Winifred Schultz-Krohn, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC, FAOTA
Professor and Chairperson of Occupational Therapy
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA
Quinn Tyminski, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
More than 500,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in the United States (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2017). Even with the large need for services to support occupational engagement, health, and well-being, the National Coalition for the Homeless (2009) reported that the majority of homeless individuals have access to few supportive services. Individuals experiencing homelessness often do not have access to housing, health-related, or transportation resources, and are not provided education for health maintenance, skills attainment, or home management. Often, underserved populations are not covered by traditional medical or educational services, yet they still have occupational needs. This article outlines the theoretical foundation for occupational therapy treatment for homeless individuals as well as treatment options for occupational therapy practitioners working with this population.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify barriers preventing full occupational engagement among various populations experiencing homelessness
2. Discuss the role of occupational therapy within the homeless population
3. Identify the differences between community-based and community-built services
4. Identify the occupational needs of various subgroups in the homeless population
Learning Level: Intermediate
Target Audience: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Content Focus: Professional Issues; Occupational Therapy Interventions
Reference Information:
Schultz-Krohn, Winifred, PhD, OTR/L, BCP, SWC, FAOTA; Tyminski, Quinn, OTD, OTR/L
(CEA June 2018) Community-Built Occupational Therapy Services for Those Who Are Homeless
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