Dr. Joseph Michael Pellerito Jr.

Joseph M. Pellerito, Jr. was born in 1961 in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in and around the Motor City. He graduated from Western Michigan University’s Honor’s College in 1984 with a Baccalaureate of Science (BS) degree in Occupational Therapy (OT), completed a Master of Science (MS) degree in Rehabilitation Technology at Johns Hopkins University in 1994, and a PhD degree in Medical Sociology from Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Pellerito is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Care Sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at WSU in Detroit, Michigan. He also holds a Research Associate position at the Institute of Gerontology, also at WSU. Dr. Pellerito’s scholarship and research interests focus on driver rehabilitation and community mobility, driving retirement, and assistive technology at home, work, and the community. He is participating in several funded research projects that seek to advance knowledge about and understanding of the impact of the impact of over-the-counter medications on driving performance, cell phone use on driver distractibility, issues pertaining to driving after stroke and acquired brain injury, and the effects of driving retirement on the quality of life among elderly citizens living in and around urban centers within the US, to name a few. Dr. Pellerito published the first books on driver rehabilitation and community mobility and driving retirement, has published other books and numerous articles in journals and on line, and speaks on topics of interest locally, throughout the State of Michigan, nationally, and internationally (Canada). His professional philosophy can be summarized in the following way: “The primary aim of research, teaching, or service work is to improve the quality of life of the people and groups I am privileged to serve or study or both”.

He graduated from Western Michigan University’s Honor’s College in 1984 with a Baccalaureate of Science (BS) degree in Occupational Therapy (OT), completed a Master of Science (MS) degree in Rehabilitation Technology at Johns Hopkins University in 1994, and a PhD degree in Medical Sociology from Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Pellerito is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Care Sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at WSU in Detroit, Michigan. He also holds a Research Associate position at the Institute of Gerontology, also at WSU.

EDUCATION:

Undergraduate (Baccalaureate):

B.S. (Occupational Therapy/Honors) and Minor (Sociology/Honors)

Western Michigan University Honors College

Kalamazoo, Michigan (1984)

Graduate:

M.S. (Technology Engineering in Rehabilitation and Special Education/Honors)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Ph.D. (Medical Sociology/Honors - quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods)

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan (2007)

Certifications:

Certified Service Dog Trainer (2008 – present)   

Certified Driver Instructor, State of Michigan (1993-present)

Certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) #AA549261 (August 15, 1985-present)

Water Safety Instructor (WSI) (1978)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certified (1979 – present)

Dr. Pellerito is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Care Sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at WSU in Detroit, Michigan. He also holds a Research Associate position at the Institute of Gerontology, also at WSU.

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS:

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)  

American Sociological Society (ASA)

Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)

Pi Theta Epsilon Honors Fraternity (Past)

HONORS and AWARDS:

Invited editor for Occupational Therapy International (special edition on driving retirement and community mobility (2010 – In Press)

Invited to serve as Senior Editor, Landon Elsemere Publishing House, Soult Saint Marie, Canada (2009 – present)

Invited author for monograph on driving retirement for worldwide distribution (2009)

Published first book ever (i.e., landmark text) on Driver Rehabilitation and Community Mobility (2006)

Service Commendation for work performed as a Member of the Older Driver Initiative Expert Panel, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) (2003, 2003 through 2006)

Teaching Excellence Award (Nominee), Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, WSU                                                        

Invited co-editor for Occupational Therapy International (special edition on occupational technology) (2003)                        

Ellen Garms Innovative Teacher of the Year Award, WSU (2002)         

Professional Award of Recognition, Michigan Occupational Therapy Association/Detroit Occupational Therapy Association (DOTA) Chapter (1999)

Occupational Therapy Employee Recognition Award (RIM) (1999)

Peer Recognition Award, Michigan Occupational Therapy Association (MIOTA) (1998)        

