Keiser University West Palm Beach Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program leaders and students were recently recognized for community engagement as their partnership with A Place for You Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center continues to flourish.
A gratifying affiliation for both those in need of medical care and Keiser University learners, the collaboration provides patient services in the areas of group dynamics and therapeutic interventions as well as clinical and fieldwork hours for Keiser University students.
“A Place for You Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center became a saving grace for many OTA students completing fieldwork rotations during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Keiser University Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Raina Rivera. “When most facilities turned them away, A Place for You not only invited our students, they welcomed them with fist bumps and Cuban coffee,” added Rivera, of the long-term partnership which has grown to also provide students opportunities to gain teaching and learning competencies.
Keiser University OTA Program faculty and students share their appreciation to A Place for You Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center’s Administrator Mari Rave for her ongoing assistance with the effort.
A Place for You Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center is a family-owned and operated Adult Day Care Program. Its therapeutic programs are designed to increase function and independence through the use of purposeful and meaningful activities and promote cognitive stimulation, physical activity, social interaction, enhanced self-esteem, purpose, and creative expression through arts and crafts. Together as a team of advocates A Place for You Adult Day Care and Rehabilitation Center has established a unique community-based program for adults who need assistance and supervised care in a safe environment during the day. The organization provides medical, nutritional, social, and transportation services to adults. It makes cost-effective care available while supporting individual autonomy.
Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people gain skills needed to become independent in daily living activities. Students learn the therapeutic use of occupations which include self-care, work, and play/leisure activities to maximize independent function, enhance development, prevent disability, and maintain health. Intervention strategies may include adaptations to a task or environment or compensatory approaches to facilitate clients’ achievement of maximum independence.
Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in providing Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator Raina Rivera (center) and Students Keyttel Rodriguez (left) & Alexis Lewis (right) accept the Community Engagement Award from Administrator Mari Rave (far right) at A Place for You on behalf of the Keiser University West Palm Beach Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
