OTA Program Director Scott Homer authors this blog where he discusses the role of occupational therapy practitioners. “We ask our clients “what do you want to be able to do?” despite any disability or dysfunction that they face. For all the myriad definitions of what our profession’s specialty is, I think that the way we help people could be summed up in a two-letter action word: do. …How do occupational therapy practitioners help our clients do?” 

NYSID President and CEO Maureen O’Brien – also a Maria College Trustee – encourages students to recognize the need for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and says that inspiring disability mindfulness is the first step in breaking down barriers and opening up these opportunities. Pictured above: Maria College Senior Vice President Victoria Battell (left) and Maureen O’Brien outside of the Frank E. O’Brien Jr. Student Support Center where the Office of Accessibility Services is located.  

In recognition of National Disability Awareness Month, Accessibility Services Coordinator Peter Bocala shares the stories of two students at Maria who have disabilities. Disabilities such as ADHD, OCD, Depression and Anxiety are common and the Office of Accessibility Services can help!