Dr. Dashner's areas of interest are improving participation in major life activities by providing supports and environmental modifications, working with disability organizations to build partnerships and improving the usability of buildings to allow individuals with disabilities to become engaged and active members of their communities.
Dr. Dashner's research interests include developing and determining the effectiveness of interventions designed to enable and participation of individuals with mobility and sensory impairments in the community.
Dr. Dashner was a lab instructor for the Assistive Technology class for 10 years. She is currently the course master for two semesters of Environmental Factors Facilitating Performance and Participation I & II and co-course master for Health Promotion, Participation and Wellness for Persons with Chronic Disease for students in the Program in Occupational Therapy.
2002: Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Program in Occupational Therapy
1999: BS in psychology/occupational therapy, McKendree University
For the past 13 years, Dr. Dashner worked as a research associate/project manager in the Disability and Community Participation Research Laboratory with David B. Gray, PhD, at Washington University in St. Louis. She currently manages several research projects, including the Research and Training Center on Community Living (RTC-CL) to examine the influence of training providers and consumers of personal assistance on Health and Community Participation. Other current projects include a PVA Education Fund grant to develop a Self-Management for parents with SCI/D and a project through the National Science Foundation to help individuals with SCI explore opportunities in STEM careers. Dr. Dashner worked with Dr. Gray on developing and administering surveys of participation to individuals with mobility and sensory impairments including the PARTS, FABS, SPARC and CHEC. Additionally, she was Co-PI on a project titled, "Parenting with a Physical Disability: Assessing the Need for Early OT Intervention and Group Support" through the St. Louis Community-University Health Research Partnerships (CUHRP).
Gray, DB, Dashner JD, Morgan KA, Lyles M, Scheller MD, Morris CL, Hollingsworth HH. Influence of a consumer-directed personal assistance services program on the lives of persons with mobility impairments. Disability and Health 2009:2(4): 188-195.
2012: Honorary Member Pi Theta Epsilon Honor Society for Occupational Therapy
2003: Marshall of Doctoral Class, Washington University Commencement Ceremony
1997: Pi Gamma Mu Psychology Honor Society, McKendree University
1995: Presidential Scholar, McKendree University
Dashner, Jessica, OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Neurology
Phone: (314) 286-1648
Fax: (314) 286-0631
dashnerj@wustl.edu
Disability and Community Participation Research
Ranked as the Number Three OT Program in the Nation
We welcome inquiries from prospective students, potential collaborators, community partners, alumni and others who want to connect with us. Please complete the form below to begin the conversation.
Current, future and accepted applicants are encouraged to virtual visit. We also welcome people who are exploring career options and considering occupational therapy. Dr. Kathy Kniepmann, one of our faculty members, opens our virtual visit sessions with an informal presentation and discussion, followed by a chat with a current student.
Upcoming VIRTUAL visit sessions*:
*At least two to three visit sessions are scheduled every month. All times are Central Standard Time (CST). Click here for more info.
Questions?
Call Dr. Kniepmann at (314) 286-1610
or Robin Hattori at (314) 286-1653