Disabilities Awareness merit badge requirement 7

1. PROFESSIONS THAT
HELP PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES

2. PHYSICAL THERAPIST
❖to work as a physical therapist,you must complete an accredited Doctor of Physical
Therapy degree program (CAPTE),most of which last three years.
❖4 years of college,3 years in doctoral program
❖University of Iowa,Clarke University,St. Ambrose University, Des Moines University all offer
doctoral programs in Iowa
❖Field is expected to grow 34% in the next 10 years
❖Average salary $85,000
❖State licensure required
❖Nine specialty areas, including cardiovascular and pulmonary,clinical electrophysiology,
and geriatrics.
❖To be eligible for certification,candidates must be licensed and have completed at least 2,000
clinical practice hours in their specialty area.Eligible candidates who pass an exam are awarded
specialty certification.Certified specialists must be recertified after ten years.

3. Physical therapists treat patients by teaching them different exercises
intended to strengthen or stretch muscles as well as alleviate pain.They consult
with the patient on their symptoms and develop a rehabilitation plan.
Throughout the process, they are supportive and understanding. Providing
encouraging words is just as important as the physical aspect of the job.
❖Consult with patients to learn about their physical condition and symptoms
❖Develop a treatment plan
❖Teach patients how to properly use exercise techniques
❖Provide stimulation or massage
❖Use equipmentand devices to assist patients
❖Maintain patients records,keeping track of goals and progress
❖Advise patient and family about in-home treatmentoptions and exercises
Related careers: PhysicalTherapyAssistant,PhysicalTherapyAide

4. P H YS I C A L T H E R A P Y
A S S I S TA N T
O R A I D E
Two-year associate's degree,
then national licensure test
Average salary is $42,000
Many community colleges in
Iowa offer a two-year
program
Field is expected to grow
30 percent in next 10 years

5. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
❖To work as an occupational therapist,you must complete an accredited occupational therapy
master’s program, have fieldwork experience,pass the National Board for Certification in
OccupationalTherapy,obtain a state license,and get a Basic Cardiac Life Supportcertificate
❖Four years for an undergraduate,two years in master’s program
❖University of Iowa, Allen College,University of Northern Iowa,Drake University, Mercy College all
offer programs in Iowa
❖Field expected to grow 27% in next 10 years
❖Average salary is $81,000
❖Nine specialities:Gerontology,Mental Health, Pediatrics Physical Rehabilitation,Driving and
Community Mobility, Environmental Modification,Feeding,Eating,and Swallowing

6. Occupational therapists (OTs) help people with disabilities,injuries or
illness recover and cope through the use of common,everyday tasks.
Usually working one-on-one with patients,OTs will watch how they do
tasks ask questions and look over medical history, create treatment plans
and goals, show patients how to use adaptive technology,and
demonstrate exercises to relieve pain and increase mobility.
❖Observe patients doing tasks, ask them questions,and review their medical history
❖Help people with various disabilities with different tasks, such as leading an autistic child in play
activities
❖Help people with various disabilities with different tasks, such as leading an autistic child in play
activities
❖Educate a patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate and care for the patient
❖Recommend special equipment,such as wheelchairs and eating aids,and instruct patients on how to
use that equipment
Related careers: OccupationalTherapyAssistant

7. O C C U PAT I ON A L
T H E R A P Y
A S S I S TA N T O R A I D E
Two-year associate's degree, then
national licensure test
Average salary is $50,000 for
assistants, about $25,000 for aide
Many community colleges in Iowa
offer a two-year program
Field is expected to grow 30
percent in next 10 years

8. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS
❖Earn a master’s degree in speech pathology.Some states require a program accredited by
ASHA's Council onAcademicAccreditation.
❖Four year degree in Communication Disorders,followed by two year master’s degree,state
licensure
❖Average salary $74,000
❖Field expected to grow 10% in next 10 years
❖St.Ambrose University,University of Northern Iowa

9. Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat people with speech-
related disabilities and speech-related problems due to disability or injury.
Speech-language pathologists use specialized techniques and modalities to
help their patients improve their speech and vocal skills. Many speech
therapists are also able to teach sign language as an alternative to vocal
speech.
❖Speech sounds—how we say sounds and put sounds together into words. Other words for these
problems are articulation or phonological disorders,apraxia of speech,or dysarthria.
❖Language—how well we understand what we hear or read and how we use words to tell others
what we are thinking. In adults this problem may be called aphasia
❖Social communication—how well we follow rules, like taking turns,how to talk to different
people, or how close to stand to someone when talking.This is also called pragmatics
❖Fluency—also called stuttering,is how well speech flows. Someone who stutters may repeat
sounds,like t-t-t-table, use "um" or "uh," or pause a lot when talking. Many young children will go
through a time when they stutter, but most outgrow it
❖Feeding and swallowing—how well we suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing
disorder may lead to poor nutrition, weight loss,and other health problems.This is also
called dysphagia

11. SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS
❖Teaching degree and license.Some states require master’s degrees as well
❖Four year degree,possibly two year master’s degree,certifications
❖Morningside University,University of Iowa, Drake University,University of Northern Iowa,Iowa
State University,M. Mercy Univeristy,Loras College,St.Ambrose University and many more
❖Field is expected to grow 6% in next 10 years
❖Average salary $55,000
❖Specialities include Special Education inclusion,Early Interventionist, Pre-k-12 teacher, Austim,
Behavior,Learning Disabilities
Special education teachers evaluate each student's level of disability and
devise a unique plan to help the students learn the basic academic skills that
will help lessen the impact of their disabilities on their life.

13. CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS
❖Master’s degree in social work and state license
❖Four year degree and two year master’s degree
❖Briar Cliff, University of Iowa,University of Northern Iowa,St.Ambrose University,Loras
College,Dort College,GrandView University,Graceland University,and many others
❖Average salary is $54,000 for those with master’s degrees
❖Field is expected to grow 19% in next 10 years
❖Specialties include:Child,Family and School social work; gerontological social work; mental
health and substance abuse;palliative and hospice;psychiatric social work
Clinical SocialWorkers help their clients coordinate their care with doctors
and family members. Clinical social workers can refer their clients to other
resources for the purpose of receiving additional benefits or services.