Ministry in Marion Through Occupational Therapy

IWU Graduate Inspired by Class to Start Local Pro Bono Clinic

Midway through her Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, Austin Thompson (’21), heard about universities with pro bono clinics and mentally filed this intriguing idea. Today, several families are glad she did.

In February of 2020, Thompson traveled to the Caribbean island of Curaçao during her Global Health Initiative class. This cross-cultural trip, with all expenses built into tuition, is an attractive feature for many who choose IWU for their Occupational Therapy doctoral degree, Thompson included.

As part of her occupational therapy curriculum, Thompson thrived in Curaçao offering her assistance in a school for children with special needs. She planned to return to complete her capstone project at the school and a nearby clinic before COVID-19 abruptly put an end to that idea. As Thompson pondered ‘plan B’, that pro bono clinic idea bubbled to the surface.

She attended a Pro Bono Conference to learn more from the array of faculty who had established clinics. The experience proved both educational and inspirational. She pledged herself to this ambitious plan of developing an IWU Pediatric Pro Bono Clinic from scratch in Grant County, where IWU’s main campus is located.

“These clinics work,” said Thompson. “People get better. They rehab. People who do not have insurance, are under insured, or have maxed out their coverage can get help.” The Grant County community is somewhat limited in pediatric therapy options, which presents challenges. “If families find themselves on a waiting list, they have to travel far to get services. I was looking for situations where I can supplement services and help patients stay in Grant County. I also discovered that summer seems to be a time of greater need.”

Thompson waded through mountains of red tape and set about making connections with schools and organizations servicing local children. She developed medical history forms, consent forms, a handbook, and created systems for communication and record keeping.

Following a quick but effective marketing effort, Thompson was able to gather a group of six ‘participants’ between the ages of 3 and 9 years old. They represented a variety of pediatric occupational therapy needs. At zero cost to these children, and under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapy faculty member, Thompson devoted May, June and July to this project. She provided far more than her capstone’s mandated 560 clinical hours to these six children. During her weekly occupational therapy sessions, she tailored services to each of the children’s unique needs.

“I set out to do a capstone project that involved program development, but I could not just develop a program—I knew that I had to implement the program and serve kids in the community,” said Thompson. “I just had to see patients and actually help people.”

Two of Thompson’s clients ended therapy in early July. One finished treatment after being given a program to follow at home. Another was removed from a waiting list and accepted into professional therapy services. The others maintained weekly visits for the duration of the summer. Ultimately, the goal of the Pro Bono Clinic was reached. Thompson was able to serve children who found themselves in need of supplemental services.

“I have always been a natural caregiver in life,” said Thompson. “I surprised myself that I could do a project of this size. All of the [OTD] faculty have been great. Each one gave me unique insights and ideas that helped me along the way. And, it feels really good to help underserved kids in this community.”

Written by Jill Pederson