Inspirational Client Story: By Amy Guerrero

As a mother, watching your child struggle is extremely painful. I have three young daughters, but my seven year old has dealt with some unique emotional and behavioral challenges over the course of her young life. On the outside, she has always looked like a perfectly healthy, happy child. However, beyond the surface, our lives have been fraught with debilitating meltdowns and tears as she has been unable to navigate change, discomfort, certain social situations, and a variety of other circumstances both at home and school. We moved from Kansas to Fresno last fall and frankly, we kind of “happened” upon occupational therapy. It was almost a last ditch effort out of desperation. But through 6 months of frequent sessions and ongoing parental support with her OT, Megan Baxter (and a subsequent diagnosis of PVL, which explained her challenges), my daughter is now able to employ the necessary strategies to help herself, and my husband and I have also been equipped as parents to help our daughter live her life in a better way. Even though I am a teacher and have worked with many occupational therapists over the years, before this experience, I really had no idea of the scope of practice of OT. But now I know how broad it really is, and as both an educator and a mother, I will advocate for occupational therapy in any way possible. Our lives have forever been changed by occupational therapy. In fact, I can’t write this without tearing up because I am so grateful, and I know the place we are in now, versus the place we were, is largely due to Megan’s work as an Occupational Therapist. And I will forever be thankful for not only Megan, but for the profession itself.
By: Amy Guerrero

Inspirational Client Story, Being an OT/OTA: By Shariff Ibadullah

Today marked the day of joy and happiness. I worked with a particular patient for a couple of weeks that had a stroke and has been trying to physically get better for the past 3 months, but his mentality was weakened since day one. He wanted to work in getting better and stronger with no hesitation. Today was his last treatment for OT and PT and as soon as i said, "you have completed your last therapy session" he began to cry. At first I thought I said something wrong, but realized it was tears of joy and accomplishment. He said, "thank you thank you for sacrificing your time in treating me to reach my goal". I replied, "time is only time, as long as I'm using it to accomplish something like this-it's worth it". I was trying to reel back my tears as he hugged me and shook my hand. This is why I want to become an OT, this is what I live for, this is what my personality is based on, and this is who I am. #OTmonth #OTpersonified
By Shariff Ibadullah

Being an OT/OTA, OTAC Conference Experiences: By Susan Fisher McClure

I have been an occupational therapist for 50 years, graduated from SJSU in 1966 and completed my 9 months of clinical affiliations in March 1967. I have worked in many capacities over the years: state hospital; with psychiatric and developmentally disabled (DD) clients, outpatient and acute hospital setting, SNFs, home health, schools, and groups homes for DD clients and assisted living elderly clients. I obtained my post professional MS degree in my 60s. I also was a childbirth instructor and International Breastfeeding Consultant for 10 years. I have been through my own share of living with a short term disabilities: 2 hip and 1 knee replacements, and being my own OT. And in many situations I was able to communicate with my clients on a very personal level because I often knew, experientially, what they we're going through. Last October, I attended the OTAC's Spring Symposium March 4-5. I attended the Spring Symposium not realizing that several conference sessions I attended were going to come in quite handy: Living in Place and Fall Risk and Prevention. In February, I signed up to attend the 2 day training on April 12-13, to become a Certified Living in Place Professional, A course approved by AOTA. A week after the Spring Symposium, I went from walking to using a cane to requiring a walker and ended up in the hospital for 2 days. I had a barrage of radiology tests: MRI, CT scan and ultra sound and also experienced the medical people that I saw not taking the results seriously enough, thinking that pain medications would most likely take care of the problem. All the PT did was ask me to show him I could use a walker and get in and out of bed. And a PT I saw as a outpatient just gave me some exercises to do at home. But within a week after coming home I was worse than ever. So I enlisted help from my daughter who is a MD that did 3 years of a neurosurgery residency and then switched to radiology, Within 2 days I saw a neurosurgeon and am schedule to have a lumbar laminectomy in May or June (no set date yet). But now I have to really use my OT skills, spending hours, that I now have a lot of, finding my handy dressing stick and one set of reachers, reviewing 4 wheel walkers, stair lifts, bidets, obtaining 2 more reachers, chair seats that don't cause as much electrical spams in my back and upper leg. We purchased a decent bed (not a hospital one) for me to use downstairs for an indefinite time and I have a person that is moving things out of our upstairs master bedroom-bathroom area since a bathroom renovation was already scheduled in 2 weeks.I am then looking at a curb-less shower, plenty of grab bars, shower bench, raised toilet with the bidet, etc. and expect to learn more at the Living in Place class I am attending next week. So essentially I am delivering OT services to myself and the skills that I am also gaining will allow me to better serve clients in another capacity.

