The document summarizes an international innovation project held from July 30th to August 31st 2012 at Seton Hall University. Teams of physical and occupational therapy students from Finland, Denmark, and the US identified and implemented novel projects to improve the lives of clients at JESPY House, a program for adults with learning disabilities. The goals of the project were to develop understandings of innovation, provide insight into facilitating innovative healthcare solutions, and equip participants to act as change agents in their work. Five collaborative projects were developed to address needs voiced by JESPY clients, such as promoting active lifestyles, using pet therapy, creating a customized neighborhood map, connecting clients and students, and helping clients build relationships.

1. International Innovation Project 2012
30 th July – 31 st August 2012
Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
John T. Barry, PT - MGH IHP ‘13
Community Partner: JESPY House, Inc. is an adult program for those diagnosed with learning
disabilities, neurological impairments and/or perceptual impairments seeking to learn the skills
necessary to live independently.
Mission: Five collaborative teams of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Students from
Finnish, Danish, and American Universities identify, innovate, and implement sustainable novel projects
aimed at improving the quality of lives of the Jespy House clients.

2. “Healthcare innovation can be defined as the introduction of a new
concept, idea, service, process, or product aimed at improving
treatment, diagnosis, education, outreach, prevention and research, and
with the long term goals of improving quality, safety, outcomes,
efficiency and costs.” 1

4. 2
1. To develop different understandings, both theoretical and practical, of innovation and
entrepeneurship in the public, private, and third sector.
1. To provide insight into methods of facilitating and implementing innovative solutions in the
health sector.
1. To equip participants with the competencies to act as change agents in their work as
healthcare professionals.

5. 2

6. 2
Knowledge Skills
• Knowledge of theoretical approaches to
• Identify needs for innovative solutions in the
intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship, health-care sector
including creativity and innovation
• Select and apply methods of innovation and
• Account for key elements of working with and entrepreneurship in a given context
implementing an innovation process in the
public, private and third sector, related to
• Apply principles and methods for user-driven
innovation
relevant theory
• Formulate proposals for the facilitation of
• Account for the principles behind user-driven innovation processes
innovation and social innovation, in relation to
relevant theory
• Draw up business plans, including analyses of
stakeholders, networks and target groups
• Knowledge of methods and content in the
phases ‘project selection and project’
Search for and share knowledge as part of a
team
Knowledge of project management and related
tools • Use project-management tools
• Knowledge about patent rights and
negotiations

7. Active Environment at Jespy:
- A campaign to promote an active lifestyle at the Jespy House through a restructured environment.
Cuddy Companions:
- A social experience utilizing a pet therapy model to address emotional and physical voids voiced by clients.
Finmarcan Map:
- An interactive map customizable to Jespy House clients living in the South Orange neighborhood.
Jespy Seton Bridge:
- A student run organization to bridge the Jespy House and Seton Hall student body communities.
S.P.A.R.K. - Seeking Partnership through Activity in a Residential Kommunity:
- A speed-dating model to help clients form healthy relationships and develop their communication skills.