Department Of Occupational Therapy

OT researchers and partners have launched a new study to understand older adults’ perceptions and experiences with an autonomous shuttle.

Some strategies focus on psychology, said Chiung-ju (CJ) Liu, associate professor of occupational therapy at the University of Florida. Pain can limit your stamina and range of motion. So allow yourself to change your standards, such as using semi-ready products, Liu said, instead of cooking from scratch.

Jessica Kramer presented a keynote at the Capturing the Magic: Participation for all (CAPA) symposium held at the Beitostølen Healthsports Center, Norway.

Dr. Sherrilene Classen has received a UF Faculty Enhancement Opportunity Award, entitled: ”Leadership and Spirituality—A “new” model for PHHP Academic Leaders”. During this “mini-sabbatical”, Dr. Classen will study and apply the principles of an Integral Model that subscribes to frameworks of leadership and spiritualty.

The deployment of autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies may hold important health and safety benefits for drivers across the driving lifespan. However, such benefits can materialize only if transportation users are willing to embrace the emerging technologies. Earlier studies document a wide variance in acceptance practices, based solely on surveys of drivers. This research used a combined approach of surveys and lived experiences of drivers engaging with AV technologies to examine technology acceptance and adoption of AV technologies. The webinar summarizes findings from the analysis of younger and middle-aged drivers’ perceptions of AVs before and after a) “driving” an interactive high-fidelity RTI driving simulator, in Level 4 autonomous mode, and b) riding in an autonomous shuttle (AS). Moreover, it discusses predictive models of facilitators and barriers for AV acceptance built from data collected from younger and middle-aged drivers (N=106) and older drivers (N=104). The findings reveal important foundational information about driver acceptance, their intention to use AVs, barriers to AV technology, and well-being related to AV technology across the driving lifespan.

The grant has the goal to determine older adults’ perceptions before and after exposure to autonomous ride sharing services. The information is critical for informing education, practice, and policy initiatives pertaining to facilitators and challenges for autonomous ride sharing services.

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) Board has appointed Dr. Sherrilene Classen as Chair of the ADED Research Committee, effective April 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024.

Dr. Jessica Kramer received this distinct honor from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in recognition of her meritorious contributions to the field in measurement, intervention, and inclusive research. AAIDD also recognized Dr. Kramer’s recent leadership spearheading a revision of the association’s annual conference submission guidelines and evaluation criteria.

Investigators aim to determine the best way to deliver crisis prevention mental health services for youth and young adults with IDD and their families.