UFOT hosts training grants to prepare future researchers and scholar-practitioners to contribute to the field.
INSPIRE
Interdisciplinary Related Services Personnel Preparation for Early Childhood
Funded by US Department of Education. Trains University of Florida OT, PT, and SLP students to better serve young children with disabilities and high intensity needs.
RRCD
NIH K12 Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program
In partnership with University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and University of Southern California (USC). Educates and trains future rehabilitation scientists.
Past Grants
ARRT
Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training Project
Funded by National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). In partnership with the Veterans Health Administration to train postdoctoral fellows in conducting high-quality, multidisciplinary disability policy research in the area of community living and participation for veterans with disabilities.
Interdisciplinary Related Services Personnel Preparation for Early Childhood (INSPIRE)
Children with disabilities and high intensity needs who receive early intervention therapy experience improvement in their motor, cognitive, and communication development. Nationally, there is a need for highly qualified OTs, PTs, and SLPs to work in early intervention (EI) and early childhood (EC).
Interdisciplinary Related Services Personnel Preparation for Early Childhood (INSPIRE) trains University of Florida OT, PT, and SLP students to better serve young children with disabilities and high intensity needs. Forty-seven students, over the course of five years, have engaged in a specialized curriculum consisting of enriched entry-level education and enhanced clinical training to support successful employment in early intervention and early childhood programs.
Funded by the US Department of Education
The program is funded by a $1.24 million grant from the Department of Education through September, 2024. Three students per year from each participating program (OT, PT, SLP) were funded and received stipends to cover one full year of tuition. After graduation, scholars complete a service obligation of two years employment in an early intervention or school setting.
Led by project director, Christine Myers, PhD, OTR/L, with co-directors, Claudia Sesesac, PhD, PT, PCS, and Kristen Lewandowski, MA, CCC-SLP., and project evaluator, Kim Dunleavy, PhD., PT, OCS, INSPIRE scholars participate in coursework using effective coaching and consultative models to enhance the intensity of individualized intervention for children with disabilities who have high intensity needs. Scholars also receive mentoring from local therapists, participate in simulation experiences and complete a pediatric fieldwork/internship.
INSPIRE Director
Christine T Myers PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP
INSPIRE Co-Directors
Kristen M Lewandowski
Project Evaluator