Adaptive Typing Device

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Reflection:
The most important thing I learned from this assignment is that an approach to intervention is multidimensional and must usually, or always, address more than one barrier to occupational performance to be successful. For my client, Paula, I had to use popsicle sticks to address one of her main goals. Her main goals were using the computer, keeping in contact with her colleagues and husband, and independence in daily dressing. I could have chosen to use the popsicle sticks to address her independence in daily dressing goal and that might have been a little easier, but then I would have been neglecting two of her other goals that could be addressed with one approach. There might have been some kind of device I could’ve made or come up with that would have addressed all of these goals in some way, but I also realize that I am not skilled in this area yet, if I ever will be!
I learned from this project that there is a lot more I need to learn and know about different diagnoses. I also think that once I’ve seen some of these neurological conditions in real life, I might be better suited to know what a client’s needs are. I can read all about the symptoms of Parkinson’s on paper, but until I’ve met Paula and can know her on a personal level, I feel like its difficult to know exactly what to do. While most adaptive equipment or therapies are probably (or can be) universal, I feel like as a therapist I need to know my clients individually to give them the best care. I think this project brought that to light. I also know now that I need a lot more practice in the creativity department of OT.
       I think this project was/is great practice on getting my brain working in the direction of how I’ll need to think as a practitioner someday. Its good to get the creativity and thought process flowing, whether I grasped the concept of what I was doing or not. I think that also seeing all the other students’ projects will help me think in a way I didn’t already think. It will really cool to see how other students used their media to make something cool. Its a really neat concept taking these everyday materials and turning them into some kind of equipment or therapy tool. I enjoyed it!



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