Drawing from experience

Daniel Ajello's own experiences of living with physical challenges are informing his studies in Occupational Therapy.

Daniel Ajello

Study

There is a lot of thinking outside of the box and you become a great problem solver at the end of the day.

Daniel Ajello was born with his right hand and right foot missing, and his left leg ends at the knee.

He has been using prosthetic legs since he was twelve months old and competes in many sports including football, swimming, javelin, archery, and boxing.

“I decided I wanted to study Occupational Therapy in my gap year after I realised I’d been doing OT on myself all my life. “

Daniel was born in Zimbabwe and his family moved to Gisborne when he was 4 years old. He came to Otago Polytechnic to study Occupational Therapy in Dunedin.

“I’ve found the programme really engaging, I’ve really grown with it and I’ve learnt a lot on my placements. There is a lot of thinking outside of the box and you become a great problem solver at the end of the day.”

Daniel is currently in his third year at Otago Polytechnic and hopes to graduate in March.

“Dunedin is a neat place to study, it’s such a condensed student community.”

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

This exciting programme includes fieldwork placements and will lead to registration as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand. It is also recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Our July intake is part-time only and two courses are available - Building Cultural Competence, and Human Mind and Behaviour. You will then complete the remaining Year One courses from February next year.

Student

Daniel Ajello

Study

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

This exciting programme includes fieldwork placements and will lead to registration as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand. It is also recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Our July intake is part-time only and two courses are available - Building Cultural Competence, and Human Mind and Behaviour. You will then complete the remaining Year One courses from February next year.