YDU Explores Rehab Science Careers

This past weekend, Youth Development United children and their families enjoyed the opportunity to learn about about jobs in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology.

A friendly group of faculty and students at Widener University's College of Health & Human Services hosted the events of day, which included a range of productive physical challenges and informative presentations.

Lydia Navarro-Walker, Clinical Associate Professor for the Institute for Occupational Therapy Education, explained: "The Widener OT students taught the children and parents about OT, the children got to experience assistive devices used in OT (for example: dressing sticks and reachers) and then had fun following a recipe to make ‘stress balls/hands.’ It was a great day and we enjoyed spending the day together!”

Dr. Adrienne N. Pinckney, Program Director for Widener’s Institute for Physical Therapy Education, remarked, “The kids and parents were quite engaged and interested in all of our professions. I look forward to us hosting Chester community kids and their families again in the future.”

Lindsay Milgram, Clinical Associate Professor at Widener’s Institute for Speech-Language Pathology, commented, “We had such an amazing time connecting with the kids and teaching them about our professions. We also shared more about our pro-bono clinic and connected with some families in need of service. We look forward to working more closely with them, if they decide to join us in the clinic.”

Sun East Foundation generously underwrote the cost of lunch and care packages for families. All children in attendance also took home Legos generously donated by the Strachan family of Swarthmore. Legos will be fun for play but also will support continued development of their fine motor skills, which the children have a new appreciation for after all their learnings at this career discovery day.

Learn more about our Career Discovery opportunities, past and future, and reach out to Jeannine Anckaitis to offer suggestions for others.