Virtual Internship : Pediatric OT + Upper Limb Difference (ULD) Internship

This virtual internship combines project-based pediatric occupational therapy learning with content development and education related to upper limb differences.

Interns work directly with me on a variety of professional projects, which may include:

• developing educational materials for families
• creating or refining parent handouts and resources
• contributing to presentations or training materials
• supporting website content and educational initiatives
• assisting with social media content related to pediatric OT and ULD topics

This internship is best suited for students who are self-directed, reflective, and interested in pediatric disability, family education, and lifespan perspectives on care.

Please note:

Availability for this internship varies, and interest does not guarantee placement. The virtual internship cohort is sometimes full, but students are encouraged to register interest so they can be contacted if opportunities open in the future.

Internships at On The Other Hand Therapy

Since 2018, more than 150 undergraduate students from The Ohio State University, Otterbein University, and Capital University have completed in person internships with On The Other Hand Therapy. An additional 12 virtual interns from all over the country have assisted with projects. Interns have represented a range of majors, including biology, health sciences, psychology, and global health, with many on pre-OT, pre-PT, pre-PA, or pre-SLP tracks. Many former interns have gone on to entry-level doctoral or master’s programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and related healthcare fields.

Internships at On The Other Hand Therapy are designed to provide meaningful exposure to pediatric occupational therapy, disability-informed care, and work with the upper limb difference (ULD) community. Experiences emphasize learning through observation, reflection, and project-based contribution rather than volume of hours alone.

Internships are volunteer learning experiences.

How to Express Interest

Students who would like to be considered for future internship opportunities may complete the Intern Interest Form. This form allows On The Other Hand Therapy to gauge interest and reach out if and when appropriate opportunities become available.

Following On The Other Hand Therapy on Instagram is also recommended, as internship updates are shared there when applicable.

Who This Is Best Suited For

These opportunities are best suited for students who:

• are considering careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or related health professions
• are interested in pediatric care, disability, and family-centered practice
• value reflective learning and mentorship
• are comfortable working independently on projects and following through on commitments
• are curious, thoughtful, dependable, and open to feedback

Internships are not a good fit for students seeking guaranteed placement, stipends or payment for hours, fixed-hour requirements, or primarily observation-only experiences.

Learning Opportunities

Depending on the internship format and current projects, students may have the opportunity to:

• observe and reflect on pediatric occupational therapy practice and clinical reasoning
• learn how developmental motor, sensory, and functional skills support children’s participation across home, school, and community settings
• explore a lifespan perspective on disability, with particular attention to upper limb differences
• contribute to educational materials for families, clinicians, and students
• gain exposure to professional writing, resource development, and public-facing education
• learn about the realities of running a small, mission-driven private practice
• observe how an occupational therapist with limited hand function and chronic overuse uses accommodations, adaptations, and energy conservation to sustain meaningful work

Learning experiences are tailored to the intern’s interests and the current scope of work.

Time Commitment & Format

Time commitment varies by internship type and by season.

• Virtual internships are project-based and flexible, with expectations discussed in advance.
• In-person opportunities, when available, require reliable transportation and the ability to participate fully during scheduled hours.

Internships are intentionally limited in size. Availability may be restricted during certain times of year, and not all interested students will be offered placement.

Academic Credit (Limited Availability)

While some students have previously used their internship experience with On The Other Hand Therapy to fulfill academic credit requirements, at this time, availability for academic-credit internships is limited and considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors include supervision capacity, university requirements, time commitments, and overall fit. Students seeking academic credit should be aware that credit-bearing internships typically require a significant time investment and structured documentation as well as ability to work independently.

Letters of Recommendation

I am happy to write letters of recommendation for graduate school applications for students I have worked with closely and over a sufficient period of time to write a strong, detailed letter.

• Letters of recommendation require approximately 60 hours of meaningful participation, including consistent communication, completed work, and demonstrated engagement.
• For Preschool Motor Group (PMG) internships, only students who complete the PMG Leadership Corps are eligible to request a letter.
• Completing basic internship requirements alone does not guarantee a letter of recommendation.
• If I feel that I cannot write a strong letter, I will communicate that directly so students have the opportunity to improve their performance or seek another reference.

Next Steps

Students who are interested in future internship opportunities should com