Additional Program Info

• The Cougar Home Safety Assessment for Older Persons (Version 1.0) (pdf)
• Cougar Home Safety Assessment (Version 2.0) (pdf)
• The Cougar Home Safety Assessment (Version 3.0) (pdf)
• The Cougar Home Safety Assessment (Version 4.0) (pdf)
• The Cougar Home Safety Assessment (Version 5.0) (pdf)

These home environmental safety assessment instruments were developed and field-tested by Misericordia University occupational therapy graduate students in partial fulfillment of their research project requirements. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the above documents.

1. Version 1.0 was developed by Natalie Bryan, Kristen Coolbaugh, and Christin Rhodes. A report of their study was published in the June 2006 issue of the Californian Journal of Health Promotion and can be found at http://www.cjhp.org/
2. Version 2.0, an adaptation of the original assessment, was developed by Alison Baker, Dana Koval, Chris Lishok, and Emily Stine. Their research will be published in an upcoming issue of the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
3. Version 3.0 reflects the latest changes in the instrument. It was developed by Nicole Cardillo, Silvana Chin, Erica Derrick, and Kelda Zepherin. Their report is currently being considered for potential publication in a peer reviewed journal.
4. Version 4.0 incorporates assessment suggestions obtained through a Delphi survey from a panel of occupational therapy experts. This updated version includes a disaster preparedness section, and was created by Holly Civiitella and Vanessa Perez Migliosi. Keith Ewonishon has conducted content validity testing of this instrument. Erin Bradley, Diane Costulas, Laura Kintner, Jodi Kozlevcar, Karla Mahonski, Keira McMenamin, Amanda Rompilla, and Jillian Woods are currently field testing the instrument to determine if it will move residents to make positive environmental safety changes in their homes.
5. Version 5.0 incorporates recommendations from 28 Misericordia University occupational therapy alumni who responded to a survey which sought to update the CHSA in terms of technology and occupational therapy best practice. OT master of science students in the graduating class of 2019 who served as co-investigators on this study were: Rebecca Burgess, Haley DiMassimo, Caroline Florenzo, Bailee Hymers, Kaitlynn Kuchta, and Olivia Natale.

Permission is granted for occupational therapists to use these assessments for clinical or research purposes. If you choose to download these documents, we ask that you please notify the lead investigator on the CHSA studies, Grace Fisher, Ed.D., OTR/L, Professor of Occupational Therapy, at her E-Mail Address (click here) of your intent in this regard.

American Occupational Therapy Association Presentations

AOTA 2017 Conference Presentations

POTA 2017 Conference Presentations

AOTA 2016 Poster Conference Presentations

AOTA 2016 Conference Presentations

AOTA 2015 Conference Presentations

AOTA 2014 Conference Presentations

OT Faculty Presentations

Spring 2022 Research

Spring 2021 Research

Spring 2020 Research cancelled due to Covid

Spring 2019 Research

Spring 2018 Research

Spring 2017 Research

Spring 2016 Research

Spring 2015 Research

Spring 2014 Research

Spring 2013 Research

Spring 2012 Research

Spring 2011 Research

Spring 2010 Research

Spring 2009 Research

Spring 2008 Research

• Grab, J., Green, M., Norris, J., Pilchik, K., Fisher, G.S. (2021). Exploring Occupational Therapy Student Stress: Professor and Student Perspectives, Journal of Occupational Therapy Education 5(1), article 3.  https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol5/iss1/3/

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• Myers, J., Bender, M.,  Marquardt, T.,  Roche, M., Zak, J. and Fisher, G.S. (2016). Religious Sisters of Mercy and Matuska and Christiansen's life balance model. Journal of Occupational Science, 23(2), 145-155. [peer-reviewed] http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2015.1082929

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• Cipriani, J., Georgia J., McChesney, M., Swanson, J., Zigon, J., & Stabler, M. (2018) Uncovering the value and meaning of a horticulture therapy program for clients at a long-term adult inpatient psychiatric facility, Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 34(3): 242-257. DOI: 10.1080/0164212X.2017.1416323

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• Cipriani, J., Benz, A., Holmgren, A., Kinter, D., McGarry, J., & Rubino, G. (2017). . A systematic review of the effects of horticultural therapy on persons with mental health conditions. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, published online on February 3.

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• Cipriani, J., Cooper, M., DiGiovanni, N., Litchofski, A., Nichols, A., & Ramsey, A. (2013). Dog-assisted therapy for residents of long-term care facilities: An evidence-based review with implications for occupational therapy. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 31(3), 214-240.

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• Cardinale, J., Malacari, LK, Broggi, S.R., Savignano, J., and Fisher, GS. (2014). "The Model of Occupational Empowerment and Gunnarsson's Tree Theme: Intervention for Mothers in Recovery." Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 30, 43-68.

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• Fisher, G.S. (2014, September). Reflections on the information age, social norms, and professional ethics. Administration & Management Special Interest Section Quarterly, 30(3), 1-4.

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• Shah, L. and Gladson, B. (2015). The Relationship of Pencil Grasp on College Students' Handwriting Speed and Legibility, Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, 8(2), 180-191.

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• Shah L.,Bialek. K., Clarke, M.L., & Jansson, J.(2016). Study of Pre-Handwriting Factors Necessary for Successful Handwriting in Children. International Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering, 10(3), 688-695.

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• Myers, J., Bender,M.,Marquardt, T.,Roche, M., Zak, J. and Fisher, G.S. (2016). Occupational Balance in Religious Sisters of Mercy using Matuska and Christiansen’s Life Balance Model. Journal of Occupational Science, 3(2), 145-155.

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• Adjunct OT faculty Dr. Andrea Collins and MU OT 2015 graduates Melanie Clabia, Kaitlyn Cully, Kaitlyn Pagnotta, and Deborah Keys study called "Exploring School Based Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on the Use of iPad" was published in the March 21, 2016 issue of OT Practice.

Galway, Ireland
June 15-19, 2016

1. "The Effects Of Sensory Processing And Behavior of Special Needs Children on Parent Participation: A Correlation Study" was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Elaina DaLomba from Misericordia University, along with other co-authors Mary Frances Baxter (Texas Woman's University), Patricia Fingerhut (University of Texas Medical Branch), and Anne O'Donnell (Texas Woman's University).
2. "The Effectiveness of iPad Handwriting Applications on Improving Visual Motor and Handwriting Skills in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder" was presented by MU graduate OTD student Lindsey McLaughlin. Additional co authors were Assistant Professor Dr. Jennifer Dessoye, Chelsey Converse, MS Class of '15,Shannon McSweeney, MS Class of '15, and Cathryn Steinhoff, MS Class of '15.
3. "The Effectiveness of a Multi-Sensory Center-Based Learning Curriculum in Pre-Kindergarten Students" was presented by Leah Davis, Samantha Rehrig, and Tara Robinson. Additional co-authors were Dr. Jennifer Dessoye and Ellen Mahon, MS Class of '16.
4. "Linking Sensory Strategies and Social Skills Training Improve the Social Participation in Children with ASD" was presented by Dr. Lori Charney, Danielle Makadon-Malone, and Carly Zaklukiewicz. Additional co-authors were Dr. Ellen McLaughlin, Logan Zeitler, OT MS Class of '16, and Kelsey Maas OT MS '