IMPACTS project: preparing therapists to provide best practice early intervention services.
IMPACTS project was a master's level graduate program that prepares occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, nurses and special educators for early intervention practice. The purpose of this descriptive report is to explain the conceptual framework for the graduate program and to identify themes in students' learning from the portion of the program focused on professional-family relationships-the family practicum. In the family practicum, each student spent 50 hours over 6 months with one family who had a young child with significant disabilities. The students wrote reflective journals during the practicum that revealed how they interpreted their experiences for application to their own practices. Through qualitative analysis of the students' journals, four themes emerged: (1) Acknowledge that parenting a child with a disability is a 24/7 job; (2) Recognize that internal and external resources are essential to family adaptation; (3) Respect parents as the experts on their child; and (4) Accept the family's values. These themes were validated by the families' evaluation of the practicum and provide evidence that students grew in their appreciation of and competence in relationship-centered early intervention.
Case-Smith
Jane
J
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Medical Professions, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Sainato
Diane
D
McQuaid
Jill
J
Deubler
Dale
D
Gottesman
Mary
M
Taber
Marcia
M
D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D004500:Education, Graduate; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009679:Nuclear Family / Q000523:psychology; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States