News & Events

Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is celebrating the opening of the new Biomedical Resource Center and the Center for Rehabilitation Research.

The education affiliation agreement will establish the Early Assurance Program, which will create two pathways for Langston students to attend ACHE to study occupational therapy and physical therapy.

These funds will support the continued growth and expansion of vital programs for ACHE Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals impacted by Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries.

The featured article takes a closer look into a new study conducted by ACHE PT, which highlights the unique benefits of exercising together for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their care partners.

These strategic appointments underscore ACHE’s commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity across its five academic programs.

This innovative initiative is designed to educate, encourage, equip, and engage diverse students from underrepresented and underserved populations considering careers in occupational therapy or physical therapy.

Drs. Reed and Kaci Handlery created a modified weight training program as both a community service and as a research program. Trained as physical therapists, the duo both teach as assistant professors at the School of Physical Therapy at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE).

Drs. Reed and Kaci Handlery are assistant professors at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education’s School of Physical Therapy who started working at the institution in January 2021. They are doing a research project to determine the best way to promote long-term adherence to regular exercise, as well as reduce barriers to exercise, for people with spinal cord injuries that could be implemented elsewhere.

Kyle Parker, president and CEO of Fort Smith-based ACHE, said the “majestic” building is the home to ACHE’s two newest programs, School of Physical Therapy and the School of Occupational Therapy.

Assistant professors Kaci Handlery, PT, DPT; Reed Handlery, PT, DPT, Ph.D.; and Dana Kahl, PT, DPT have received a $94,000 grant to support their project Functional Interval Training for People with Spinal Cord Injury and Their Care Partners (SCI-FIT).