Delaware Tech Students Give Back

A group of Delaware Tech Occupational Therapy students was featured in the Chimes TIMES publication for their work with Chimes Delaware’s Communication Activities Recreation Exercise Services (C.A.R.E.S.) program. Chimes Delaware is the state’s largest provider of day, vocational and residential services for people with cognitive disabilities. The C.A.R.E.S. program promotes the highest level of autonomy while enriching the individual’s daily living experience.

In a project led by Jan Gorecki, program coordinator and Heidi Baist, clinical coordinator of education at Delaware Tech’s Stanton and Wilmington Campus, 13 occupational therapy assistant student interns worked with C.A.R.E.S program participants as part of a class project. Students met with participants in the program, conducted an assessment, and then designed learning materials and games that could be used in educational and recreational activities.

The students developed games designed to improve the gross and fine motor skills and the hand-eye coordination of the C.A.R.E.S. participants. Some of the games and materials included: a handmade ring toss, a bean bag toss, a shopping game made from grocery store circulars, and a game involving paper dolls to be dressed appropriately based on the season. The games developed by the students were so popular with the participants that people from other programs joined in on the fun.

The project proved to be a tremendous success for all involved. Both Chimes and Delaware Tech look forward to building on the success of the program by making it an annual project.

PICTURED: Delaware Tech Occupational Therapy students Amy Welsh (left) and Manuela Austin (right) work with a C.A.R.E.S. participant.