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. ...

Emerging Areas: Hand Transplants and Bionic Limbs

I chose to research and blog about occupational therapy's role in the emerging area of hand transplants and bionic limbs. With technology and science being at an advanced stage and continuing to advance, people living without limbs have endless opportunities. According to AOTA, about 1.7 million people are living with a limb loss and about 1 in 200 Americans have had amputations of a limb. I think the fact that surgeons can transplant a hand is incredible, but what happens next? That's where OT's come in. Occupational therapists working in the area of hand transplants need to be experienced, up to date with research, and committed. OT's may work for years with someone who has received a transplant. The Vision 2025's core principles are that occupational therapy is accessible, collaborative, effective, and contains leaders. I think when it comes to the emerging area of hand transplants, collaboration is important and necessary. Occupational therapists will collabo...

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.

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