From “Little Haiti” to the Mainland: SUNY Professor Teaches Therapy Abroad

by Richard Sabel, Clinical Assistant Professor @SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
​and Alithia Alleyne, Chair, SUNY UFS Communications Committee

Richard Sabel

Occupation Therapy & Physical Therapy Degree Programs in Haiti @ UNEPH

​Graduating students from Haiti’s Faculte des Sciences de Rehabilitation de Leogane

For almost two years, Richard Sabel has been a volunteer faculty member at Faculte des Sciences de Rehabilitation de Leogane – Haiti’s only bachelor’s degree program for both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. Until a few years ago, international therapists were the primary providers of services. Today, therapists are being trained in Léogâne, Haiti. Currently, the program relies on educators from other countries to teach these health professions. This will also change as more Haitian trained therapists assume faculty and leadership positions at the university.
 
Richard Sabel is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn. The institution is situated in the Flatbush area recently renamed “Little Haiti”. In the US, New York is home to the second largest Haitian population outside of Haiti. Technology has allowed us to bridge the distance between countries and facilitated this virtual learning experience. There are plans to help grow and expand this collaboration and Sabel is exploring ways to bring more local resources to this program in Haiti.  

Occupational therapists are skilled to serve people with a wide range of challenges. Their understanding of medical conditions, neurology, psychology, assistive technology, and the influence of physical and social environments on function, provides a unique skill set to enhance occupational performance. ​​

“Personally, this has been one of the most challenging and enjoyable teaching experiences. Challenging in that working through an interpreter limits the amount of information that can be shared. It requires time and effort selecting the most salient material. We are all familiar with the quote “I would have written you a shorter letter if I had more time.” I’ve found the shorter lecture is often the better lecture.” 

​“The joy comes from the students”, Professor Sabel said. Given the current unrest in Haiti, students are faced with unimaginable challenges, yet they show up each day for class. Their passion and commitment to learning, and serving the people of their country, is ever present, impressive, and inspiring.

“As educators, we all know that the giving and receiving goes both ways. At this juncture, I’m receiving more than I’m giving.”