Community Outreach

DPT students learn through experience. Whether working on campus or immersing themselves in clinical, Elon students continually reinforce classroom basics through patient interactions. For most DPT students, the desire to improve the lives of others and help the greater community extends beyond the required curriculum. Service learning and community outreach are longtime hallmarks of the Elon DPT program.

Alamance County Special Olympics Spring Games

Picture of Alamance County Special Olympics Spring Games participants and volunteersThe Special Olympics are held in April on Elon’s campus and DPT students work each year to ensure the participants enjoy a fulfilling, fun and safe day. Elon hosted the first state games in 1972 and has since worked with the nonprofit to provide a day of athletic events for young athletes from Alamance and surrounding counties.The Special Olympics inspire athletes to set and achieve goals while building confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Dance Special Interest Group (SIG)

The class is a chance for children with disabilities — ranging from cerebral palsy to Down syndrome — to live out a dream of becoming a dancer. Volunteers help those who can’t walk, and act as partners to lift them up and walk them through the steps. Physical therapists are in the class to make sure no one gets hurt and to make sure each dancer gets the most benefit from the class.

Learn more about the Dance Special Interest Group

And More…

Students regularly coordinate and participate in other service activities such as blood drives at the Francis Center, the Walk to Defeat ALS, and the Bike MS: Gears & Cheers.