This summer, the CUW OT program dove into a level-one aquatic therapy experience!
In this fieldwork experience, CUW OT students partnered with Lakeland School, a public school in Walworth County, WI. They educate children with significant, cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, and sensory needs. 
The experience consisted of a one-week program in which nine Masters and Doctoral level OT were introduced to the aquatic environment. The goal was to meet therapeutic outcomes with Lakeland students. The experience allowed Lakeland students to participate in therapeutic services they otherwise would not have access to during the summer. Generally, only students who qualify for extended school year therapy services receive therapy over the summer. CUW OT students worked with licensed physical and occupational therapists. This also gave them the experience of working in an interprofessional environment.
The Program
The program included three sessions per day including group therapy, individual therapy, and health promotion.
First, aquatic therapy interventions were implemented with an early childhood group. This was to improve IEP outcomes including social skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, and functional skills.
In the second session, CUW students worked individually with Lakeland students. They assisted in increasing occupations and client factors needed for school function. These functions include wheelchair and toileting transitions, range of motion, strength and self-initiated movement.
CUW OT student, Hannah Gueller said, “I learned how effective the water can be as a medium for OT. I saw my client’s lower extremity range of motion increase through passive range of motion and activities in the water which translated to better wheelchair positioning.”
Finally, CUW OT students were introduced to the role of health promotion in occupational therapy. This was through participation in a water aerobics class with adolescents and young adults.
The Benefits
The program proved successful for both Lakeland Students and CUW OT students. It will run again in the summer of 2025. CUW OT student, Landry Elliott, said “Water is beneficial for all abilities. It can provide resistance for strengthening, can provide heat for contractures. It can be calming, or it can be used to rev clients.”
Want in?
Wherever you are in your journey into occupational therapy, Concordia University has options for you at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. As a Christ-centered university, our program will help you advance in your calling, by learning from experienced therapists in a hands-on environment and developing a foundation in ethical leadership.