Fundación Universitaria María Cano continues to advance innovative academic initiatives that respond to current social needs. In this context, the Occupational Therapy Program has reached a significant milestone with the launch of Practice II: Educational Processes, a new training placement that strengthens the institution’s presence in Antioquia while expanding learning and social impact opportunities for its students.

This new practice placement will enable future occupational therapists to actively participate in inclusive education processes aimed at identifying, reducing, and transforming barriers that limit learning and participation for children and adolescents within school environments. Through this initiative, students will apply their knowledge in service of educational communities, contributing to the creation of more equitable, accessible, and inclusive learning environments.

The activities will focus on strengthening academic performance skills among students from preschool through eighth grade, while also supporting vocational guidance, life-project development, and decision-making processes for students in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades. This approach promotes well-being, inclusion, and holistic development throughout different stages of the educational journey.

The initiative also includes training and support activities for teachers, families, and educational communities, strengthening institutional capacities to respond to diversity and promote inclusive educational practices. In addition, this new placement creates opportunities for research, outreach, and community engagement projects, generating knowledge and contributing solutions to educational challenges within the region.

To prepare for this new experience, students participated in the Practice II Induction Week, held from July 27 to 31, 2026. The sessions were led by Óscar Rodríguez, an occupational therapist, specialist in school neuropsychology, and Master’s graduate in Education, recognized for his extensive experience in leading educational institutions in Bogotá and as a member of the support team at Anglo Colombiano School.

During the induction, participants explored key topics such as Individual Reasonable Accommodation Plans (PIAR), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Support Systems, school coexistence, psychological first aid, and gender and diversity approaches. These topics strengthen students’ competencies to address the challenges of contemporary education from a comprehensive and inclusive perspective.

Through this initiative, Fundación Universitaria María Cano reaffirms its commitment to educating competent, ethical, innovative, and socially responsible occupational therapists who are prepared to contribute to inclusive education and create opportunities for all students to learn, participate, and achieve their full potential.

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