Combat-related post-traumatic Stress disorder: the battle to return to civilian life

The disability experience conference

Combat-related post-traumatic Stress disorder: the battle to return to civilian life

Kristen Brant, BS, Amanda Griffith, BA, & Alison Damico, BADepartment of Occupational TherapySchool of Health & Rehabilitation SciencesUniversity of Pittsburgh

The challenge of living with ptsd

Engaging in meaningful occupations

Person-environment-occupation (PEO) model

PersonEnvironmentOccupation(activities)Performance

5Peo model

Person

PTSD(signs & symptoms)

PEO model

EnvironmentClassrooms PeoplePublic spacesAttitudes

PEO model

Occupation(activities)AttendanceParticipationLearningTestsAssignmentsInstructionsCommunicationTransportationExtra-curricular activitiesThe challenge of living with ptsd

Strategies for successModifying the Environment and ActivitiesEducating instructors and studentsMeeting s prior to term startingSmall class sizesSelf-selection of classroom seatingScheduled meetingsTutoring programWelcome signs and announcementsAcknowledging and celebrating veteransDesignated area to study and socialize

Strategies for success (cont.)Modifying the Environment and ActivitiesDesignated parkingWell-lighted walkways and areasIn-class use of computersBreaks during testingExtended and flexible timeframesFlexible class attendance policiesVideotaped lecturesOnline learning options

Strategies for success (cont.)Modifying the Environment and ActivitiesPeer mentoring programFirst-year veteran-only coursesDesignated veteran housing

Success and empowerment

Discussion / questionsCombat Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:The Battle to Return to Civilian Life

Kristen Brant, BSknb36@pitt.eduAmanda Griffith, BAalg130@pitt.edu Alison Damico, BAald160@pitt.edu Master of Occupational Therapy StudentsDepartment of Occupational TherapyUniversity of Pittsburgh