Occupational therapy student Mia Lansberg worked with Robert Bertran to make chocolate pudding dirt cups at a ‘Life is What You Bake It’ event on the Coral Gables campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Fernando Tazoe USAHS
Originally published in Miami Herald
When young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Florida reach age 22, they are no longer eligible for state and federal programs that help them transition from high school to their next life stage. This includes postsecondary education, employment and independent living.
Recently, a group of these young people gathered at the Coral Gables campus of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami to make chocolate pudding dirt cups with family, faculty and occupational therapy students.
The event is part of “Life Is What You Bake It,” created by Christina Bertran, an assistant professor at USAHS Miami, and her colleague Arlenys Loffredo. The program aims to help participants develop aptitude in meal preparation, safely using equipment, bilateral coordination and other life skills.
“Engaging in cooking activities such as practicing how to turn the stove and oven on and off safely are critical skills,” said Bertran. “Our OT students work with the younger adults to follow a recipe and practice these life skills in a real-world environment while promoting an opportunity for social interaction.”
One of those young adults is Bertran’s brother, who has participated in multiple baking classes along with their mother and peers from the community. Mother Lily Bertran said that “this group is a blessing, allowing me to see my daughter’s profession of occupational therapy provide support and care to her own brother.”
Socialization is also a big component of the baking group gatherings, since lack of access to transportation and other resources for those with disabilities can lead to isolation. “Oftentimes, these younger adults find themselves no longer qualifying to continue occupational therapy services, much less group sessions that instill social participation and promote independence,” said Loffredo.
“Life is What You Bake It” takes place at least twice each term at the USAHS Miami Coral Gables campus, located at the Douglas Entrance. It is one of several pro-bono clinics there that serve the community and help students enhance their experiences with different patient populations.
“Occupational therapy students get the opportunity to work hands-on with this underserved population,” said Bertran. “Students have reported how meaningful it is to them and how they appreciate giving back through their future profession.”
