KSU-East Liverpool hopes to expand OT facilities

by Melody Gustafson

The Kent State East Liverpool campus is making plans to enhance and expand its grounds and programs. Dr. Jeff Nolte, dean, said that one of the improvements he looks forward to is the expansion and update of the Occupational Therapy program.

Because the East Liverpool and North Columbiana (Salem) chapters of the American Red Cross have plans to merge, Nolte had hoped the Red Cross building on College Street near the KSU-EL Campus would become available for the OT expansion. But earlier this month Carole Dunfee of the East Liverpool Red Cross confirmed that the organization intends to maintain an East Liverpool location, and there are no plans to sell the building at this time.

“We are pursuing different properties in the area for the O.T. program,” said Henry Trenkelbach, business manager at the university. “Even a house would be a possibility.” He explained that students currently can complete the entire O.T. program at the East Liverpool Campus, but an expanded training facility would be ideal.

Harriet Bynum, head of Occupational Therapy at KSU-EL, said, “The O.T. house would have the latest technology and improve the program, as well as being a benefit to the community.” She plans to open the building to various local support groups, giving students an opportunity to benefit from the interaction.

Bynum described a scenario in which arthritis or stroke support groups could convene in the house, and students could work with the people, helping them to live with the maladies that afflict them. She hopes the school will acquire a single story house set up like a residence with a basement and the equipment installed in the different rooms. Afflicted patients from East Liverpool can visit the house and get the therapy they need while the students gain experience working with them. Working with real people who have special needs is the perfect training for a blossoming workforce.

Whichever building is chosen for the school’s purposes must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to Trenkelbach. This means that the university must set up the proper wheelchair ramps and handicap accessible restrooms and exits, the electrical wiring and the sprinkler system must be inspected and approved, and a long list of other requirements must be met before students and patients can use the place.

“We looked at one house already, but it would have been too expensive to bring to state code” said Trenkelbach. This is why the Red Cross building is so attractive to Kent State- most of the ADA requirements are already in place.

When a location is finally selected, it must be appraised and inspected. This information is then presented to the KSU Board of Trustees in Kent. After approval, a request is sent to the state legislature, where approval of both houses is needed before the final purchase. There is no timetable for the completion of these plans.