Paul's Prac

March – May 2007, Paul  (a final year occupational therapy student) supervised by Clarissa Wilson (OOFRAS coordinator ) spent two days a week with a local refugee transition high school.

The three-fold aims of the project were to find ways that:

• School community could access occupational therapy services (future)
• School community could gain value from occupational therapy services (now and future)
• School community could gain value from the student project (now)

The project involved participating in the school community, consulting with staff, observing student performance in and out of the class room, leading group activities and an individual session. Observations were synthesised relating to a nominated student as a means of providing additional information and support to school staff and transition planning.

The outcome of this project with respect to its objectives has been:

Aim 1: That the scool community could access occupational therapy services in the future

• Information disseminated to OOFRAS and the University of Queensland via written report and meetings to lay the foundation for future projects.
• Open door for options such as a year long honours project, 5 – 14 week student placements, or coordinating a voluntary hub of occupational therapists at the school.

Aim 2: That the school community gains value from occupational therapy now and for the future

• Report and recommendations specifically for one student in school role and transition.
• Resources for common classroom difficulties
• Follow up consultation with staff regarding the report and recommendations

Aim 3: That the school community could gain value from this project now

• “Boys Games Group” successfully run as an elective and on “Boys to Men” day

This report outlines what we did, what we found, and what we can see as paths forward. We also offer a menu of recommendations and resources. We hoped the school finds these project outcomes of value now, and as a platform for future projects and possible occupational therapy services.

We want to gratefully acknowledge the hearty welcome and expertise shared with us from many we worked with in school community. We’d also like to acknowledge the occupational therapists and the occupational therapy department of the University of Queensland for their generous “can do” attitudes.