Keiser University West Palm Beach Campus Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program students recently generated over three-hundred dollars to support a local therapy dog organization.

Led by Faculty Advisor Nina Heller, the group held a virtual pet costume contest in which students, faculty and staff donned their furry friends with fun attire and submitted photos. The winners included:

• First Place: Allison Babwah and Batman
• Second Place: Irene Ballestros and The Devil
• Third Place: Nastassia Beckford and Santa

Trained to retrieve medication, open doors, alert authorities, and provide mobility and stability, therapy dogs service individuals with disabilities such as balance problems, brain injuries, and those confined to wheelchairs due to physical disabilities.

With a focus on individuals with mobility challenges, Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc. helps adults and children with disabilities realize greater independence through the careful breeding, selection and training of highly skilled assistance dogs.

Keiser University’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science Degree prepares students to work as occupational therapy assistants under direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people gain skills needed to become independent in daily living activities. Students learn the therapeutic use of occupations which include self-care, work and play/leisure activities in order to maximize independent function, enhance development, prevent disability and maintain health. Intervention strategies may include adaptations to a task or environment or compensatory approaches in order to facilitate achievement of maximum independence.