Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy contributes with knowledge about human’s everyday activities and their relationship to participation, development and health. The research in occupational therapy at the department focuses on how technology can enable everyday activities for individuals with disabilities. The research focuses on implementation of eye-controlled computer in everyday life and how technology may provide with new opportunities for children with severe impairments in terms of communicating, being active and taking part in everyday activities.  Research also concerns school-based occupational therapy and how environmental adaptations and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) may enable participation and educational goals for pupils with disabilities.

Eye-gaze controlled computer in everyday life for children and young people with severe impairments

Imagine playing, communicating and learning new things through your eyes? Technology controlled with eye gaze can provide new opportunities for children with severe physical impairments to explore and perform activities on their own. In an international multicenter intervention study the technology’s impact on communication, independence and participation in activities in school and leisure for children and young individuals with severe impairments are studied. The research is conducted in close collaboration with Helena Hemmingsson, professor at Stockholm University, and with centers in Sweden, Dubai and USA.

A film about the research: Every day use of gaze based AT

Partnering for Change (P4C) – school-based occupational therapy

In this research a service-delivery model for occupational therapy in schools to promote participation for pupils with disabilities will be evaluated. The intervention is developed and evaluated in Canada. Occupational therapists work on behalf of and in close collaboration with class teachers to meet the needs of environmental and activity adaptations at class, group and individual level. The approach is based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). A feasibility study is on-going. The research takes place in collaboration with Helene Lidström, senior lecturer at Linköping University, and Marie Holmefur, professor at Örebro University. Research collaboration is also ongoing with researchers in the Netherlands who also evaluate P4C.