Training

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.

IDEAs that Work logo

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 scholars 2023 photo
The final cohort of INSPIRE scholars started the program in Fall 2023.

INSPIRE Director

Christine T Myers
Department: HP-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Christine T Myers PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP

Clinical Professor And Director, Doctor Of Occupational Therapy Program
Phone: (352) 273-6817

INSPIRE Co-Directors

Claudia R Senesac
Department: HP-PHYSICAL THERAPY

Claudia R Senesac

Clinical Professor
Phone: (352) 273-6453
Kristen M Lewandowski
Department: HP-SLP LANG & HEARING SCI

Kristen M Lewandowski

Instructional Assistant Professor
Phone: (352) 273-6557

Project Evaluator

Kim Dunleavy
Department: HP-PHYSICAL THERAPY

Kim Dunleavy PhD, PT, OCS

Clinical Professor & Director Of Community Engagement
Phone: (352) 273-6114