Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Ruth S. Farber MSW, PhD, OTR/L

Associate Professor Emerita

407 Jones Hall

215-707-4880

Biography

Ruth S. Farber, MSW, PhD, OTR/L received her BS in Occupational Therapy from Temple University and her MSW from University of Pennsylvania, specializing in family studies, with clinical training at Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic. Her PhD is in Counseling Psychology from Temple University and her doctoral dissertation was entitled: Career Orientation, Personality and Attitudinal Characteristics of Women in Three Family Life Cycle Groups. Dr. Farber, taught in the Masters in Occupational Therapy Program for over 20 years, and the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (DOT) Program,and recently was became an emeritus faculty. She taught courses regarding the psycho-social aspects of disabilities within an individual developmental and family systems perspective, as well as teaching and mentoring research. Dr. Farber currently teaches in the online DOT program.

Dr. Farber was selected for the Shirley Davis Award for Excellence in Synchronous Learning, from the National University Telecommunications Network (2010). This award was based on her work entitled "National and International Models Serving People with Disabilities: Teaching Occupational Therapy Theory Using Distance Education" as a part of her teaching in the DOT Program.

Dr. Farber has been on the Mayor's Commission for People with Disabilities (since 2001) on the Arts and Culture sub-committee, and has studied access and barriers to arts and cultural venues for people with disabilities. Her students participated in the Independence Starts Here: Festival of Disability Arts and Culture Mural. She was appointed to the Editorial Review Board for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (1999-2001) and re-appointed (2003-2006)(2007-2012) and as a reviewer (2013).

Dr. Farber’s current research lab entitled "Disability & Chronic Illness: Women's' Health, Wellbeing and Participation" reflects the range of her interest, publications and presentations. Within the theoretical context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, WHO, 2001) and Positive Psychology, she studies the inter-relationship of role and parental participation, health, well-being and social support of mothers with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury. For further information about this lab or her studies, contact rfarber@temple.edu. Another area she is examining is the relationship of health promoting behaviors, participation and health-related quality of life in women with MS. All in all, Dr. Farber is interested in helping individuals with chronic illness and disability participate and engage in life as fully as possible, as well as promoting well-being and positive functioning.

Course Involvement

Fall:
OT 5151: Research Design and Methodology
OT 5191: Applied Research, Course Coordinator
OT 5001: Applied Development Across the Life Span, Part II
OT 5002: Occupation in the Promotion of Health, Course Coordinator

Spring:
OT 8514: Doctoral course: Occupation Based Theory and Participation (on-line)
OT 8133: Family-centered Care (on-line)
OT 9996: Thesis Advising
OT 8514 Occupation-based Theories and Participation (online, DOT)

Completed theses: (Thesis presented locally*, nationally** or internationally*** or Published).

Yenser, Jen. (2011). An Exploratory Study: The Relationship of Well-being, and General role participation and Parental Role Satisfaction in Mothers with Spinal Cord Injury

Nelson, M (2008). Therapist Perception of Factors that Facilitate and Inhibit the Provision of Family-centered Care in an outpatient environment.

Sonabend, M (2008). An exploratory Study of the Relationship between General Role Participation, Maternal Role Participation and Social Support of Mothers with and without Spinal Cord Injury*,***

Cohen, V. Investigation of Health-Promoting Behaviors, Health-related Quality of Life, and Role Participation of individuals with Type I or Type 11 diabetes.

Carr Tyszka, A. (2006). Exploration of Health Promoting Behaviors, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Role Participation of Women with Multiple Sclerosis.**(Published)

Edmonds. L. (2005). Exploratory study of neuro-behavioral symptoms and career decision making self-efficacy.

Walsh, K. (2005). The relationship of well-being and role participation in mothers with multiple sclerosis.

O'Halloran, K. (2004). An exploratory study of the relationship between parental participation and social support of mothers with and without multiple sclerosis.*

Plunkett, R. (2004). Exploration of occupational therapists' perspectives and practices regarding the Americans with disabilities act, title I.

Phillips Moyer, D. (2004). Pilot study: The preschool teachers' preparation and experience with inclusive education and occupational therapy collaboration.

Reese, C. (2004). The examination of participation in arts and cultural events for people with Disabilities.*

Bernas-Maley, M. (2004). An exploratory study of clients' perceived participation
in assistive device selection and usage.

Carello, N. (2004). An exploratory study of the relationship between parental participation and well-being of mothers with and without multiple sclerosis.*

Medori, M. (2003). Transition and experience of retirement.

