Jennifer Piatt, PhD

Jennifer Piatt, PhD

Recreational Therapist/Graduate Program Coordinator, School of Public Health, Indiana University

Jennifer Piatt, Assistant Professor at Indiana University at Bloomington in the School of Public Health, has worked as a recreational therapist for over 18 years in acute mental health, physical medicine and rehabilitation, community recreation programs, Paralympics Clubs, and adaptive sports camps. Her research focus is in the area of mobility impairments, primarily in spinal cord injury and community participation as defined by the International Classification for Disability and Health.

Dr. Piatt’s video interview answers basic questions about what the role of a recreational therapist after a spinal cord injury. She explains how a recreational therapist helps with the transition from hospital to home, how sex and dating is continues after paralysis, how to find recreational activities, how to find competitive sports programs in the area where patients live, and what specific adaptations can help people enjoy sports after a spinal cord injury.