We simply call him Dr. Ric.

As one of our premier instructors you may have called him “wonderful, passionate, hands-on, or powerful,” as so many attendees of his Sensory Integration and Neurodevelopmental Treatment seminars have in their evaluation forms.

But during April 2010, officially designated as National OT Month, the American Occupational Therapy Association is calling Ricardo A. Carrasco (Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA) the latest recipient of the AOTA Award of Merit, the highest association honor for an occupational therapist.

The prestigious Award of Merit is intended to honor members of the AOTA who have made an outstanding global contribution to the profession of occupational therapy.

Dr. Ric is the CEO of FiestaJoy Foundation, through which he practices, teaches and conducts research studies in pediatric and adult occupational wellness, especially as they relate to sensory processing. He has more than 30 years experience as a consultant to professional associations, institutional committees, government agencies, and community based programs. And just for good measure Dr. Ric is a Professor Emeritus and former Chairman of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the Medical College of Georgia School of Allied Health Sciences and Graduate Studies.

You know that when working with an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems, improve function, and support everyday living activities. The goal is to maximize potential. Dr. Ric has spent his adult life doing this for clients with developmental disabilities across their lifespan.

But Dr. Ric promotes another ideal that endears him to the thousands of skilled professionals who attend his seminars – enhancing patient-centered care with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. He receives the same top marks from special education teachers, physical and speech therapists, counselors, and administrators that he does from his fellow OTs.

And if you want to get inspired by Dr. Ric you can hear his conversation with Clear Channel’s Detroit Director of Community Affairs, Diane Cross on WNIC 100.3 on Sunday April 4th from 7-7:30 am.

So over the next month as you celebrate the occupational therapist’s purpose of getting beyond problems to the solutions that assure living life to its fullest think about the dedicated instructor whom you have said, “totally exceeds your expectations,” – simply think about Dr. Ric.

View Dr. Ric’s upcoming seminars.

Share Your Thoughts

  • Please share any congrats for Dr. Ric and we’ll make sure he receives them!
  • What are your plans to celebrate National OT Month (April)?
  • Will you be attending the 90th AOTA Annual Conference & Expo from April 29-May 2?