Sarah Jean Barton, ThD, MS, OTR/L, BCP

Sarah Jean Barton
Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy and Theological Ethics; Assistant Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery; Program Director of the Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate

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Academic Profile

She/her/hers, white, cisgender, heterosexual, LGBTQIA+ ally, disabled

Occupational roles: hiking outdoors with my spouse and dog, trying new foods and wines, meditation and prayer, pilgrimage, playing board games and cards, watching Duke Men’s Basketball, reading, and learning how to play the mandolin

Dr. Barton holds a dual appointment in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Division and the Divinity School at Duke University. Dr. Barton earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Seattle Pacific University, a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, and a Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Theology from Duke Divinity School.

Her research focuses on the intersections of disability with theology, health, education, and religious participation. Dr. Barton’s research methodology prioritizes partnerships with individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has completed recent work on Universal Design for Learning and accessible pedagogy. Dr. Barton has published and presented in a wide variety of interdisciplinary settings on issues related to Christian theology and ethics, intellectual disability, spirituality, disability studies, and occupational therapy. In addition to her academic appointment, Dr. Barton works at Duke Health as a senior occupational therapist with a board certification in pediatrics.