Invited member of the Consumer Advisory Council and Appeals Board to the Detroit Department of  Transportation (DDOT) to ensure ADA compliance (1990 through 2000 and 2009 - present)           

Master of Science (MS) degree awarded Summa Cum Laud, Johns Hopkins University (1995)     

President’s Award for Excellence, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) (1993)  

Employee of the Year, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) (1988-89)

Honors Graduate, Honors College of Western Michigan University (1984)      

Valedictorian, Grosse Pointe South High School (1979)

PUBLICATIONS (REFEREED)

Books

DiZazzo-Miller, R. & Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Eds.) (2010 – In Press) Preparing for the national OT exam: Forty-five days and counting. New York: Jones & Bartlett.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. & Tridico, F. (Eds.) (2009 – In Press) Social problems: A critical thinking approach. Soult Saint Marie, Canada:  Landon Elsemere Publishing House, Ltd.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2009) Driving retirement. Munich, Germany: VDM Publishing House, Ltd.

Pellerito, J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and Practice. Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby.

Pellerito, L.A. & Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2010 – In Press) Emma’s best friend. Sault Saint Marie, Canada: Landon Elsemere Press.

Chapters Published (Refereed):

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Introduction to social problems: A critical thinking approach (Chapter 1). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. & Tridico, F. (Ed.) (2009) Social problems:   A  critical thinking approach. Soult Saint Marie: Canada.

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Declining community mobility in urban America: Examining gender and other social locations (Chapter 2). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. & Tridico, F. (Ed.) (2009) Social problems: A critical thinking approach. Soult Saint Marie: Canada.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Social locations and their impact on    responses to declining community mobility in urban America (Chapter 3). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Social problems: A  critical thinking approach. Soult Saint Marie.

DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Introduction (Chapter 1). In DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pellerito Jr., J.M. (Eds.) (2009) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the   NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James. 

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M., DiZazzo-Miller, R. Test taking strategies (Chapter 2). In DiZazzo, R., J.M. Pellerito (Eds.) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

 Pociask, F.D., Pellerito, Jr., J.M., DiZazzo-Miller, R. Study Tips, Skills, Methods and Strategies (Chapter 3). In DiZazzo, R., J.M. Pellerito (Eds.) (2009) Forty-  five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

 Talley, S.A., DiZazzo-Miller, R., Pociask, F.D., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Assessment of  sensation, range of motion, strength, and coordination Chapter 4). In DiZazzo-Miller, R., J.M. Pellerito (Eds.) (2008) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

 Lysack, C., DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Assessment of roles and context: Personal, social, and cultural Cathy Lysack (Chapter 6). In DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Eds.) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M., DiZazzo, R., Pociask, F.D. Promoting Meaningful   occupations   through assistive technology, driver rehabilitation, and community mobility (Chapter 20). In DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Eds.) (2009) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M., DiZazzo, R. Business and management fundamentals (Chapter 22). In DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Eds.) (2009) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

 DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Pociask, F.D. Ten days and counting, Chapter 25. In DiZazzo, R., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Eds.) (2006) Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam. New York: Bartlett & James.

McDonald, W., Pellerito, Jr., J.M., De Stefano, M. Introduction to Driver  Rehabilitation and community mobility (Chapter 1). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

  Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: A historical perspective (Chapter 2, Section II). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006)  Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Pellerito, Jr. J.M., Lysack, C. The role of the automobile in American culture (Chapter 3). In Pellerito, Jr. J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community Mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Pellerito, J.M., Blanc, C. The driver rehabilitation team, Chapter 4, Sections I and II (of 3). In Pellerito, J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community  mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Burt, C. The adapted driving decision guide, Chapter 5. In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Wheatley, C., Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Redepenning, S. The clinical evaluation, Chapter 6, Section I (of 4). In Pellerito Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Bauman, J. Preparing for the on-road evaluation, Chapter 11. In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and Community Mobility: Principles and Practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Monaco, K., Pellerito, J.M. (2006). Funding for driver rehabilitation services and equipment (Chapter 15). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

Eby, D.W., Molnar, L.J., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Driving cessation and alternative   community mobility (Chapter 21). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver  rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

 Book Appendix Published (Refereed):

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Burt, C. Continuing competence in driver rehabilitation, Appendix D. In J. Pellerito (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: Principles and practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

 Book Preface Published (Refereed):

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Preface. In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006) Driver rehabilitation  and community mobility: Principles and Practice. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby.

