Awards 2010: Occupational Therapists Can Help Address 'Digital Divide'
21 January 2010
Jade Nixon, centre, pictured with fellow delegates Graeme Smith (left) and Helen Mason (right) at the Annual Mental Health Occupational Therapy Debate 2009, organised by The College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section for mental health.
Jade's enthusiasm was inspirational...
”Karen Newberry, Tutor.
Occupational therapists could help mental health sufferers to bridge the 'digital divide' and access services like the Internet and iPods more effectively, according to new research.
University of Derby student Jade Nixon, who is now working as an occupational therapist, graduates alongside 2,000 fellow students at the University's Awards Ceremonies, which take place tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.
Jade secured a 2:1 degree in BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy and was also a student representative on a national OT committee for mental health during her studies.
In this role, she represented views of OT students nationally, wrote for publications and spoke at conferences.
For the final dissertation of her degree course, Jade looked at how people suffering with psychosis can be integrated into society more effectively. As part of her study she explored how this group of people have difficulties accessing new technologies.
Jade, 21, from Queen Street, Porthill, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, wrote: "New technology brings significant social benefits but there are individuals and groups within the UK who are unable to access these technologies and are 'digitally excluded' from society.
"Occupational therapists have been specifically identified as an important point of reference for people with mental health issues wishing to gain information and make changes to their lives.
"The profession is ideally placed to promote digital inclusion. The profession aims to enable individuals to perform competently and confidently within their daily lives."
Following her studies, Jade last summer secured a full-time post as a Band 5 occupational therapist working with older adults for South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
She is looking forward to collecting her degree certificate on Saturday, and said: "There is no way I would have secured this post without my degree."
Her words summarise the value of higher education in a changing world, and her academic tutor at Derby, Karen Newberry said: "Jade's enthusiasm was inspirational; she completed her third year dissertation on social inclusion for people with mental health problems, and she secured work in this profession within weeks of completing her studies."
University of Derby Awards 2010: What will happen:
More than 10,000 well-wishers will join in the celebrations at the University of Derby's annual Awards Ceremonies tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday.
Around 2,000 graduating students will be wearing mortar boards and robes in the University colours of red and pale blue and will collect their degree certificates during six ceremonies at the Assembly Rooms over the two days.
It's a highlight of the academic year at Derby and the event will also see five high achievers with links to Derbyshire receive honorary awards for their personal accomplishments in their careers:
They are:
- One of the Arkwright Society's most high profile officials, Christopher Charlton who will receive an Honorary Doctor of the University.
- Successful businessman and entrepreneur Peter Gadsby who receives an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration
- Former Blue Peter presenter and now documentary-maker Simon Groom who receives an Honorary Master of the University
- Soccer legend, former England player and Derby County FC club manager Roy McFarland, who receives an Honorary Master of the University
- Founder and Chairman of Slimming World, Margaret Whittaker OBE, who will receive an Honorary Master of the University.
On both days there will be a procession to Derby Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service. The Oriole Marching Jazz Band and the Heage Brass Band will perform en route, on Friday and Saturday respectively.
University transport staff will work with local authorities to manage the University and city centre park and ride service.
Support staff at the University's Kedleston Road site will ensure visitors are welcomed, fed and transported to the Assembly Rooms. Other staff and students will be on hand to help at the ceremonies, including the Buxton campus's Catering and Hospitality students, who will cater for the VIP guests in the Mayor's Parlour at the Council House.
The graduation ball, called Snow Ball, organised by University of Derby Students' Union, will be held at Kedleston Road on Saturday night. The entertainment will be headlined by one of this year's X Factor finalists Rachel Adedeji and electro pop artist Example.
Visit: www.derby.ac.uk/graduation for more details about the Awards Ceremonies.
For more details contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or 07748 920038 or email: s.redfern@derby.ac.uk.
