Laboratories & Centers

Occupational Therapy

Assistive Technology and Universal Access (ATUA) Laboratory

2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 135A, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Phone 414.229.6568; TTY 414.229.5628

Coordinator(s):
froma Cummings, M.S., OT, froma@uwm.edu

The Assistive Technology & Universal Access (ATUA) Lab is a base for assistive technology and universal design expertise, instruction, and projects. It houses a variety of devices, software, and resources used to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. The hundreds of low and high-tech devices & software titles in the lab represent many categories of assistive technology, including computer access, communication/telecommunications, environmental control, adaptive writing, wheeled mobility, and worksite accommodations. Universal design is studied to determine how environments (physical, educational, Internet) can be created to be more usable by everybody, including people with disabilities, creating the next generation of accessibility... universal access.

Electives in assistive technology and universal design are available to students from all majors on campus. In AT courses, students not only learn about the devices themselves, but also the roles that different professionals play in providing AT services. In addition to the elective options, students in the OT Department will find introductory assistive technology lectures and labs infused throughout the curriculum and opportunities to use AT in projects for other courses. Master's and doctoral degree students may also choose to complete their thesis or project in the area of AT or universal design.

Some assistive technology (AT) examples include:

• A computer "mouse" to move the mouse pointer with one's head, used in conjunction with software that produces mouse clicks without pressing a button.
• Low-tech writing adaptations and aids that provide stability and reduce grip requirements.
• Screen reading software that makes it possible for a person who is blind to use a computer and to listen to information on websites.
• Environmental control systems that allows the user to control lights, radios, fans, and other devices by pressing a single switch.
• Switches of all shapes, sizes, colors, activation forces/method.
• Toys that have been adapted so that they can be controlled with a single switch.
• Speech recognition software that makes talking to the computer an alternative or supplement to the traditional keyboard and mouse.
• Keyboards of all types, including some that are half the size or twice the size of the usual keyboard.
• Augmentative and alternative communication devices with digitized and synthesized speech output.

The ATUA Lab is located adjacent to and is closely linked with the Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability (R₂D₂) Center. The R₂D₂ Center is an interdisciplinary research center with several local and national projects related to assistive technology, assistive technology outcomes measurement, and universal design.

Behavioral Health and Human Occupation Laboratory

2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 982
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.3110

Director(s):
Carol Haertlein Sells, Ph.D., OT, FAOTA, chaert@uwm.edu
Ginny Stoffel, Ph.D., OT, BCMH, FAOTA, stoffelv@uwm.edu

The Behavioral Health and Human Occupation Laboratory serves as a center for the investigation of college student drinking interventions, college student time use and well-being, and the examination of factors contributing to the well-being and mental health recovery for people with serious mental illness living in the community.

High-risk drinking is prevalent among college students and is associated with many harmful outcomes. Investigation of secondary prevention for high-risk drinking involves collaboration among the College of Health Sciences , the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research (CABHR), the Norris Health Center and University Housing. A randomized controlled trial is underway to compare the effectiveness of three interventions among freshman residing in Sandburg Residence Halls. The Interventions include motivational interviewing techniques and provision of educational materials in both group and individual settings. These interventions are designed to reduce harm associated with high-risk drinking by encouraging students to make healthy choices about alcohol use.

Serious mental illness and related substance use affects a significant number of adults who desire to fully participate in everyday community life and in meaningful occupational roles such as pursuing education and work, serving others, parenting, advocating for others affected by mental health and substance abuse, and finding rewarding and creative opportunities to develop new talents, finding balance and daily routines that support a person at their best. Working with a variety of mental health agencies (Transitional Living Services, Mental Health Association, Grand Avenue Club), faculty and students aid in studying and promoting best practices.

Campus Ergonomics Services

2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 980 East, Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.5616

Director(s):
Phyllis King, Ph.D., OT, FAOTA, pking@uwm.edu
Amy Darragh, OTR/L, PhD, darraghr@uwm.edu

Campus Ergonomics Services serves the UWM campus and greater Milwaukee community, operating out of the Occupational Ergonomics Laboratory. The following services are currently available:

• Ergonomics Assessments- Ergonomic job analysis (EJA) is a service assisting companies to identify and reduce health risks in the workplace.
• Office Ergonomics Training-In a world of sophisticated technology, office workers are subjected to physical stresses that prevent them from performing at their best. This course assists participants in recognizing the causes of physical stresses at their workstations, and reviews office ergonomics.
• Back Care Training- This course offers practical advice to supervisors and employees on how to reduce their risk of incurring back injuries through use of proper back care and body mechanics.
• Early Return to Work Services- Early intervention strategies and early return to work programs result in decreased lost time, increased productivity, and decreased workers' compensation and disability costs. Early intervention is the primary factor upon which the foundation of medical, psychosocial, and vocational rehabilitation is established. Early return to work services explore opportunities, accommodations and supports for injured employees.

Human Interaction and Physiology Laboratory

Director(s):
Kris A. Barnekow, Ph.D., OTR, ,krisb@uwm.edu

Both faculty and graduate student researchers in the Human Interaction and Physiology Laboratory conduct interdisciplinary research examining the relationship between measures of heart rate variability, human interaction, and health. Measures of heart rate variability are obtained through Holter recording. Electrocardiogram recordings of heart rhythm are used to develop an understanding of the autonomic nervous system's influence during social engagement and interaction with objects. Behavioral coding and analysis is also completed in the lab using NOLDUS XT. Research is conducted with participants across the lifespan.

Occupational Ergonomics Laboratory

2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room, 980 East, Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.5616

Director(s):
Phyllis King, Ph.D., OT, FAOTA, pking@uwm.edu

The Occupational Ergonomics Laboratory has been established with the following goals:

1. To conduct faculty and student research studies in applied ergonomics
2. To provide campus and community consulting services
3. To demonstrate state-of-the-art office and industrial ergonomics equipment
4. To present small group instructional programs on ergonomics and injury prevention programs

The laboratory serves as an educational resource to students, faculty, campus personnel, and the community. It is divided into two major sections, an office ergonomics workstation demonstration and design area, and a product design and occupational ergonomics research area. The office workstation design area showcases various ergonomically-designed office products and illustrates ergonomic design to maximize comfort and work performance in the office setting. Visitors, upon appointment, are welcome to try out the various products while in the laboratory to assist them in decision-making prior to purchasing office furniture and products. The product design and occupational ergonomics research area consists of worktables for construction of design models, various ergonomically-designed industrial tools, and physical performance assessment equipment.

Rehabilitation Research Design & Disability (R₂D₂) Center

www.R₂D₂.uwm.edu
2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 135, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Voice 414.229.6803; TTY 414.229.5628

Director(s):
Roger O. Smith, Ph.D., O.T. FAOTA, smithro@uwm.edu

The R₂D₂ Center provides an interdisciplinary home for basic research, applied research and development, as well as innovative instruction related to technology and disability.

The R₂D₂ Center affiliates multiple college/school units in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Currently, key linkages exist with the Departments of Occupational Therapy and Health Sciences in the College of Health Sciences, the Department of Exceptional Education in the School of Education, the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and components of the campus Office of Information Technology.