Episode Details

In this episode, we will learn from Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA & Alyson D. Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP about Occupational Therapy & Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Karen Jacobs is a distinguished occupational therapist with a career spanning over four decades. She is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation, the Program Director of the post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy program, and a Clinical Professor of occupational therapy at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She has worked at Boston University for 41 years. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree from the University of Massachusetts, a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University and a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University. She has expertise in various areas, including ergonomics, artificial intelligence, marketing, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Her passion for enhancing occupational performance has led to extensive research, publications, and presentations worldwide. She is the founding editor-in-chief of the journal WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation since 1990. Dr. Jacobs has played a pivotal role in advancing backpack safety through AOTA’s National Backpack Awareness Day and promoting the recognition of occupational therapy through the creation of Occupational Therapy Global Day of Service. Both are held on World Occupational Therapy Day on October 27. As a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association (FAOTA), the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) and the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), Dr. Jacobs has been recognized for her outstanding contributions as a scholar, professor, advocate, and mentor, who has inspired countless students and practitioners. Throughout her career, Dr. Jacobs has held leadership positions such as the president and vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association contributing to the growth and development of occupational therapy at both national and international levels. Some of her awards include the 2005 recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in Iceland, the 2011 AOTA Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award, the 2020 AOTA Outstanding Mentor Award and the 2024 AOTA/AOTF Presidents' Commendation in Honor of Wilma L. West.

Dr. Alyson Stover is an owner and Occupational Therapist at Capable Kids.  She completed her undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Science and her Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh.  In 2008 she returned to school and completed her Juris Doctorate, with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Law, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.  Alyson has practiced in various settings, including schools, early intervention, outpatient pediatrics and acute care and long-term rehabilitation care at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Children's Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center.  She is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Doctor of Occupational Therapy and affiliated health law faculty for the Center for Bioethics and Health Law University of Pittsburgh.  Alyson serves as the President of occupational therapy's national board, AOTA.  Alyson's expertise includes the holistic approach to pediatric and family evaluation and intervention, trauma-informed occupational therapy and occupation-based approaches to substance use disorder.  She is trained and certified in Therapeutic Listening, Interactive Metronome, and Mental Health First Aid, as well as splinting and taping protocols.  Along with working with children, Alyson provides non-lawyer advocacy for children and families who need assistance accessing resources.  As a published author, nationally grant-funded research investigator, and subject-matter expert, Alyson provides continuing education for healthcare practitioners, educators, first responders, and the community.  

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