Occupational therapists at InFocus promote independence through purposeful and meaningful activity. We aim to identify the barriers to participation that face our young people due to their visual impairment, physical or learning disability.
Core areas of occupation
Occupational therapists work with all staff across campus to ensure that our young people are supported consistently across the eight core areas of occupation. This support is tailored to consider each individual’s needs (e.g. their visual impairment).
Personal activities of daily living (PADLs)
These include bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, eating/swallowing, functional mobility, sexuality, and personal hygiene & grooming.
Routines are written with the young person and their keyworker to ensure a consistent approach to personal care, always focusing on their active participation and developing their independence skills.
Domestic activities of daily living (DADLs)
We work on developing independence skills in the home, including housework, laundry, and planning, preparing and cooking simple meals and snacks. It’s important to find what works best for each individual. We work with them and think carefully about their visual impairment. This might include using a:
- talking microwave instead of an electric hob or oven
- vegetable chopper instead of a sharp knife
- hot water dispenser to reduce the risk of hot water scalds when pouring from a kettle
Rest and Sleep
These activities help our young people to rest and sleep (including preparing for sleep). This is important as it supports healthy and active engagement in other areas of occupation.
For our residential students it is particularly important that they are having good quality rest in order to benefit from the day ahead.
We may be involved in setting up a sleep system for those with cerebral palsy to help maintain a good position over a 24 hour period (not just positioning in their wheelchairs) or advise on implementing a good bedtime routine.
Education
Every student in our College needs to be able to access their education regardless of their ability.
We work closely with the education team to ensure all our young people have the right equipment and are in the right environment to get the best from their time in education.
This might include allowing sensory breaks in the timetable to ensure the time spent in class is better focused, or work on a fine motor skills programme. Sitting in the correct chair, with a good, supported posture may require equipment assessment and provision, but will ultimately enable the young person to better access their education.
Work
Supporting the work area of occupation includes activities around looking for (and taking part in) opportunities for paid or voluntary work.
For example, many InFocus students enjoy work experience. We help to make sure they can access new environments and that they have as many opportunities open to them as possible.
Play
Play is often geared towards the students at the developmental level that is meaningful to them.
A young person may have learnt to bring their arms together, but they may not be crossing their arms over yet, so we may encourage them with various games to start ‘crossing midline’, for example rolling a ball from side to side. These skills will impact positively on the development of their coordination skills which will help them develop functional skills such as the coordinated use of cutlery.
Leisure
We are passionate about promoting healthy, happy, meaningful lives and will work with the young person to find opportunities here on campus or out in the community. Wellbeing has such as huge knock on effect in all aspects of a person’s life: self-confidence, self-esteem, behaviour and their overall mental health.
Social participation
This consists of the interweaving of occupations to support participation in community and family activities. Occupational Therapists like to focus on the areas under social participation such as engaging in the community, with family, friends, and peers.
FAQs
How do you consider visual impairment when working with individuals?
We think carefully about their visual impairment and make accommodations accordingly. For example, we might use a talking microwave instead of an electric one, or provide large print materials for reading. We also work on developing skills for orientation and mobility to help individuals navigate their environment safely.
How do you support individuals with communication difficulties?
We use a variety of strategies to support individuals with communication difficulties. This may include using visual aids, such as picture schedules or communication boards, providing access to assistive technology devices, or working with a speech and therapist.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in promoting independence skills in the home by working with individuals to develop their abilities in various tasks such as housework, laundry, and meal preparation.
They take into consideration the complex needs of each individual and adapt the environment accordingly. For example, using adaptive equipment or modifying the layout of a kitchen to make it more accessible for someone with physical limitations.
What skills do you focus on developing in the home for individuals with visual impairments?
We work on developing independence skills such as housework, laundry, and planning, preparing, and cooking simple meals and snacks. We also consider their visual impairment and may use talking appliances or adaptive tools to assist them.
How do you support rest and sleep?
We may provide guidance on creating a calming sleep environment, such as using blackout curtains or white noise machines.
We can also assist with developing bedtime routines and strategies to promote relaxation before sleep. We may also recommend adaptive equipment or positioning systems to ensure comfort and proper body alignment during rest and sleep.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with us via email at enquiries@infocus-charity.org.uk.