Building with the Senses: Where Architecture Meets Occupational Therapy

Time: 8:30-10:00am

Location: 265

Presenter(s): SamanthaLibman, OTD; CaitlinSmith, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-UE; FranciscoLasta, OTR/L, Assoc. AIA

Content Areas: Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; General

Target Audience: Student, Entry-level, Intermediate-level

Course Description: Join us for an engaging session on using Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing (2010) to inform architectural design and create inclusive public environments. Drawing from real-world collaborations with architects, we’ll explore how occupational therapy practitioners can advocate for sensory-friendly features – like quiet zones and adjustable lighting – and why engaging diverse stakeholders is key to creating accessible spaces. Learn strategies to enhance comfort and participation in everyday places.