 boys with fragile X syndrome, their parents, and teachers, found early intervention started on average at 21.6 months and there was a steady increase in the amount of early intervention across age periods. Although parents reported satisfaction with services, most would have preferred more services. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)