DeRosier, R. (2002). Speech recognition software as an assistive Device: A study of user's satisfaction and psychosocial impact.** (Published)

Bernert, H. (2002). An exploratory study of the school-aged children's understanding of individuals with disabilities.

Hansen, T. (2001). Lived experiences of persons with severe and persistent mental illness transitioning from the state hospital to the community**, *

Scattergood, K. (2000).The effects of participation in an adaptive rowing program on individuals with a disability *

Schloth, C. (2000). Examination of the effect of a service-learning experience on students' attitude toward individuals with disabilities.

Publications/Presentations

Publications

Tyszka, A.C. & Farber, R.S. (2010). Exploration of Health-Promoting Behaviors, Role Participation, and Health-related Quality of Life of Women with Multiple Sclerosis. American Journal Of Occupational Therapy.

Farber, R. S. & Koenig, K. P. (2008). Facilitating clinical reasoning in fieldwork: The relational context of the supervisor and student. In B. A. Schell & J.W. Schell (Eds) Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins: Baltimore, MD

DeRosier, R. & Farber, R. S. (2005). Speech Recognition Software as an Assistive Device: A Pilot Study of User's Satisfaction and Psychosocial Impact WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation (2) 125-134

Farber, R.S. (2004). Experience of Mothers with Disabilities: Learning from their Voice. In J. Olsen and S. Esdaile (Eds). Mothering occupations: Challenge, participation and agency. FA. Davis: Philadelphia.

Farber, R. S. (2000). Mothers with disabilities: In their own voice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 54(3) 260-26 8.

Bash, D. & Farber, R. S. (1999) An examination of self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in hand therapists; protective and corrective measures and job satisfaction. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, Rehabilitation, 13, 75-82.

Farber, R. S. & Koenig, K.P. (1999). Examination of fieldwork educators' responses to challenging fieldwork situations. Innovations in Occupational Therapy Education. 85-104.

Burleigh, S. B., Farber, R.S. & Gillard, M. (1998). Community integration and life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury: Long-term findings. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 52 (1) 45-52.

Presentations

The following presentations are referred unless otherwise indicated.

Farber, R.S (2012, October). Online Learning: The Journey Transcending Distance. Paper presented at the Northeast E-Learning Consortium at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Farber. R.S. (2012, July). Exploring the Relationship of Well-being and Social Support with Participation in Life Roles and Parental Satisfaction for Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis. Paper presented at First Canadian Conference on Positive Psychology, Toronto, Canada.

Tyszka, A.C. & Farber, R.S. (2011, October). The Relationship of Health-Promoting Behaviors and Participation for Women with Multiple Sclerosis: Application of the ICF for Rehabilitation Practitioners. Short course presented at the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association, Union, NJ.

Farber, R.S. & Poole, J (2011, April). Mothers with Chronic Illness: Challenges, Adaptations, & Psycho- Social Factors that Support Participation with Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis. Annual American Occupational Therapy Conference, Philadelphia, PA

Farber, R. S. & Tyszka, A.C. (2010, June). The Relationship of Health-Promoting
Behaviors and Participation for Women with Multiple Sclerosis: Application of the ICF for Rehabilitation Practitioners. Poster presentation at the North American Collaborating Center Conference: Enhancing our Understanding of the ICF. Bethesda, Maryland.

Farber. R.S. (2010, January). Online learning: Transcending distance. Presentation at On-line Teaching Strategies, Temple University, Teach and Learning Center. Philadelphia, PA. (Invited).

Farber, R.S. & Davidoff, M. S, (2008. August). Examination of the Relationship of Role Participation, Parental Participation, and the Perception of Social Environment in Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury. Poster presentation at The 14th annual North American Collaborating Center (NACC) Conference on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) , which will be part of the 21st World Congress of Rehabilitation International (RI) in Quebec City, Canada.(refereed)

Farber, R.S. & Sonabend, M. (2008, March).The Relationship of Role Participation and Well-Being, in Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis or Spinal Cord Injury. Poster presentation at the Third Annual Women's Health Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, Women, Health and Education: Promoting Women's Health in Communities. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Kinnealey, M., Koenig, K.P, & Farber, R. (2007, April). The Relationship between Sensory Processing, Social Supports, and Quality of Life in Adults with Sensory Processing Disorders. Paper presented at Annual American Occupational Therapy Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Farber, R. S. (2007, March). The Mother's Interpersonal Environment: The Relationship of Social Support, Role Participation and Maternal Role Satisfaction of Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis. Poster presentation at the Third Annual Women's Health Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, Women, Health and Education: Creating Linkages, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Farber, R. S. (2006, June). The Mother's Interpersonal Environment: The Relationship of Social Support, Role Participation and Maternal Role Satisfaction of Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis. Poster session presented at the 12th Annual North American Collaborating Center Conference on ICF. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Farber, R. S. (2006, April). Participation and Social Support of Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Charlotte, NC.

