Deborah J. Bubela
Clinical Assistant Professor

As a physical therapist with more than twenty-five years of experience, Deborah has provided therapy for people of all ages in multiple types of settings. She has specialized in working with children with a variety of conditions in natural settings (schools and homes) as well as clinical settings (clinics and rehabilitation hospitals). Deborah obtained her Pediatric Certified Specialist award from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2002. She continues to provide direct therapy intervention on an individual basis, as well as consultative services to therapists and school districts. Deborah received her Masters Degree in Related Services (2000) and her Doctoral Degree in Special Education (2007) from the University of Connecticut. Her doctoral research investigated novice physical therapists’ use of family-centered practices in early intervention and pre-school settings. Deborah has been an instructor in Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut Health Center, an adjunct faculty member at the University of Connecticut branch campuses and Central Connecticut State University, and a member of the Collaboratory in Rehabilitation Research, a collaboration between UConn's Physical Therapy Department and the Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action. She has also contributed to the pediatric component of the physical therapy program at the UConn Storrs campus since 1998 where she was appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Residence in 2007. Deborah’s research addresses the needs of families of children with disabilities. She has also investigated the use of fitness programs for children in urban settings.

•Ph.D. University of Connecticut in Special Education, 2007

•M.S. University of Connecticut in Related Services, 2000

•B.S. University of Connecticut in Allied Health, 1981

« Full C.V. »

Contact Information: 

Koons Hall - 212

Phone: (860) 486-1995
Fax: (860) 486-1588

Email: deborah.bubela@uconn.edu

Mailing Address:
358 Mansfield Road, U-2101

Current Courses Taught:

PT 5320 Principles in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

PT 5434 Foundations in Systems Review

PT 5310 Integrated Seminar IV

PT 5311 Integrated Seminar V

AH 4242 Counseling/Education for Healthcare Professionals

Honors/Awards:

James P. Cornish Award, School of Allied Health (2000)

Victor Gant Scholarship, University of Connecticut (2000)

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Connecticut (2002)

Doctoral Fellowship Award, University of Connecticut (2007)

Associations/Committees/Outreach:

American Physical Therapy Association

Funded Research:

Influence of Dual Tasking, Walking Speed, and Room Lighting on Gait

Task, Environmental Structure, and Illumination Influences on Posture

Perceiving Object Length by Dynamic Touch After a Stroke: A Case Study

A Qualitative Assessment of In-School and Out-of-School Interventions for Children with Autism as They Relate to Family Demographics

Selected Publications/Presentations:

Bubela, D. (2007). Dissertation: Novice Physical Therapists Use of Family-Centered Practices in Physical Therapy Services.

Bubela, D. (2007). Book review: Coaching Families and Colleagues in Early Childhood (B.E. Hanft, D.D. Rush, M.L. Shelden). Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 27, 103-105.

Bubela, D. (2005). Book review: Disorders of Neuronal Migration, International Review of Child Neurology Series (P.G. Barth, Ed.) Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 25, 85-94.

Bubela, D.J. (2004). Creating meaningful therapy programs for people with developmental disabilities. Connecticut Medicine, 68, 499-504.

Forward for "Through a Stroke of Luck" by Corrie Triewth, Plus Publications, CT. (2003)