Fall, 2026 Nancy Peatman CFI: November 12 (In-Person: Springfield College)
Event: Beyond the Classroom: Facilitating Clinical Accommodations in Physical Therapy Education
Speakers: Kimberly Nowakowski, PT, DPT, MS; Maureen Barrett PT, DPT, MS; Dr. Jillian Kulinski, PT, DPT, NCS
Description: The aim of this course is to help DCE’s, ADCE’s, SCCE’s and CI’s create smooth transitions for students with academic learning accommodations as they transition from the classroom to the clinic. Additionally, we will provide strategies for implementing clinical accommodations for students who did not utilize classroom accommodations, or those who may require temporary support. We will briefly review the laws that apply to academic institutions that relate to both student privacy and academic accommodations. Universal Design for Learning will be considered and compared to formal clinical accommodations. We will discuss examples of what may be reasonable (versus unreasonable) accommodations, and how those determinations might be made. Authors will share processes for implementing formal clinical accommodations that have been effective in their role as DCEs to support both students and clinical faculty. The format will include a presentation, interactive activities, group work, and case applications.
To reserve your spot, scroll to Tickets section below, enter the quantity, and click “Get Tickets”**
Location: Springfield College Dodge Ballroom
Schedule:
8:30-9:00: Registration
9:00-3:00: Programming (Break with lunch provided)
About the Speakers:
Maureen Barrett PT, DPT, MS and Certified Wound Specialist is AssociateProfessor of Physical Therapy and Associate Director of Clinical Education at Springfield College. Her research interests include identifying best practices and implementing strategies to facilitate the transfer of knowledge about complex population health issues and the application and assessment of learning outcomes. A recent study focus has been the process to establish and support clinical learning environments to meet the needs of all student learners. Maureen serves as a Delegate to the House for the APTAMA and is currently serving as secretary for the New England Consortium of Clinical Educators. Prior to her time at SC Maureen’s career focused on the medically complex patient in both Home Care and Long term Acute Care. She served as both SCCE and CI throughout her clinical career.
Dr. Jillian Kulinski PT, DPT, NCS is the Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor of Practice at Simmons University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Boston, MA. Jillian is also a Board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. An APTA Level 1 Credentialed Clinical Trainer, she has published peer-reviewed literature on the use of evidence-based practice in clinical education. Clinically, Jillian continues to treat patients in a home health setting; she is most passionate about fostering effective student support to bridge the gap between the classroom and clinical environments.
Kimberly Nowakowski, PT, DPT, MS is a Professor of Physical Therapy and the Director of Clinical Education at Springfield College in Springfield MA. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy and a Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults. She is actively involved in the New England Consortium of Clinical Educators, previously serving as Chair. She is a certified trainer for the APTA Level 1 & Level 2 Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program and has assisted sites in development of their clinical education programs. She continues to supervise students in the clinic environment during integrated clinical experiences. As a DCE for the past 16 years, Kim is passionate about facilitating excellence in clinical education and participated in the ACAPT – Inclusive Horizons Summit: Advancing Accessibility & Disability Equity in Physical Therapy Education in Chicago in June of 2024. Her current research interest focuses on exploring learning environments and instructional models to enhance clinical education for students with a variety of learning needs. She has presented regionally and nationally on student engagement and interprofessional education.
**Registration is required to receive a certificate of attendance**
If you are having difficulty with the access to the CFI, please contact Dawn Roller Dawn.Roller@quinnipiac.edu