Farber, R. S. (2006, March). Well-being and role participation of mothers with multiple sclerosis. Poster session presentation at the Center for Women's Health, Research, Leadership and Advocacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Farber, R. S. & Reese, C. (2006, March) Perception of accessibility, participation & barriers to art & cultural events for people with disabilities: An exploratory study. Poster session presented at The Inaugural Conference of the Arts and Quality of Life
Research Center. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

Farber, R. S. (2006, February). Pregnancy and parenting with MS: Answering questions of women with MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter, Philadelphia, PA. (Invited)

Farber, R. S. (2005, October). Exploring well-being, social support and participation of mothers with multiple sclerosis. Paper presented at the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Conference, Valley Forge, PA.

Farber, R. S. (2005, March). Participation and social support of mothers with multiple sclerosis: An exploratory study. Poster presentation at the Interdisciplinary Center of Excellence: Women's Health Research and Leadership, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

DeRosier, R., Farber, R. S. & Perincheif, J. (2003). Speech recognition software as an assistive device: A study of users. satisfaction and psychosocial impact. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Washington, DC.

Hooper, B, Farber, R. S. & Schell, B.B. (2002, June). Emerging concepts in clinical reasoning: Implications for teaching and research. Paper presented at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy, Stockholm, Sweden.

Farber, R. S. (2002, May). Supervisory reasoning in fieldwork: Connection and implications for the development of clinical reasoning. Paper presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Miami , Florida.

Tanguay, H. & Farber, R. S., Lipsett, R. (2001, April). Coping and community integration of persons during and after rehabilitation. Presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference and Exposition, Philadelphia, PA

Hanssens, T. & Farber, R. S. (2001, April). From the state hospital to the community: Personal accounts. Presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference and Exposition, Philadelphia, PA.

Koenig, K. P., & Farber, R. S. (2000, March). Components of Supervisory Reasoning: Implications for Fieldwork Educators' Development. Paper presented at American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.

Schleicher, M.A., & Farber, R. S. (1999). Fear of Falling in Older Adults. Paper presented at Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Grants & Contracts

(2004-2008) Farber, R. S. Examination of Maternal Role Participation, Well-being, Social Support, and Health of Mothers with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Tobacco Settlement Formula Funds, $28,000

(2002) Farber, R. S. & Koenig, K.P. Dean's Incentive Fund. CAHP, Temple university: Fieldwork supervision project V: Examination of Supervisory Reasoning.

Research

(2010) Exploration of Health-Promoting Behaviors, Role Participation, and Health-Related Quality of Life of Women with Multiple Sclerosis

(2006) Perception of accessibility, participation & barriers to art & cultural events for people with disabilities: An exploratory study

(2002) Farber, R. S. & Koenig, K.P. Dean's Incentive Fund. CAHP, Temple university: Fieldwork supervision project V: Examination of Supervisory Reasoning.

Additional Info

TV, Newspaper & Web

Dr. Farber has been interviewed about her research on Mothers with MS by Medstar Television (a nationally syndicated medical news service) which was placed on 5 television stations nationally. The interview has been reviewed and placed on WebMD

Farber, R. Managing Motherhood with when you have MS.
WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/video/mothers-with-multiple-sclerosis

WPVI News, (ABC). HealthCheck. Mothering with MS. May 8, 2005.
WHOL News (ABC). Heartbeat: Mothering with MS. Peoria, Ill. March 31.2005
WSOCTV Eyewitness News. Charlotte, North Carolina. Moms with Multiple Sclerosis. March 24, 2005.(http://www.wsoctv.com/health/4314013/detail.html)
KRCG. Mothering with MS. KRCG News. Mothering with MS. "The Heartland of Missouri" March 16, 2005
WDEF News (CBS). Medical Watch. Mothering with MS. March 11, 2005

Buck's County Courier Times (January 26, 2007). Interviewed for story. MS Presents Challenges for Moms. K. Fratti.

Hartford Courant (Statewide edition) (October, 2005). Interviewed for story: When Mom gets ill: Ask for help and swear off guilt, K. Megan