IU Department of Occupational Therapy

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Indianapolis, IN
IU Department of Occupational Therapy

Indiana University's Occupational Therapy Program offers the best of new and old. In fact, in the 2018 U.S. This is the highest ranked OT program in Indiana.

Established in 1958, the IU program is the longest continually accredited Occupational Therapy program in Indiana. Our history of graduating talented practitioners makes us well known in the Occupational Therapy community locally, regionally, and nationally. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Ranking of OT programs in the country, the IU School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Occupational Therapy program was ranked 25th.

03/13/2026

During Women’s History Month, we proudly celebrate the women who shaped the history and heart of our profession. This month, we’re highlighting Mary Reilly, Eleanor Clarke Slagle, and Jean Ayres. They are trailblazers whose vision and leadership continue to inspire the IU OTD community!

03/10/2026

⭐ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ⭐
Introducing Grace Wadley - Class of 2028!
📍 From Cincinnati, OH
📖 Attended the University of Cincinnati, Studied Health Sciences (Pre-OT track) and minored in Psychology
🌲 Favorite Occupation: Exploring nature! Whether that be hiking or kayaking, she loves to be outdoors!
👩‍⚕️ When asked why Grace chose OT she said… “I chose OT because I value holistic care across the lifespan. I am excited to make an impact in a variety of settings with a variety of different individuals! “
🧩 A moment in which Grace has felt drawn or connected to OT was… “Shadowing in unique settings such as aquatic therapy and hippotherapy allowed me to see how individualized our profession can be. I was able to not only see myself practicing in these settings, but it also gave me an understanding of how impactful OT is.”
💖 She also described a special moment in the program has been: “So far, I have really enjoyed working on the Anatomage tables! The faculty have also been very welcoming!”
✨ Grace has always been interested in working with Pediatrics in any setting! Diving deeper into more specific settings/therapies she has been interested in: Aquatic Therapy, School - Based OT, and mental health.
✈️ Fun fact about Grace is that she has been out of the country three times, to serve underserved and marginalized youth throughout the world! She would love to be a travel Occupational Therapist at some point in her career!

03/06/2026

I have purse, I have gait belt 👛

Luckily we do know how to do a proper transfer 🤓

03/05/2026

Our first-year students recently had the opportunity to role play a full therapy session as part of their RDP (Rehab Disability and Participation) competency. Each student spent time in both roles, acting as the therapist and as the patient. In the therapist role, they selected appropriate assessments based on the case. As patients, they were challenged to portray their assigned condition with accuracy and consistency, reflecting common signs and symptoms. At the end of the competency, the most convincing actors for each condition were recognized with trophies to celebrate their outstanding work!

02/28/2026

⭐ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ⭐
Introducing Keegan Kaiser - Class of 2028!
📍 From New Albany, IN
📖 Studied Psychology at Hope College
🥘 Favorite Occupation: Cooking new meals
👩‍⚕️ When asked why Keegan chose OT she said… “I chose OT because it gives me the opportunity to teach, empathize, problem solved, and bring fulfillment to people in their daily lives.”
🧩 A moment in which Keegan has felt drawn or connected to OT was… “While volunteering at my local children’s hospital, I witnessed firsthand the impact occupational therapists had on children from all walks of life. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue this path and make in impact of my own.”
💖 She also described a special moment in the program has been: “I have enjoyed getting to make genuine connections with the amazing people in my cohort. They have been so intentional and already feel like family!”
✨ Keegan is interested in the OT specialty: Pediatrics!
🐘 Fun fact about Keegan is that she has ridden an elephant!

02/26/2026

As Black History Month concludes, the IU OTD Program recognizes the lasting impact of Naomi B. Wright, the nation’s first Black occupational therapist and a pioneer in advancing inclusive, community-centered practice.

Her contributions laid the groundwork for generations of practitioners committed to equity, access, and meaningful participation for all.

We carry her legacy forward in our classrooms, clinics, and communities!

02/20/2026

We are excited to highlight the upcoming production of Re-Entry, created in collaboration with Dr. Sally Wasmuth, an occupational therapist and faculty member in our own IU School of Health and Human Sciences. Dr. Wasmuth has been nationally recognized for her innovative use of theatre as a tool for arts-based recovery and for sparking meaningful community conversations on critical social issues.

For those that are interested the event is free to attend but tickets must be obtained ahead of time. Scan the QR code to get the free tickets or use the link!

https://phoenixtheatreorg.vbotickets.com/event/re-entry_building_a_life_after_incarceration/183810?blm_aid=17813902

02/17/2026

We are grateful to serve at the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic (SOC) as we celebrated its 17th anniversary this past weekend. Through occupational therapy, our student volunteers support our neighbors in meaningful activities that promote their health and independence. We are thankful to be part of a community grounded in service and compassion!

02/16/2026

Our first year students have been getting hands on experience in their Rehab, Disability, and Participation course. From practicing transfers to working with adaptive equipment, they’re building a strong foundation of practical skills!

02/12/2026

IU OT Faculty Dr. Tony Chase was nominated and awarded as one of the Community Achievement Honorees by the Indianapolis Business Journal for 2026 Excellence in Health Care. Dr. Chase's creation of the Skills on Wheels program and continued research has made a significant impact in the community and state of Indiana, along with global recognition. Congratulations, Dr. Chase! We are very proud of you!

02/09/2026

Participants Needed!
Pregnant or postpartum (within 24 months) or a peripartum provider? Share your experience of peripartum support to help inform occupational therapy based peripartum care

02/03/2026

⭐️ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ⭐️
Introducing Gina DiMatteo - Class of 2027!
📍 From Avon, IN
📖 Studied Psychology at IU Bloomington
🐱 Favorite Occupation: “Leisure! reading (and buying books), spending time with friends and my cat Suki, cooking, going to concerts, and going to the movies”.
👩‍⚕️ When asked why she chose OT Gina said: “I chose OT because I love the idea of instilling hope and confidence into a patient's self-concept and being a warm, positive part of someone's rehabilitation journey”.
💖 She also described her favorite aspect of being in the program: “I am so grateful for the friends that I have made throughout the program! They have made it very memorable, and there is never a dull moment when I am on campus or in class”.
✨ Gina is interested in the OT specialties: Neuro, Ortho, or Peds
🍭 Fun fact about Gina: “I ran a funny fruit by the foot account during my freshman year of college and almost got a sponsorship from the company. They sent me so many PR packages of fruit by the foot and some merch. They had me run through the motions and agree to join this influencer platform where I could post content, but then they did not ever approve of my content creation ideas and ALSO never paid me anything. I am still salty about it to this day”.

Address

1050 Wishard Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
46202

Telephone

+13172740149

Website

https://linktr.ee/iuoccupationaltherapy, https://iuotapril2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/

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