Funding for WVU Division of OT Service and Research Reaches Unprecedented Levels in 2020

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, faculty from WVU’s Division of Occupational Therapy have emerged as leaders on a number of externally grant funded projects impacting numerous areas of clinical practice and educational outreach. In total, Division faculty serve as principle investigators on more than $1,000,000 of externally funded projects for the 2020-2021 academic year. These important projects will expand the impact of occupational therapy in three critical areas affecting West Virginians: traumatic brain injury, opioid addiction, and assistive technology.

Division Chairperson Dr. Steven Wheeler and Associate Professor Dr. Amanda Acord-Vira, in collaboration with the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities, are leading the State ($700,000) and Federal ($300,000) Traumatic Brain Injury Projects. The focus of these projects include resource collaboration, educational outreach, advocacy, and financial assistance in support of successful community integration.

Associate Professor Dr. Rondalyn Whitney received an award for nearly $200,000 by the US Department of Health and Human Services for curriculum development to prepare occupational therapists for treatment and prevention of substance use disorders. Whitney intends to collaborate with the Amaerican Occupational Therapy Association on this project.

Professor Dr. Anne Cronin is the lead recipient of an Award from the West Virginia Department of Education entitled:  “AT/AAC Implementation: An Interprofessional Context.” Funding for this project was $43,000 and involves delivering professional development courses for occupational therapists areas related to assistive technology. In addition, the grant supports assistive technology follow-up services for children attending Camp Gizmo.