My OT student journey

Second year OT student. This is my scrapbook / research / CPD journal for anything relating to OT and my areas of interest which include but are not limited to): Dementia, Mental Health (in particular forensics, anxiety and eating disorders), Stroke, paediatrics, obesity / fitness / health education. 

[dreaming4tmrw]

Love what I do.

[myotjourney-deactivated20160528]

[otstudent]

That’s right, this is the author of the “obscure profession if there ever was one” quote that <a href=”http://meaghansshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/49475479837/im-an-occupational-therapist-an-obscure”>every OT</a> clings to…

Yes, a hero OT, if there ever was one…this article is written shortly after receiving the Order of Canada.

"Q. How important has your role as an advocate been in your work? If I play the role of the leader, of the advocate, people with disabilities sometimes tend to assume that the eventual gains in rights or resources are linked to my status as a person without a visible disability. It has a disempowering effect. The best thing to do is to encourage the growth of advocacy skills in people. We follow the independent living movement motto: “Nothing about us without us.”

[occu-passion]

thankyou, very helpful. Wanted to reference her quote in my essay but couldn’t find the original source so didn’t in the end. Helpful for future reference though :)

[otstudent]

The quote is from the book Occupational Therapy without Borders:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0443074402

A really interesting read that I devoured over my first Christmas break in OT school hehe http://otstudent.tumblr.com/post/15182739595/me-reading-occupational-therapy-without-borders

[occu-passion]

Thought it was from that! Have a copy in the library but haven't got round to reading it yet, it's on my list though :)

[otstudent]

That’s right, this is the author of the “obscure profession if there ever was one” quote that <a href=”http://meaghansshenanigans.tumblr.com/post/49475479837/im-an-occupational-therapist-an-obscure”>every OT</a> clings to…

Yes, a hero OT, if there ever was one…this article is written shortly after receiving the Order of Canada.

"Q. How important has your role as an advocate been in your work? If I play the role of the leader, of the advocate, people with disabilities sometimes tend to assume that the eventual gains in rights or resources are linked to my status as a person without a visible disability. It has a disempowering effect. The best thing to do is to encourage the growth of advocacy skills in people. We follow the independent living movement motto: “Nothing about us without us.”

[occu-passion]

thankyou, very helpful. Wanted to reference her quote in my essay but couldn't find the original source so didn't in the end. Helpful for future reference though :)

[occu-passion]

Submitted my first assignment today :)

The foundations of OT one. Very happy to have got that out the way. It was a tough one, but I think doing the essay has really helped me understand everything and how it all links together. 

Can relax now for a couple of days before starting my reflection, psychology and communication ones. 

I get my green trousers tomorrow yay! No tunic yet though as it still hasn't been delivered... 

[homosacermom]

[otloving]

From Sophie de Oliveira Brata’s Alternative Limb Project

[otloving]

The goal of the recovery process is not to become normal. The goal is to embrace our human vocation of becoming more deeply, more fully human. The goal is not normalization. The goal is to become the unique, awesome, never to be repeated human being that we are called to be.

Pat Deegan 1996 - a person who has recovered from mental illness.

found in my OT in Mental Health textbook, page 73. 

(via otloving)

[otstudent]

Occupational therapists are health professionals who receive their training in accredited university programs. They are concerned about what people ‘do’. The ‘occupation’ in our name refers to the general idea of being occupied. So when occupational therapists talk about occupations, they’re not talking just about jobs, but they mean all the activities that can occupy time during a day. Occupational therapists address the issues that get in the way of being able to do the things that are important, including the activities that allow you to independently take care of yourself and your family, and those activities that give you satisfaction and a sense of purpose in life.

lisa klinger and bonnie klassen, OT Now

i am always looking for clear explanations of OT, and this really stood out to me. 

(via otstudent)

[kittyknickers]

the college of occupational therapists made a poster about ot using miffy!!!!!!!!!!!!

[otisawesome]

A simple idea from Alphamom. This makes use of the bottom of a soda bottle to stamp cute cherry blossom flowers on an art panel.

Activity characteristics: - very simple, repetitive, with a concrete end-product - may require wait times for the paint to finish drying

Targets: - fine motor skills (mostly prehension patterns)

Materials, Tools & Equipment - 2 paint colors: black, pink (or any other color combination) - paintbrush - cardboard - plastic soda bottle

Steps Please go to this page for the instructions.

[otl1fe]

It’s true. We do. #OT #Passion #MakeitHappen

[whatsaywhatwhat]

Happy Occupational Therapy Awareness Month

[occu-passion]

Found out that my first placement is working with the elderly in the community. This is what I'm going to be doing on placement :) 

"Occupational therapists are health and social care professionals who help older people with reduced physical or mental abilities to remain independent and safe in their own homes, undertaking their favourite pastimes and making the most of life, living and wellbeing. Occupational therapists can identify potential risks in the home and provide equipment and home adaptations . If the older person’s memory is poor, occupational therapists can suggest different ways to counteract forgetfulness and absentmindedness."

[holly-amethyst]

Today in uni we had a workshop about handwriting development in children, and I’m thinking now I would really love to get some experience in paediatrics. Working with ‘problem’ children and really seeing why they act up in school and do badly, what the route causes are, and working with children who are being bullied. Interesting how it can affect handwriting.  I would love to make an impact on someone’s life and really help change their future for them. I was bullied all throughout school and although it didn’t affect me academically, it affected my self esteem and social skills. As an OT I would like to be able to build on the child’s strengths which in turn would build their self esteem and get them back on track. 

So much to learn and read around! 

[superfitnesstips]

[occu-passion]

Get the best Fitness Tips at Fitness Tips

Build your upper extremity endurance by taking part in therapeutic activities and workouts. Enhance your wellness and well-being with energetic involvement in pleasurable activities, challenging leisure and works out that you’ll engage...

[mindfulscribbles]

Today, in class, we got a treat - OTs from the community came to talk to us about their jobs and experiences in the field. I won’t be able to delve into too much detail but it confirmed something for me once again - the OT profession is so cool.

OT is a health profession…but it is so much...

[otl1fe]

Great post via http://dinopt.tumblr.com/post/63381665827/adventures-in-sitting#notes

Adventures in Sitting…

Posted 8 hours ago

Adventures in Sitting: there IS no W in sitting!

“W-sitting” is a term used to describe a sitting position in which the child’s bottom is on the floor and their feet are splayed out to the sides from the knee—forming a “W” shape with their legs and knees.

This may seem like a benign position that we see many children utilizing, but it comes with many negative implications.  “W-sitting” inhibits exploration, does not allow for proper strengthening of the trunk, and keeps children confined to play only in midline. Effects of long-term “w-sitting” include hamstring tightness and tibial torsion and even hip dislocation. In addition, because this position inhibits trunk rotation it leads to overall decreased balance, trunk strength and postural control.  

In a W-sitting position, the hips are placed at the extreme limits of internal rotation, predisposing the child to future orthopedic problems. In this abnormal position, the risk of hip dislocation becomes a concern, especially with a diagnosis of hip dysplasia.  Pre-existing orthopedic conditions can worsen when major muscle groups are placed in shortened positions and begin to tighten. These shortened muscles are at risk to form contractures—especially the hamstrings, adductors and Achilles tendon.