Dr. Al Copolillo
Associate professor and department chair
E-mail: copolillo@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2289
Professional interests
- Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Adult Physical Disabilities
- Gerontology Research and Practice
- Program Development and Evaluation
Education
- 1997 Ph.D., Public Health: Community Health Sciences Supporting Areas: Gerontology, Health Promotion & Health Education University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
- 1982 M.S., Occupational Therapy. University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington.
- 1976 B.S., Biology. University of Illinois at Urbana, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
Certifications & Licensure
- National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) 1982-present
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) 1982-present
- Virginia State Licensure (1997-present)
- Illinois State Licensure (1982-1998)
Professional Interests
- Gary, K.W., Arango-Lasprilla, J.C., Ketchum, J.M., Kreutzer, J.S., Copolillo, A., Novack, T., & Jha, A. (in press). Racial differences in employment outcomes after traumatic brain injury at 1, 2, and 5 years post-injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Copolillo, A., Warren, M., & Teitelman, J. (2007). Results of a survey of occupational therapy practitioners in low vision rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 21, 19-37.
- Teitelman, J.L. & Copolillo, A. (2005). Psychosocial Issues in Older Adults' Adjustment to Vision Loss: Findings from Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59 (4), 409-417.
- Copolillo, A. & Teitelman, J. L. (2005). Acquisition and Integration of Low Vision Assistive Devices: Understanding the Decision-Making Process of Older Adults with Low Vision. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59 (3), 305-313.
- Copolillo, A.E. (2001). Use of mobility devices: The decision-making process of older adults living in the community. Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 21(3), 185-200.
Book Chapters
- Copolillo, A. (2009). Low vision intervention: Decision-making for acquiring and integrating assistive technology, 147-159. In. I. Söderback (Ed.), International Handbook of Occupational Therapy Intervention (pp.). New York: Springer.
- Copolillo, A.E., Peterson, E.W., & Helfrich, C. (2001). Combining roles as an academic instructor and a clinical practitioner in occupational therapy: Benefits, challenges, and strategies for success. In P. Crist & M. Scaffa (Eds.), Education for Occupational Therapy in Health Care: Strategies for the New Millennium (pp. 127-143). Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.
Grant Activity
- Use of Low Vision Assistive Devices: the Decision-Making Process of Older Adults with Visual Impairments. Principal Investigator. National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research: Mary Switzer Distinguished Fellowship, $55,000. Principal Investigator: (2002)
- Statewide Geriatric Education and Training, Virginia Geriatric to Education Center. Principal Investigator: Parham, I. Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, $1,000,000. Disciplinary Coordinator: GITT Team. (1997).
- Mobility Device Use among African American Elderly: Examining the Decision-making Process. Virginia Commonwealth University: A.D. Williams Grant, $8,774. Principal Investigator. (1997).
- Use of Mobility Devices by Elderly Rehabilitation Clients. Principal Investigator. National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research: Mary Switzer Merit Fellowship, $35,000. Principal Investigator. (1995).
Key Professional Service
- 2007-present - Associate Editor, American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
- 2004-present Editorial Review Board, American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
- 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007 - Research Panel Reviewer: National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research
- 2000-2008 - Editorial Review Board, Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics.
