Occupational Therapy &
Disaster Preparedness
Promoting disaster planning to prevent occupational imbalance and isolation in individuals, families, and communities.
Currently there is no published peer-reviewed literature on the role of occupational therapy in disaster preparedness planning. This is an emerging practice area for occupational therapy. OT can be instrumental in disaster preparedness to help decrease the disparities between populations after a natural disaster through assisting individuals, communities and organizations with disaster preparedness planning.
Natural Disasters will inevitably occur across the U.S., affecting individuals, populations, and communities nationwide. While there are pre and post disaster resources in place, not everyone has knowledge about them or access to them. Occupational therapists can be leaders in the disaster preparedness process, providing education and resources to lessen the burden incurred as a result of nature’s unpredictable wrath.
About the Authors:
Kate DiMaio is currently a graduate student in Chatham University's Master of Occupational Therapy program. She recieved her B.S. in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State University. Her areas of interest in occupational therapy include sensory integration, autism, and the emerging practice disaster preparedness planning.
Justine Monticue is a student at Chatham University in the Master of Occupational Therapy program. She received her Bachelor's of Arts degree from The University of Pittsburgh in Administration of Justice. Her occupational therapy interests include disaster planning and home modifications.
Morgan Peli is currently a student in the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University.
Kayla Vitale is currently in the Master of Occupational Therapy at Chatham University. She received her B.S. in Biology at Slippery Rock University. Her Occupational Therapy areas of focus include disaster preparedness and oncology.