By: Susan Fisher McClure, MS, OTR/L

My OT Story: Martha: By Lisa Deshaies

Martha was 13 years old when she became ill with meningococcal meningitis. This led to amputations of both arms below the elbow & both legs below the knee as well as scarring on much of her body. She received extensive OT during inpatient rehabilitation using activity modification, assistive devices, & prosthetic training to allow her to go back to playing with her Barbie dolls, caring for herself, & attending school. Martha received outpatient OT on numerous occasions as a young adult to help her relearn how to accomplish daily tasks when she switched from body-powered to myoelectric arm prostheses, and to help her meet the challenges of attending college and driving a car. Martha is now in her 30s, employed full-time as a service coordinator for Orange County Regional Center, and happily married. I have been touched and honored that she has invited me to celebrate milestones with her over the years including her school graduations and her recent wedding. Martha is an inspiring example of OT helping people live life to the fullest.

By Lisa Deshaies, OTR/L, CHT

MY OT Story: A Firefighter: By Lisa Arroyo

This firefighter was involved in an electrical burn resulting in an above elbow amputation. After being released from a burn center he was seen for ADL’s, prosthetic training, burn care, work re-entry and then eventually on the job training. He returned to full duty and soon thereafter promoted to engineer and taught CPR as well. He was a father of 3 children and was an inspiration to all those that were in the clinic and was often a ‘cheerleader’ encouraging other patients on a regular basis. He continues to work and lead a very active lifestyle participating in a gym program 3 days a week. Although it was over 10 years since his injury he recently received an i-limb prosthetic by touch bionics; and asked to have his OT attend his training and become certified as well. He has been a true advocate for therapy and even more for OT. He was a patient that participated in various treatment settings with OT as his primary provider source.

 By: Lisa Arroyo, OTR/L, CHT, Hand Therapy Specialist

My OT Story: By Shanti Malladi

 A smiling person approached me at the OTAC Spring Symposium and asked me if I recognized her. The face looked familiar but after seeing her mother I remembered this former patient of mine. The mother thanked me for helping her child during her first few years of development. She thanked all the OTs who also helped in the process. The mother cried as she hugged me and said she will never forget all that OT did. I too had tears of joy. Because of her positive experiences, the child is now pursuing an OT degree! The mother has already invited me to the graduation in 2 years. This made me realize why I became an OT- to not only help people with various abilities but to be rewarded like this.  

By: Shanti Malladi  

My OT Story: By Janyce Johnson

The ultimate therapeutic use of self: I am an OT with over thirty years of experience in pediatrics. I adopted an infant out of foster care who was prenatally substance and probably trauma exposed… who is now 18 and attending junior college and experiencing part-time employment… who will never stop being great! OT is my life!

By: Janyce Johnson

My OT Story: By Bao Hoang

My sister introduced me to occupational therapy. I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field and OT was the perfect match. I currently study at West Coast University in Los Angeles and it is one of the best decisions I have made. The environment and faculty definitely motivates and inspires me to learn and be at my best.

 By: Bao Hoang

My OT story: By Erik Listou

To help everyone “live in place”, occupational therapists are vital! When a client has needs due to age or a condition, an interprofessional network is needed. Occupational therapists are critical in working with designers, contractors, childproofers, product manufacturers, and finance experts to ensure success!

 By: Erik Listou

My OT story: By Judy Packard

Over thirty years ago I took a career guidance class that recommended occupational therapy as perfect for me. Since I was already a teacher, I knew I wanted to work with children. I have worked with premature infants, children in school, and now with children at Regional Center. I started my own non-profit and love the freedom and flexibility that OT has allowed me. It’s a great profession!

Judy Packard

Help Tell the Story of OT – Share Your Inspirational Stories

You are invited to share your most inspirational client* stories on how OT and/or their OT helped them to participate in meaningful activities to optimize their life experience.

We also welcome your personal reflections on the OT Centennial; OT float; and OTAC membership, leadership experience, Annual Conference or Spring Symposium attendance, etc. We welcome photos to accompany your stories. We recommend postings of approximately 200 words.

100 Stories of OT (pdf)
100 Stories of OT (online)

*Please adhere to HIPAA when sharing information about your clients.

