Professor and Chairperson

Organization:

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Department:

Human Performance - Occupational Therapy

Classification:

Faculty

• PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2004
• MEd, University of Toronto, 1996
• BS, University of Western Ontario, 1992
• BA, Carleton University, 1991

Wheeler, S., Davis, D., Basch, J., James, G., Lehman, B., & Acord-Vira, A. (2022). Goal- and Client-Directed Interventions for Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury (2013–2020). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76, 1–3.   

Wheeler, S., Davis, D., Basch, J., James, G., Lehman, B., & Acord-Vira, A. (2022). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions for Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury (2013-2020). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(Suppl 2).   

Wheeler, S., Davis, D., & Acord-Vira, A. (2022). Occupational therapy’s role in return to work and substance abuse disorder in a general practice setting. AOTA SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(1), 30-33.  

Wheeler, S., Acord-Vira, A., Woods, S., & Nesley, C. (2022). Neurodiversity and client centered occupational therapy to support meaningful employment for autistic persons. AOTA SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(3).   

Scaife, B., Kurowski-Burt, Wheeler, S., & Levander, H. (2022). Long-term care and autism: A neurodiversity approach. AOTA SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(3). 

Acord-Vira, A., Curtis, R., Davis, D., & Wheeler, S. (2019). Returning to the Classroom following sport-related concussion: Perspectives of college student athletes. Journal of Post-Secondary Education and Disability, 32(1), 35-48.  

Wheeler, S. (2019). Providing occupational therapy for individuals with traumatic brain injury: Intensive care to community re-entry. In: Schell, B., Gillen, G., & Scaffa, M (Eds.), Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy. Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.  

Wheeler, S., Acord-Vira, A., Arbesman, M., & Lieberman, D. (2017). Occupational therapy interventions for adults with traumatic brain injury. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(3).  

Wheeler, S. & Acord-Vira, A. (2016). Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury. AOTA: Bethesda, MD.  

Wheeler, S. & Acord-Vira, A. (2016). Effectiveness of interventions to improve occupational performance for people with psychosocial, behavioral, and emotional impairments after brain injury: a systematic review. AJOT: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(3). 

BIOGRAPHY

About Steven Wheeler

Narrative:

Dr. Wheeler has practiced occupational therapy for more than 30 years. In addition to his clinical work in brain injury rehabilitation, Dr. Wheeler has published in numerous journals and has presented extensively on strategies to facilitate community participation following TBI. He is the co-author of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Practice Guidelines for Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury and currently serves as principal investigator on the state funded West Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury project.

Occupational Therapy

Research Statement:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Our TBI research activities focus on understanding factors impacting successful and satisfying community participation for individuals who have experienced a TBI and their caregivers. Particular areas of research interest include TBI related employment issues, executive cognitive functions, rural health influences, drug and alcohol use, and caregiver stress. Research includes persons with mild (including concussion), moderate, and severe injuries. 

Recent Research and Service Grants:

Principal Investigator, “West Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury State Project,” WV DHHR/BHHF Project #10010280, $700,000, 7/1/2022-6/30/2023, 15% FTE.  

Collaborator / Subject Matter Expert, “Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care,” WV DHHR/BMS Project #2200000013, $8,907, 4/1/2022-6/30/2023, 4.5% FTE.  

Collaborator / Subject Matter Expert, “Medicaid Home and Community Based Service-Learning Management System Update Study (Phase 1)”, DHHR/BMS Project #2200000013, $8,000, 11-15-2021-4/1/2022, 4.5% FTE.   

Principal Investigator, “West Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury State Project,” WV DHHR/BHHF Project #10010280, $700,000, 7/1/2021-6/30/2022, 15% FTE.    

Principal Investigator, (Ohio State University Sub-Award) “Dissemination of Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Traumatic Brain Injury”, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, $14,900, 7/1/2020-12/31/2021, 5% FTE  

Medical Specialties

• Rehabilitation

Patient Care Information

Medical Specialties:

• Traumatic Brain Injury, Industrial Rehabilitation

Specialized Training and Certifications:

• Certfied Brain Injury Specialist; Rapid Cycle Improvement Collaborative Training (CCHMC)
• Arnatoddir OT-ADL Neurobehavioral Assessment; Brain Train Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Impact Trained Occupational Therapist (Concussion)
• Penn State University Academic Leadership Academy