Adventures in Occupational Therapy

 Media Project This project challenged me to be creative and think critically. I really wanted to gear my design to connect with my client's occupational goals. Paula is an elderly woman with Parkinson's disease and low vision due to cataracts. She wanted to engage her old colleagues, students, and family members via email. With this in mind, I wanted to help Paula access her computer in her new nursing home. To promote accessibility, I would try to set up the device to meet her needs by adding voice to text features, large print, and appropriate lighting contrast. This would enable Paula to actively participate in social communication. In order to help her use her computer, I created a typing hand splint/ wrist support. This was made using a recycled butter container and a denim sleeve. A small weight or rock could be placed inside to stabilize the splint. In addition an adjustable universal cuff or slip knot string could be added to hold her hand/ wrist in place.

  Neuro Note #5         I watched a YouTube video called,  Meet Anthony, Coping with ALS . This video shared the experiences of Anthony, a young man living with ALS who was in his mid-20s. He has a form of genetic ALS and his mother had the disease as well. Anthony is a son, husband, brother, photographer, and community member.           I chose this film because I wanted to listen to a person's story and learn about the impact of ALS on his life. This video was extremely emotional. I learned more about the impact of diseases not only on individuals, but also their caregivers. This helped me to develop empathy and understanding. In the video Anthony said, " A lot of ALS patients feel responsible for other people's sadness." People with ALS can carry the weight of grieving the loss of their abilities and the burden that has one their loved ones.  This is an important area for occupational therapists to address. OTs can...

 SIM Lab           A component of my Neuro Aspects class in occupational therapy school is a simulation lab. During this interactive experience, I administered a cognitive screening assessment to a client who had recently had a CVA. Often clients recovering from strokes have trouble with cognition which may involve challenges with problem-solving, decision making, memory, and attention.  Occupational therapists can assess a client's cognitive levels and identify deficits. OTs also utilize interventions to help modify activities or the environment in order to promote occupational engagement. In addition, therapists may suggest strategizes such as lessening distractions or cuing to help overcome cognitive obstacles.           During this assessment, Mrs. Henshaw received a score of 21 meaning she has mild cognitive impairment. This diagnosis has potential to be reversible meaning she could improve to a normal range. MCI...

 Neuro Note #4           To learn more about SCIs, I watched a YouTube video called Life as a quadriplegic: Sophia Malthus . This video is about the life of 20 year old Sophia who had a horse riding accident which resulted in tetraplegia. Her injury was around levels C4-C6. She has some arm functions. This video interested me because Sophia is close to my age. As a result of her injury, she had to transition from an independent lifestyle to a dependent lifestyle requiring daily assistance.           This video followed Sophia through her daily routines and life. It helped me to learn about the value of familial support and the emotional challenges of coping with a SCI. She made the statement that one of her biggest worries was that she would not get a husband. She wondered if she was still lovable. It is so important for OTs to keep emotions and mental health in mind when incorporating a holistic approach.  In conclus...

 Neuro Note #3          In the news article, " Eyeharp allows a woman with cerebral palsy to play music without using her hands ," the author discusses how modern technology can allow individuals with physical disabilities to play music. Inventor Vamvakousis had a friend who sustained a head injury after a motor vehicle collision. He created a computer program that utilizes eye tracking technology to allow musician's eyes to select the notes to play. This technology empowers individuals to create music who may not have had the physical capability to do so otherwise.           Throughout this course, we have learned about various neurological conditions. This article mentioned how the technology was designed to be used by individuals with cerebral palsy, SCI, and quadriplegia. I believe it could also be used by people who have had TBIs or neurodegenerative diseases. Music has a beautiful way of expression and fostering crea...