Learning Adventures in OT

For this foundations assignment, we had a variety of options to choose from with regards to learning more about the field of occupational therapy. One of the first things I did was learn more about what assistive technology is, along with some of the applications and uses it can have. I found this extremely interesting because it is such a variety of different things that can be modified in order to help a client with their daily activities. While originally I thought of technological modifications such as machines that can help people who are nonverbal communicate, I realized through this presentation that assistive technology is much more broad. This went along well with the Ted Talk about the importance of universal design, which as a concept is working to make environments and objects accessible to all people, regardless of their disability. One of the most important takeaways that I got from this video was that we all at some point or another have some type of disability, whether temporary or permanent. But rather than letting this define or hinder us, it should be a uniting factor in innovation and the creation of solutions that are mutually beneficial to all people. To me, this is ultimately what occupational therapy is about and is such an encouraging message.

I also had the opportunity to listen to a podcast about how swimming lessons can benefit children with autism. We had several options to choose from, but I chose this because of my interest in pediatrics. This podcast was an interview with two occupational therapists who for one of their fieldwork rotations worked at a community center which provided swim lessons for members of the community, including children with autism. Their role was to work with the lifeguards, children, parents, and management to work to improve the program to benefit all parties involved. It was so interesting to hear about how occupational therapy could be helpful in this by providing not only a different insight but also by bringing outside knowledge to the facility. By doing this, they were able to improve the program not only by training the lifeguards, but also by spending one on one time with the children and their families to work to maximize their experience. I am so excited to see all of the possibilities that occupational therapy continues to offer to the community after listening to this podcast!