The Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences at Baekseok University (President: Song Ki-shin) achieved two notable accomplishments at the 28th Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Sensory Integration, held on Saturday the 16th at Chung-Ang University Hospital — receiving the Outstanding Academic Award and presenting a poster study. The participation of more than 20 current students and alumni served as a testament to the department's research capabilities and clinical expertise before the academic community.

The conference was held under the theme of "Integrated Care and Sensory Integration," featuring a wide range of presentations and scholarly exchanges spanning clinical practice, education, and research in the field of sensory integration. At this event, a study by Professors Kim Chan-young, Won Chan-hee, and Jung Hye-rim (supervising professor), titled "Self-Assessment of Sensory Integration Educational Needs and Competencies among Occupational Therapy Students with Sensory Developmental Rehabilitation Practicum Experience," received the Outstanding Academic Award. The study closely examined the perceived importance and performance of sensory integration intervention competencies, as well as educational needs, among occupational therapy students who had undergone sensory integration practicum training.

In addition, students Kim Yu-jin, Noh Hye-rin, and Im Ye-jin, along with supervising professor Jung Hye-rim, presented a poster study titled "The Relationship between Types of Contact Experience with Children with Disabilities, Empathy, and Disability Acceptance Attitudes among Health Sciences Students." The study found that it is not the quantity but the qualitative nature of contact experiences with children with disabilities that plays a more decisive role in shaping empathy and attitudes toward disability acceptance.

Through their participation in this academic conference, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Baekseok University noted that both current students and alumni had the opportunity to directly engage with the latest academic developments in sensory integration, while further strengthening their research competencies and clinical expertise.

Won Chan-hee, an alumnus and co-recipient of the Outstanding Academic Award, shared the following remarks: "Through this research, I was able to reflect deeply on what sensory integration competencies are essential for prospective occupational therapists, and in what direction education should move forward. I hope to continue growing as an occupational therapist who advances both clinical practice and research together."