Occupational therapy grad students serve in Costa Rica

ECU graduate students Farrell Wiggins, Brittany Robertson, Katie Hopkins and Keli McColl, left to right, enjoy the landscapes of Costa Rica while on a medical mission trip this summer. (Contributed photos)

Four East Carolina University graduate students in the occupational therapy master’s program traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica in August for a medical mission trip.

Katie Hopkins, Keli McColl, Brittany Robertson and Farrell Wiggins worked for a week in ASCOPA, an adult day care program for adults with autism.

The ECU students assisted with daily activities at ASOCPA and created sensory-based activities such as gardening and creating greeting cards. Items made were sold to raise money and awareness about Autism.

Autism awareness and treatment options are minimal in Costa Rica. Most adults with an autism diagnosis in the area are institutionalized or kept at home with care provided by family members. The ASCOPA program allows adults to receive both education and life-skills training.

The students also traveled in Costa Rica, visiting the rain forest, the beaches and the active Arenal volcano.

Keli McColl, Farrell Wiggins and Brittany Robertson, left to right, work with participants at the day treatment facility for adults with autism in Costa Rica.