Another Successful OT Event at the Alzheimer's Walk! By Jenna Mele, OTR/L

Nana’s Angels enjoyed a great fundraising season. We went beyond our goal and raised $2,340 to support the Alzheimer's Association. As an occupational therapist, there are many opportunities to engage with and serve this expanding community of people. During the walk, and throughout our campaign, we raised awareness of occupational therapy and the benefits of an intervention to preserve quality of life. Due to the Jimmo vs Sebelius settlement, people with chronic, progressive disease have better access to allied health services.

Our financial support helps the Alzheimer’s Association run a 24-hr professionally staffed helpline, maintain more than 4,500 support groups, and provide free programs in 15 languages. They also advance research through a peer-reviewed research grant program and advocate for people with Alzheimer’s by engaging elected officials to pass legislation at the federal, state, and local levels. With the help of volunteers and professionals, the Alzheimer’s Association provides families with step-by-step guidance and customized actions plans, delivers 20,000 education programs annually, and maintains the nation’s largest library and resource center devoted to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

I hope to see more occupational therapists and students joining us for our 3^rd annual walk season next year! Thanks to all of Nana’s Angels who made these past few months a success!

Nana's Angel

 

By Jenna Mele, OTR/L

 

 

My grandmother, Nana, lived with Alzheimer's and in her memory I have dedicated my career as an occupational therapist to improving the lives of those touched by this disease. As an occupational therapist I work with and learn from older adults in both skilled nursing facilities and home health. Sweet memories of both my grandmother and patients inspire me to advocate for better support services and a cure.

Currently as many as 5.6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. If the current trend continues, Alzheimer's will bankrupt families, communities, and our healthcare system. Nana's Angels will organize fundraiser nights at local restaurants and walk together in the Alzheimer's Walk on November 3, 2013. As a team our goal is to raise $2000 to support the Alzheimer's Association, who provide consultations, information, referrals, and support programs to our community. Each team member is asked to raise at least $25 dollars. Occupational therapy has much it can offer to this population, but most families are not aware of how they can benefit from an intervention. Help me contribute to an important cause today, by walking with us to raise awareness of our field and financial support for the people who have given so much to us!

Check out our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nanas-Angeles/389384674499025) which links to my team page through the Alzheimer's Association (http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?px=6739054&pg=personal&fr_id=3262). Read more about our team and find out what kind of role you can play to help!

Swim with Mike: OTAC’s Booth

By Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L

OTAC’s Communications Committee organized a booth led by committee chair, Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, with the assistance of occupational therapy student volunteers Robert Russow and Jennifer Waters. Having the booth provided the opportunity to discuss occupational therapy, OTAC, and Occupational Therapy Month. Our booth was located next to Adaptive Recreation, a student organization started by current student, Robert Scott, who is living with spina bifida. Adaptive Recreation’s goal is to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to be active. Together, we collaborated talking to booth visitors about occupational therapy’s role working with people living with disabilities.

OTAC’s Communications Committee was honored to have a booth at Swim with Mike, especially during Occupational Therapy Month. We look forward to participating in this event next year.  Click here to view a slideshow from the event. 

Student Leader, Dahliena Kwan, USC OT student...... Spirits in Action

Spirits in Action is an annual event held at the University of Southern California (USC) for children with disabilities in the Los Angeles area. These children are given the opportunity to play various games and win small prizes at different booths that are hosted by different organizations at USC. The Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at USC also participates in this event by hosting a sensory table that incorporates simple games with various textures and sensory experiences. Students of the Occupational Therapy Master’s Program volunteer their time at this event in order to promote the profession of occupational therapy, and to encourage participation in play activities in children with disabilities. By hosting this sensory booth, students are able to interact with the children and their parents and family;  together they are able to explore how occupational therapy promotes sensory experiences and how these different activities can help to regulate behaviors and emotions.

During my undergraduate years at USC, I was a member of the Trojan Marching Band and I would participate annually in Spirits in Action as part of the band’s performance. Therefore, I did not have a chance to actually participate in the event directly. However, this year I had the opportunity to volunteer for the event and I was excited to finally participate in hosting a booth for the children. Personally, it was amazing to see how much fun the children and their families were having and the joy that illuminated their faces while playing the games. It was great to also see that many of the parents of the children with disabilities knew about OT because their child was seeing an OT in school. For those who did not know about OT, our volunteers gladly explained the purpose of OT. This event was a great opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills because I had to learn how to effectively collaborate and communicate with the other volunteers and efficiently resolve any problems that arose during the event. Looking forward, I would love to volunteer in events like these again and help to advance and promote the profession.

