- Doctor of occupational therapy
- Nationally registered and
licensed occupational therapist **
- Advanced Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
- Diplomat of the American Board of
Disability Analysts
- Editor, SAFE Aging newsletter
Dr. Dazio is a graduate
of Boston University, (Sargent College of Allied Health
Professionals) and received her doctorate in occupational therapy
from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals in Provo,
Utah. She is a Florida licensed and nationally registered occupational therapist,
living and working in Florida since 1983.
Professional History
Dr. Dazio began her professional career working in a unique
community deinstitutionalization program in New Jersey. To gain a
well rounded professional background, she worked as a clinician in
acute care hospitals; out patient rehabilitation clinics; home
health agencies; and a psychiatry department in a Veteran's
Administration hospital.
Since 1982, Dr. Dazio has specialized in working with the older
adult. In 1984, Dr. Dazio developed a private occupational therapy
practice devoted to geriatric care with a specialty in home
accessibility and barrier free environments for the older adult.
In 1989, Dr. Dazio founded and developed a statewide rehabilitation
company that served nursing homes, hospitals, out patient clinics,
adult living facilities and other rehab agencies in Florida.
She developed and designed the "Outdoor Mobility
Garden", a unique 4,000 square foot outdoor clinic with 16
different surface textures and multiple challenges that simulate
Florida's outdoor environment. The "Outdoor Mobility Garden" served
as a model for many hospitals and nursing homes throughout the
United States.
Dr. Dazio was a speaker
at the
Environmental Protection Agency public listening session in Tampa,
in June, 2003 addressing her concerns about the environment and
aging issues.
She is the author of a 2 day injury prevention workshop called: "No
Pain is Your Gain" A Practical Workshop on Work Site Injury
Prevention. This program is a fun approach to injury prevention
at the worksite, and is designed for employees of all ages.
She is co-developer of a 1 day seminar for nursing home
administrators called "Preparing
for OSHA, A Guide For Long Term Care Administration."
Under Dr. Dazio's
leadership, a Retirement Research Foundation funded study entitled
"Psychometric Testing of the Safety Appraisal for Elders" was
completed in December, 2006. Study results will be posted as soon as
they are available.
Dr. Dazio is a trained
CarFit instructor, has participated in the original CarFit studies
conducted in Orlando, Florida, and has instructed national CarFit
leaders.
As an affiliate of SAFE Aging, Inc. Dr.
Dazio is proud to be a member of:
- Community Service Council of Pasco County
Dr. Dazio is a member of:
- AOTA - American Occupational Therapy
Association
- FOTA - Florida Occupational Therapy
Association
- American Board of Disability Analysts
- Transportation Disadvantaged Local
Coordinating Board of Pasco County, Florida: Citizen Advocate
Board Member
- Elder Affairs Advisory Board member for
State Representative John Legg
- International Employee Assistance
Professional Association
- Network of Advisors: Healthcare
Read Dr. Vanessa's latest publication:
"Supplements for Seniors" National Aging in Place Council,
January/February 2007 Newsletter
Citations:
"Clean Air Battle Puts Age in Focus", St. Petersburg Times,
April 7, 2003.
**Explanation of occupational therapy: Occupational therapists work
with people who have or are at risk for developing an injury,
illness, disease, disorder, condition, impairment, disability,
activity limitation or participation restriction. Occupational
therapists work to promote health and wellness of people of all
ages to help them live life to the fullest.
If you would like more information, call
SAFE Aging:
Toll Free 1-866-SAFE AGE (1-866-723-3243) or email us
at info@safeaging.com
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