Momo Omotoso is a first year electrical engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This January, Momo spent his four-week Independent Activities Period (IAP) as an Assistive Technology Intern in the TBH Wheelchair Enhancement Center, under the mentorship of Assistive Technologist Corinne Curran. Originally from London, Momo moved to Texas during high school before coming to the Boston area for college. In getting to know TBH, Momo quickly formed a connection with resident Sarah C., who grew up in Scotland. Sarah was delighted to talk with Momo about life in London and the UK. Momo has been impressed with the warm welcome he has received and says the staff and residents at TBH “feel like one close family.”

Momo is new to the field of Assistive Technology and says he has enjoyed seeing how creativity and ingenuity can improve residents’ lives: “Corinne is so talented at problem solving and coming up with ideas to help residents. I am happy to have the chance to work with her, and to contribute to this community.” Although his schedule at MIT keeps him busy, Momo also finds time for basketball, playing bass, and hanging out with friends.

Jonathan Solisochoa is pursuing his Physical Therapy Assistant certification at Bay State College. Jonathan is currently completing a 10-week rotation at The Boston Home (TBH), which is his final requirement before he plans to take his certification exam. In his first few weeks at TBH, Jonathan has been assisting the Rehabilitation team, guiding residents with stretching and strengthening exercises. In particular, he has enjoyed working with Physical Therapist Clarissa Perez, learning to use positioning and gravity to help residents who are not able to hold a stretch on their own. Jonathan shared that one of his goals for his placement at TBH is to work on developing his communication skills as he works with residents who have varied communications needs and abilities.  Once he has completed his degree, Jonathan plans to work in post-operative physical therapy, joint replacement and home-care. When he is not at TBH, Jonathan enjoys sports such as basketball, soccer and biking, as well as spending time at home in Revere with his golden retriever.

Abel Rodriguez is a second year student at Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences, majoring in Health Sciences with a concentration in Physical Therapy. Abel comes to The Boston Home (TBH) on his first placement in Northeastern’s co-op program. Although Abel ultimately plans to work in sports therapy, he chose to do his co-op at TBH because he is interested in learning more about assistive technology. “Just seeing everything that happens in the Wheelchair Enhancement Center and Seating Clinic is such a great opportunity,” says Abel, “Where else could I have that kind of experience? I never really knew how much could go into operating a wheelchair.” Since he will be at TBH through June, Abel has been taking time to learn more about rehabilitation and seating, before selecting a special focus for his co-op. He has enjoyed shadowing Seating Specialist Faith Saftler, assisting the physical therapy (PT) team as they work with residents who are able to take steps using the parallel bars in the rehab gym, as well as learning how to operate lifts and other equipment. Abel has been impressed with how much residents are able to do in PT despite their disabilities, as well as the kindness, independence and optimism of the resident community. Abel is originally from Long Island, and is an accomplished musician. He plays the violin, guitar, bass and piano, and says he would be happy to perform for residents during his co-op at TBH.