Are You the Winner of a Nook?

Congratulations to Ellen Obenberger of June Lake, CA. You are the winner of the grand prize. Email the OTAC office at staff@otaconline.org or call Shannon toll-free at 888-868-3325 to claim your prize by March 8, 2013. Thank you for your support.

Today's Lucky Winner - OTAC

Julie Bissell Is Today’s Lucky Winner (Feb. 22)
Congratulations, Julie! You have won a $10 discount off of your next membership renewal. Contact the OTAC office at Shannon@otaconline.org or call toll-free at 888-686-3225 before Friday, March 1 to take advantage of this prize.

Today’s Winner of the Member Appreciation Drawing

Today’s winner of the member appreciation drawing, Natalia Feldman of San Francisco, has won a $10 discount off the 2013 Annual Conference registration in Sacramento

Congratulations, Natalia. See you in Sacramento in October.

It Never Gets Boring to Announce Prize Winners

The winner for today’s drawing (Thursday, February 7, 2013) is Amanda Woods and she has won a $5 discount on her next membership renewal. Amanda, please contact the OTAC office toll-free at 888-686-3225 within seven days of this posting to claim your prize.

The Vision in Action: Increasing Mobility Internationally through Occupational Therapy

By Kecia Coker, (OTD Cand.), MA, OTR/L, OTAC Communications Committee 

Have you ever noticed the presence or lack of community resources when you travel to a new place? Do you also notice the presence or lack of universal design features that either include or exclude people with disabilities?

If so, it’s probably because being an occupational therapy (OT) practitioner is something you can’t turn off--even on vacation!  On a trip to Indonesia to visit and support her son’s geo tourism business, Diane Mayfield, Ed.D., OTR/L couldn’t help but notice numerous people living with disabilities that were treatable or could be improved with the use of adaptive equipment. The experience had such an impact on Dr. Mayfield that she returned to the United States with a passion to volunteer her time and share her occupational therapy expertise with the international community.  

In 2006, Dr. Mayfield helped to establish Access Life International Inc. (ALI), a non-profit organization. ALI provides water purification systems and mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and ramps to communities in need.  The organization primarily assists those living in Bali, Indonesia, though they hope to expand to additional developing countries in the future.

Here’s how it works: the ALI organization trains and employs local Indonesian residents to assist people with physical disabilities. ALI employees videotape interested participants with disabilities in their living environments and send the videos to Dr. Mayfield and her Australian OT colleagues to review. The OTs assess the occupational limitations demonstrated in the video and then consult with ALI staff in Indonesia to develop a plan.  ALI staff then builds, and/or delivers mobility aids and provides training on the use of these aids to individuals and caretakers. The interventions delivered work to improve the person’s mobility, function, and access to an improved quality of life.

Dr. Mayfield’s work demonstrates the OTAC Vision in action (adopted from the AOTA Centennial Vision), “We envision that occupational therapy is a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society's occupational needs.” By increasing public awareness of OT through volunteer work, she is also an OT Leader that Shines!

Dr. Mayfield has particularly focused her leadership on promoting OT through a globally- connected workforce and by meeting the occupational needs of individuals in a developing country.  In addition to providing remote consultation services for ALI and fundraising on behalf of the organization, Dr. Mayfield travels to Bali 2 weeks out of the year to provide hands-on assistance with ALI’s operations.  In her role as Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), Dr. Mayfield has worked to establish international fieldwork placement sites. As a classroom instructor, she regularly encourages OT students and graduates to volunteer their expertise in the global community.  Dr. Mayfield says, “A successful person is a person that gives back and volunteers.”  Many CSUDH OT alumni have responded to Dr. Mayfield’s encouragement and have become OT Leaders that Shine through international volunteer work in countries such as Ghana, Ireland, and Romania. 

Dr. Mayfield describes herself as, “an advocate for people with disabilities who are unable to speak for themselves.”  In addition to being an advocate, she has also demonstrated the following leadership qualities along her journey:  

·         Passion for her work.

·         Persistence and determination when faced with challenges.  

·         Adaptability when things don’t go as planned. 

·         Respect for various cultural perspectives when developing partnerships domestically and abroad.

If you too have found your passion in international volunteer work, let us know! 

For more information about ALI or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.accessli.org.   Additional international and domestic volunteer opportunity websites can be found on this blog. Click on the Volunteer Website Resources in the “pages” section and connect to your inner OT Leader that Shines!