 Book Forward Published (Invited):

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Preface. In Tridico, F. (Ed.) (2008) Law and Social Order. Soult Saint Marie: Landon Elsemere Publishing House Ltd.

 Journal Articles Published (Refereed):

During 2003-2010, published 11 articles in refereed journals (four of which are in press).

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2010). Driver rehabilitation and community mobility: A vision for occupational therapy. OT International, (In process).

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2010). Conditions preceding and consequences following driving retirement for older men and woman. OT International,  (In process).

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2010). Constructions of cultural meanings of driving and driving retirement by older men and woman. OT International, (In process).

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2010). Response strategies to driving retirement by older men and woman. OT International. (In process).

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (September 2009). The effects of driving retirement on older men and woman. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

Arbesman, M., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2008). An Evidence-based perspective on the       effect of automobile-related Modifications on the driving ability, performance, and safety of older adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Schattler, K. & Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2005). Assessing driver distractions while driving – A simulator study. Transportation.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M. Screening driving and    community mobility status: A critical approach to participation and productive living. (March 2005). OT Practice.

 Kiefer Eaman, J., Pellerito, Jr., J.M., et al. (August/September 2003). Testing the Team. Rehab Management. 

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (March 2003). The effects of traditional and non-traditional education methods on promoting independent skin-care in adults with spinal      cord injuries. OT International.

 Breines, E., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (March 2003). Occupational Technology: A Vision for Occupational Therapy. OT International.

Multimedia Publications (Refereed)

During 2000-2009, published 8 refereed multimedia publications.

Digital Video/CD ROM Disks:

Pociask, F.P., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. “Forty-five days and counting: Preparing for the NBCOT exam”. CD ROM, version 1.0, 2009. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Pociask, F.P., Pellerito, J.M., et al. “Skills to advance gerontology excellence (SAGE). Occupational Therapy Training Program: Integrating mental health into occupational therapy practice with older adults.” Eight Disk Multimedia DVD and CD-ROM Training Program, 2008. Retirement  Research Foundation and Wayne State University Institute of  Gerontology, Detroit, MI. Wayne State University; Institute of Gerontology and Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. PI: Lichtenberg, P.A.

 Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Pociask, F.P. (2006). “The adapted driving decision guide”.  CD ROM, version 2.0. Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby.

  Pellerito, Jr., J.M. "Legacy gala: Celebrating the department of occupational therapy’s 60^th anniversary”. Digital videotape, color, 70 minutes, 2004.  Department of Occupational Therapy, Eugene Applebaum College of  Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.

Instructional Materials Formally Published – Multimedia (Refereed)

Software Development and Programming:

Pociask, F.P., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2009). Forty-five days and counting: Preparing  for the NBCOT exam. CD ROM, version 1.0. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Pociask, F.P., Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (2008). Skills to Advance Gerontology Excellences (SAGE) Occupational Therapy Training Program: Provider and Client Resources. [computer program], Version 1.0. Retirement Research  Foundation and Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology, Detroit, MI;      2008; Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0; United States License.

Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Pociask, F. (2006). Adapted Driving Decision Guide on CD ROM (Version 1.0). St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby. ISBN-13: 9780323029377

Pellerito, Jr., J.M., Pociask, F. Supplemental CD-ROM (Version 1.0). In Pellerito, Jr., J.M. (Ed.) (2006). Driver Rehabilitation and Community Mobility: Principles and Practice. Philadelphia: Mosby.

By appointment.