Claire Morress, PhD, OTR/L, ATP

I currently hold the position of Clinical Faculty in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Xavier University since Aug 2002; I obtained my PhD through Nova Southeastern University in 2015, and I have been a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP) since 2002. Teaching responsibilities include research, adaptations and technology for pediatric and adult populations, environmental modifications, and analysis of occupational performance. Clinical experience includes assessment and intervention for children, youth and adults with physical disabilities and/or chronic physical conditions, including burns, TBI, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and ALS. I am an assistive technology specialist with advanced skills in evaluation, training and systems integration for augmentative communication, computer access, electronic aids for daily living, seating, and mobility systems. Additional clinical experience includes working in a transdisciplinary therapeutic preschool program providing family-centered care to enhance the occupational performance of young children with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities.

In my position as clinical faculty I maintain clinical ties with the Aaron W Perlman Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, I participate in clinical research, and in 2012 received a $75 000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank to provide home modifications to low income individuals with disabilities in the Greater Cincinnati Area. I am particularly interested in research and outcomes related to participation and health, with a focus on the role environment and extrinsic factors play in enabling children with cerebral palsy to participate in meaningful daily occupations.

Expertise

Assistive technology, research, pediatrics, cerebral palsy, burns, early intervention