Should Occupational Therapists use Simulation Exercises? Using Wheelchair Training as an Example

Abstract

The benefits and problems associated with sending occupational therapy students out into the community in wheelchairs, as a simulation exercise during the first year of a full-time undergraduate programme, are explored. Occupational therapy educators themselves have widely divergent views on the best method of student training in this area, and the views of disability awareness groups towards simulation exercises are also considered.

Disabled people, non-disabled people and first-year occupational therapy students were surveyed about wheelchair-simulation exercises and other methods of learning. The results demonstrated that simulation exercises as an appropriate way of learning were supported and that the experiential element of the course should be retained. This article shares the results of the survey and discusses some of the disability awareness issues that they raise for occupational therapy educators, clinicians, students and disabled people themselves.