Kathryn's Low Vision Education
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Kathryn Marxen-Simonson and I am an Occupational Therapist. I am also visually impaired. I graduated with my B.S in Equine Science from Colorado State University and my M.S. in Occupational Therapy from University of Puget Sound.
Why am I raising funds?
I am pursuing a specialty certification within the field of occupational therapy in low vision rehabilitation. In order for me to reach my career goal in this practice area, I need to complete further education. I have been accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapists from Western Michigan University. This program does not qualify for Federal finaincial aid and there are limited financial resources available to working professionals pursuing further education. That is why I need YOUR help!
What will the money be used for?
I am requesting $8,000 to help offset the costs of tuition, books, and travel expenses for the first year of the program.
What will happen with additional money raised?
If I exceed my fundraising goal, additional money will be used to pay for my second adn final year of tuition, books, and travel expenses. Any additional funds raised over the amount needed to support my educational goals will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
When do I start?
I will be starting classes in February 2017!
Why support my career goal?
With my personal and professional experiences as an occupational therapist with low vision, I feel I can provide a unique perspective to this area of practice. My life experiences will help me to build rapport and have empathy for the challenges my clients may be facing. There is a large need for occupational therapy support for individuals with low vision and blindness in the Portland, OR area as there are very few therapist that fulfill this need.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that works with a wide range of clients in a variety of settings to help them gain or regain the skills they may have lost due to illness or injury so they can carry out the activites or "occupations" that are meaningful to them. An occupational therapist may help an older adult recovering from a stroke become independent in daily self care including getting dressed and taking a shower. An occupational therapist can also help a child with Autism manage their sensory environment and learn to play with peers.
What Would a Low Vision Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist Do?
An occupational therapist who specializes in low vision rehabilitation typically works alongside an optometris or opthalmologist who specializes in low vision rehabilitation. The occupational therapist will work with the patients to teach and train them in the use of adaptive equipment to help them compensate for their low vision so they can engage in activities that are meaningful to them. An occupational therpaist often works with older adults with age related vision changes, but can also work with children and young adults.
Why is this work important to me?
I am passionate aobut serving individuals with vision challenges. I believe strongly in the holistic nature and power of occupational therapy to address the low vision needs as well as other needs of the patients in this practice area.
It is very important to me to pursue my passion within the field of occupational therapy and I need your support to meet my career goals.
Please consider donating to help support my continuing education!
Photo Credit: Guide Dogs for the Blind
Why am I raising funds?
I am pursuing a specialty certification within the field of occupational therapy in low vision rehabilitation. In order for me to reach my career goal in this practice area, I need to complete further education. I have been accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Low Vision Rehabilitation for Occupational Therapists from Western Michigan University. This program does not qualify for Federal finaincial aid and there are limited financial resources available to working professionals pursuing further education. That is why I need YOUR help!
What will the money be used for?
I am requesting $8,000 to help offset the costs of tuition, books, and travel expenses for the first year of the program.
What will happen with additional money raised?
If I exceed my fundraising goal, additional money will be used to pay for my second adn final year of tuition, books, and travel expenses. Any additional funds raised over the amount needed to support my educational goals will be donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
When do I start?
I will be starting classes in February 2017!
Why support my career goal?
With my personal and professional experiences as an occupational therapist with low vision, I feel I can provide a unique perspective to this area of practice. My life experiences will help me to build rapport and have empathy for the challenges my clients may be facing. There is a large need for occupational therapy support for individuals with low vision and blindness in the Portland, OR area as there are very few therapist that fulfill this need.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that works with a wide range of clients in a variety of settings to help them gain or regain the skills they may have lost due to illness or injury so they can carry out the activites or "occupations" that are meaningful to them. An occupational therapist may help an older adult recovering from a stroke become independent in daily self care including getting dressed and taking a shower. An occupational therapist can also help a child with Autism manage their sensory environment and learn to play with peers.
What Would a Low Vision Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist Do?
An occupational therapist who specializes in low vision rehabilitation typically works alongside an optometris or opthalmologist who specializes in low vision rehabilitation. The occupational therapist will work with the patients to teach and train them in the use of adaptive equipment to help them compensate for their low vision so they can engage in activities that are meaningful to them. An occupational therpaist often works with older adults with age related vision changes, but can also work with children and young adults.
Why is this work important to me?
I am passionate aobut serving individuals with vision challenges. I believe strongly in the holistic nature and power of occupational therapy to address the low vision needs as well as other needs of the patients in this practice area.
It is very important to me to pursue my passion within the field of occupational therapy and I need your support to meet my career goals.
Please consider donating to help support my continuing education!
Photo Credit: Guide Dogs for the Blind
Organizer
Kathryn Marxen-Simonson
Organizer
Portland, OR
