Occupational Therapy Student

The most significant thing I learned throughout the course of this assignment was how to repurpose everyday items and turn them into therapeutic media or adaptive equipment for clients.  Learning about the many useful ways plastic soda bottles can be repurposed for our clients by creating objects such as sensory integration bottles, plant holders, scoops, sock aids, and more was the most meaningful part of this assignment for me.   I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process involved in producing something useful for Susan, whose strength is deteriorating due to the progression of ALS she is experiencing.   Her profile said that she currently did not have any adaptive equipment but needed moderate assistance with many of her ADLs.   A sock aid will help her to more easily put her socks on and maintain her independence in this aspect of dressing for the time-being.   Through this project I created a sock aid using a plastic soda bottle and other househo...

I really enjoyed listening to Danielle Watson and her story of how she became an occupational therapist.   Her story is very unique to most occupational therapists because an accident that caused her to have a T6 spinal cord injury is how she was exposed to OT for the first time.   She described her experience with OT as very intense, and that intenseness almost kept her from pursuing the profession.   She decided she wanted to work in orthopedic rehabilitation after she recovered from her accident, and she wanted to work with hands since she could do that seated at her wheelchair.   Her athleticism and perseverance despite her disability is laudable and inspiring.   Danielle is very passionate about outdoor sports and does not let her disability keep her from pursuing her athletic dreams like competing in the New York City marathon recently.   She is also an advocate for disability justice and encourages all OTs to advocate for their ...