Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation, Fall 2015 Newsletter
The Dream Becomes Reality in 2015!

On October 5, 2015 seven students entered the new program of Occupational and Physical Therapy at FSRL (Faculté des Sciences Réhabilitation de Léogâne) of UNEPH (the Episcopal University of Haiti). This new educational program has launched thanks to the generous donations from many of you.
Classes Begin
The first classes for these new FSRL students have been rehabilitation seminars. The first was led by Deanna Gebele and Courtney Armstrong, two of Dr. Julie Booth's graduate students from Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT. Dr. Booth is a member of the Academic Board for FRSL. The topic of the seminar was “How to Be a Successful Student”, and included study tips and fitness exercises students can do in their dorm rooms.

front: Micza, Deanna, Courtney, Amendocia back: Merly, Fredlince, Jean-Laurent, Pierre-Louis, John
The second seminar was led by Mme. Magda Cadet, a Haitian American OT who started her career as a PT and then switched to becoming an OT. She talked about how to use activities in therapy. The students, shown below, play Mancala and brainstorm about the therapeutic benefits of the game: visual processing, grasp and release of small stones, bearing weight on one arm on the floor while working with the other, and social skills.

The students learn about and discuss the therapeutic benefits of the game of Mancala, while playing the game.
Launching the New OT/PT Program
The OT/PT program has been a long-standing dream of many OTs and PTs from overseas. Janet O'Flynn obtained her doctorate in Occupational Therapy so she could aid in the certification of this OT/PT program for Haitians. Dr. Janet O'Flynn and Rev. Donnel O'Flynn, her husband, have moved to Haiti to dedicate this year of their lives to nurturing this program, ensuring its long-term viability through their capable, hands-on leadership. Janet and Donnel are both volunteering their time, with Janet serving as the Acting Dean of the OT/PT program, and Donnel teaching English to students.
Meet the New HRF Board Members

Dr. Yves Roseus
is a Haitian American OTD living, working, and teaching in New York City for over 15 years. Dr. Roseus' practice in Brooklyn at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center includes pediatric patients, geriatric patients, and everyone in between. In addition, Dr. Roseus is a clinical instructor for level II OT students and a independent service provider for the NYC Department of Education. He has taught as an adjunct professor at both Long Island University and at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Roseus is a member of the professional advisory board in the OT program at Hofstra University and is a member of the Roster of Accredited Evaluators.

Dr. Sabrina Salvant
a Haitian American, has had a long history with Columbia University, receiving her master’s in public health, occupational therapy and her EdD all from Columbia. She has over 22 years of clinical experience and has enjoyed an 18.5 year academic career at Columbia University’s Programs in Occupational Therapy in New York City where she has provided didactic instruction and clinical training to master’s level occupational therapy students. In 2015, Dr. Salvant became program director for the entry level doctorate at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. In addition, Dr. Salvant serves as a reviewer for the American Council for OT Education where she provides input into academic standards for the OT profession.
Keep the FSRL Reality Growing Through Your Support
Donor support has been magnificent, and we need your continued support to make the FSRL reality ongoing.
Dr.Yves Roseus, HRF Board member, expresses the importance of the FSRL program for Haitians: “In Haiti people with disability or challenge are ostracized or marginalized by society...The integration of people with disabilities into Haitian society is paramount.” FSRL's mission is to educate OT's and PT's so this can happen, benefiting all Haitians. Again from Dr. Roseus: “Education is not just A way. Education is The Way out for Haiti.”
Thank you so very much for your part in making this beautiful dream become a reality.
Sincerely,
Janis
Janis Handte
President
Haiti Rehabilitation Foundation