Physiotherapy Considerations for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Special Needs is a one-day workshop within the Integrated Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation course of the McGill Physiotherapy program.
Now in its eighth year, this interactive workshop brings McGill physiotherapy students together with athletes from Special Olympics Québec for an engaging learning experience enjoyed by all.
The workshop, which aims to prepare future clinicians to provide inclusive, individualized care, is coordinated by Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Zachary Weber, physiotherapist at Action Sport Physio and SPOT alumnus and Tristan Delmas, Director of the Health Communities, Special Olympics Québec.
Their mission is to sensitize the next generation of clinicians early in their learning journey to work with vulnerable populations, and to create a network of physiotherapists equipped to bring individualized care to this clientele.
To prepare for the workshop, students complete an online lecture covering strategies for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, population-specific needs, and the FUNfitness screening tool. On the day of the workshop, Special Olympics athletes join students on campus to work through the FUNfitness protocol and adapt procedures to meet individual needs.
Professor Janaudis-Ferreira is passionate about exploring novel ways to integrate interactive teaching methods in the classroom. These align with her broader mission of enhancing healthcare delivery through more effective and engaging interventions.
Earlier this year, the workshop team received a Faculty Award for Teaching Innovation in recognition of their efforts over the years.
