Occupational therapy students make ArtPrize accessible

Occupational therapy students from Grand Valley partnered with Four Pointes Center for Successful Aging in Grand Haven to provide an accessible tour of ArtPrize. The graduate students helped about 40 adults from Four Pointes navigate ArtPrize exhibits in Grand Rapids September 28, by providing a walking tour and bus tour.

Breanna Chycinski, assistant professor of occupational therapy, said planning the event helps her OT students get real experience in an active setting. She said students presented a tour plan to Four Pointes a week before the ArtPrize visit, but had to redesign it because of rain, choosing only in-door exhibits as an alternative.

“As occupational therapists, one of the things we are masters of is adaptation,” said Curtis Clark, a graduate student in the OT program. “This is a challenge, but it’s something that we are used to working out through classes and experience.”

Clark said when working with patients, students have to be flexible and need to keep accessibility in mind. His classmate, Jasmine Ward, 22, focused her efforts on the bus tour, which gave guests with lower mobility the ability to experience the art exhibits. 

“No matter where you go, no matter what you do, accessibility is key to how other people experience the environment,” said Ward. 

While developing a tour plan, some students visited ArtPrize ahead of time, looking for ways to avoid crowded spaces while getting as close to the art exhibits as possible.

Rachel Morrison, a graduate student in the OT program, said by helping plan the tour, she wanted to break down stigmas associated with older adults. She said there is much to learn from older generations, and it is important to make sure they have easy access to their community.

“You can still be involved in the community, regardless of your age and regardless of your ability,” Morrison said. “We are not just here to get class credit or experience, we want to make our community a better place.”

Peggy, a Four Pointes resident, said Grand Valley students created a great tour for the group. “They really do their homework and know how to make this a fun day,” Peggy said. “The students are always great, and they are always really prepared.”

-Written by Lucas Escalada, University Communnications student writer