Blog Post Challenge 1: Universal Design

As time and technology continue to advance, people with and without disabilities are living longer, making universal design increasingly important. Universal design involves making products and environments accessible for all people. The theory is intriguing to me because so many people can be involved from design, construction, advocacy, etc. Occupational therapists even have a role with universal design in helping to make a client’s physical environment accessible for their occupations to be carried out.

Over the past year, my grandfather’s health has been decreasing. He was always the type to be on the go. He woke up early and hit the roads. He is now between a walker and a wheel chair having a difficult time moving around his home. I hope to one day, as an occupational therapist, be able to help make adjustments and designs for environments for my clients who are like my grandfather.

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Neuro Note 1: Me Before You

Me Before You I chose to watch Me Before You for my first neuro note. I chose this movie because of the hype it has received. Critics claimed that the movie misportrayed disability. I wanted to see for myself. Although the movie is probably the saddest movie I’ve ever seen, it left me with many reflections. Will Traynor was a successful, fun loving young man whose life was altered when he was hit by a motorcycle which resulted in a spinal cord injury. Will became depressed and felt like there was no reason to live. I think sometimes it’s too easy to just think about the physical changes when you think of SCI, but it’s important to recognize the emotional toll as well. His life was completely turned upside down and he had a difficult time dealing with it. I’m sure this is a common theme with SCI and I think it can be difficult for people to imagine. I’ve always, from a young age, strived to treat everyone equal because you NEVER know what someone is going through. ...

Case Study: K.T. by Lauren O'Brien

Paul Kevin Turner (K.T.) was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 41. K.T. took many hits in the head throughout his life while playing high school, college, and NFL football which is thought to be where his diagnosis came from. It was interesting to me how progressive ALS is and was with K.T. He passed away last year at the age of 47, meaning he lived for 6 years following his diagnosis. It is important for occupational therapists to take the quick progression of ALS in to account when planning interventions.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Article

While searching the AOTA website for journal articles about occupational therapy and the group process, I found an article that stood out to me. The article I chose was on the benefits of group occupational therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease. All participants in the study had been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The volunteers were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received group occupational therapy for 10 sessions with a duration of 2 hours. Both groups were also followed medically. The outcomes included functional autonomy, dexterity, patients' impressions, physical and motor signs, and behavioral changes. The group intervention sessions followed the pattern of: Arrival (welcome and socialization) General mobility activities Rest period and socialization Dexterity activities Functional activities Educational activities Departure (informal exchange and socialization) The results s...

Whitney OT425

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