Establishing a Sustainable Occupational Therapy Student-Led Pro Bono Clinic at the University of Saint Augustine in Austin, Texas Bono Clinic at the University of Saint Augustine in Austin, Texas

Abstract

Under-resourced and underserved communities across the United States experience significant health disparities. These communities lack access to valuable services resulting in health inequities that impinge on their health, quality of life, and engagement in meaningful occupations. There is a need for occupational therapy to provide valuable services to the under-resourced and underserved community to address the historical inequity that impacts their overall quality of life. Universities have the potential to fulfill the gaps within these communities by establishing a pro bono clinic. The purpose of this capstone project is to establish a sustainable occupational therapy pro bono clinic at the University of Saint Augustine for Health Science Austin campus. The intent of the pro bono clinic is twofold. The first, is to provide students with the opportunity to advance their clinical skills and graduate as leaders with insights on the causes of health disparities and the skills to address them. Second, is to address the gap in services experienced by the under-resourced community, and the underserved such as those with disabilities and chronic conditions who do not meet the “reasonable and necessary clause” and those who have maximized their benefits and do not qualify for preventative and chronic rehabilitation services. The significance of this project will impact the university, students, faculty, and the community to yield several positive outcomes. The project plan is to establish an occupational therapy pro bono clinic by organizing the student body and developing a website to meet the needs of the students, clients, and community stakeholders.