Ukrainian delegation visits UM-Flint to strengthen occupational therapy education partnership UM-Flint hosts Ukrainian occupational therapy delegation

Health care and education leaders from Ukraine recently visited the College of Health Sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint, continuing an international partnership focused on strengthening occupational therapy education and rehabilitation services in that country.

The visit was part of the Rehabilitation for Ukraine Momentum Wheels for Humanity project, also known as Rehab4U, which connects UM-Flint faculty with Ukrainian universities and government leaders to support curriculum development, clinical training and long-term growth of the occupational therapy profession. The delegation included representatives from five Ukrainian universities, as well as leaders from Ukraine's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Science.

Classroom and clinical experiences

Participants took part in classroom observations, simulation activities and clinical site visits designed to showcase how occupational therapy is taught and practiced in academic, hospital and community settings.

A group of children and adults are gathered on a colorful mat, engaging in an activity. Some adults are kneeling while children sit in front of them, focused on the interaction. One adult holds a card with an image. — *Members of the Ukrainian team participate in a hands-on pediatric rehabilitation activity with UM-Flint students and local youth.*

At UM-Flint, the delegation observed interprofessional simulation activities and hands-on lab sessions focused on pediatric and geriatric interventions, assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Participants also created low-cost rehabilitation tools from everyday materials, highlighting practical approaches adaptable across care settings.

A person with long brown hair, wearing a white button-up shirt, stands with arms crossed in front of a large window overlooking a green landscape. — *Engja*

"Occupational therapy faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint have had the honor of advocating for refinement of the scope of practice, appropriate practice settings, curriculum and student assessment to support the expansion of OT practice in Ukraine, where OT is a new profession," said Jennifer Engja, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy. "It has been a privilege to work alongside Ukrainian educators and policymakers to develop a plan to enhance and expand occupational therapy services to those who require rehabilitation in that country."

Care Across Settings

The delegation also visited University of Michigan Health, Chelsea Hospital and Genesee Intermediate School District to observe occupational therapy services in inpatient rehabilitation, pediatric care and educational settings.

"Visiting multiple clinical sites gave the delegation a really comprehensive view of occupational therapy practice in the U.S.," said Julie Jacob, UM-Flint director of occupational therapy. "These experiences created opportunities for meaningful conversations and exchange of ideas, helping support their efforts to adapt and apply best practices within their own health care system."

A woman with long blonde hair is wearing a light gray blazer over a dark top, standing in a well-lit indoor space with large windows. — Julie Jacob

Collaboration Throughout Michigan

The final day of the visit focused on professional collaboration and statewide partnership-building, bringing together leaders from occupational therapy organizations across Michigan to discuss advocacy, education and the future of the profession.

"We were blessed to have the support of our occupational therapy partners statewide during this visit," said Angela Smith, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy. "Leaders from the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association and the Michigan Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium dedicated time during the week to demonstrate how universities and organizations collaborate to strengthen the profession."

Faculty discussions throughout the visit also explored opportunities for continued collaboration through research partnerships, faculty exchange and professional development efforts aimed at expanding rehabilitation services in Ukraine.

Looking Ahead

As the visit concluded, conversations turned toward what comes next. Potential areas for continued collaboration include student exchange, faculty partnerships, and joint research efforts.

A group of seven individuals stands outdoors, each holding a tote bag with "M FLINT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY" printed on it, in front of a building. — *Ukrainian OTs and policymakers pose for a photo in UM-Flint's McKinnon Plaza.*

"For participants, the value of the experience was not just in what they observed, but in how those ideas can be adapted moving forward. The knowledge shared during the visit will help inform continued development of occupational therapy education and rehabilitation services in Ukraine," said Jacob. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening education, supporting clinical training, and expanding access to care through sustained collaboration."

"The visit confirmed that we were moving in the right direction. There are still some challenges ahead, but we are coming back with ideas, goals, and inspiration to work further to improve occupational therapists' training and promote the profession in our country," said Alina Tereshchenko, occupational therapy specialist with Rehab4U.