Partnership with Saint Kate’s Improves our Accessibility Services

We are extremely proud of our partnership with Saint Catherine University’s Occupational Therapy program! Through this partnership, we collaborate on service-learning projects that involve occupational therapy (OT) students screening potential clients, evaluating the homes of low-income older adults and individuals living with a disability for safety, and making recommendations for modifications designed to reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. Our volunteers and/or contractors then make the modifications that are within the scope of our programs.

In 2021, we hosted 46 students who worked in pairs to conduct prescreen evaluations and home evaluations for 24 low-income households with a senior or individual living with a disability. We expanded this program in 2022, hosting 50 students during the spring semester to conduct 25 prescreen and home evaluations, as well as a licensed Occupational Therapist who oversaw two students who conducted eight prescreens and home evaluations over the summer. This year, we will host 46 spring semester students to complete approximately 23 prescreens and home evaluations and a student who will complete their Capstone project with us over the summer.
This relationship has added value to our work as an organization and strengthens our mission as many of our clients have Occupational Therapy needs.

Our collaboration with St. Kate’s OT program has enabled us to provide accessibility modifications for low-income seniors and individuals living with a disability that are tailored specifically to their individual needs and home environment. As a result, we are able to better-serve our clients, allowing them to remain in their homes and neighborhoods for longer. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to collaborating this year and beyond!