Scholarship of Practice (SOP) Lecture Series – The role of the occupational therapy practitioner with menstrual management for girls and women with intellectual and/or developmental disability
October 27, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST
Please join the UIC Department of Occupational Therapy for the following Scholarship of Practice Lecture:
Title: The role of the occupational therapy practitioner with menstrual management for girls and women with intellectual and/or developmental disability
Presented by: Jen Summers, OTD, OT/L, FNAP
Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Location: This presentation will be delivered in person in AHSB Rm 713, 1919 West Taylor St.
Presentation Abstract & Objectives
Menstruation management represents a multifaceted occupation that profoundly influences participation, autonomy, and self-efficacy among girls and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Historically, practices surrounding menstruation have been shaped by societal stigma and caregiver convenience rather than by empowerment or skill-building. This presentation describes occupational therapy (OT) practitioners’ role in menstrual management for girls and women with IDD, and how OT practitioners can foster the autonomy of girls and women with IDD by reframing menstruation as a meaningful activity of daily living (ADL), emphasizing adaptive strategies, environmental supports, and education that enhance dignity and participation.
At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Critically examine historical and contemporary approaches to menstruation management among girls and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Analyze the task demands and environmental considerations associated with current menstruation management products.
- Identify at least two occupation-based strategies that promote empowerment, autonomy, and healthy menstrual and vaginal care for girls and women
The Scholarship of Practice (SOP) lecture series features presentations designed to share evidence-based knowledge relevant to occupational therapy practice. Department of Occupational Therapy is a licensed CE provider by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Occupational therapy practitioners currently licensed in Illinois can earn CE credit for attending.
A full schedule of the Spring 2025 SOP lecture schedule is available on the UIC OT Department website: https://ahs.uic.edu/about-ahs/college-calendar/
For more information about this presentation, accommodation requests, or other inquiries, please email Danielle Pullen at dpullen3@uic.edu.
If you have suggestions for advancing our publication of these events, please contact Danielle Pullen (dpullen3@uic.edu).
We hope to see you there!
Date posted
Oct 20, 2025
Date updated
Oct 20, 2025