Neurotransmitter Project

Man Down South

After reading the short story, we are encouraged to think of what a life would be like if someone lost one, or multiple, fingers. In the story “Man Down South”, a soldier is willing to bet losing one of his fingers. If this character had lost the bet, he would have an extremely difficult time completing his occupations. For example, activities for a soldier such as holding/grasping a gun or weapon, carrying equipment, exercising, and simply putting on gear might have proven to be extremely taxing, if not impossible, without the use of some adaptive equipment. As for the woman at the end of the story, it is clear that she has lost all but two of her fingers and now has to have her hair washed by someone else, indicating she has lost function of an essential ADL. We can assume she has lost the capability to perform many of her other occupations with ease including being able to drive with both hands, opening certain packaging, writing, and/or fixing her hair. Adaptive equipment such as...

History Gives Power to the Present

History of Occupational Therapy In order to fully understand and connect with an individual, you must first be able to appreciate and understand their past. Having knowledge about the past can help one fully understand the power of the present. On Monday, January 27th, we had Dr. Keisling come to our class and explain the history of individuals with disabilities, as well as the way legislation has, and continues to, shape their lives in the community, education system, and workforce. I was heartbroken as I heard Dr. Keisling explain the 20th century outlook on individuals with disabilities. The labels surrounding this population included terms such as criminals, weak, and insane. The negative outlook on people with disabilities led to involuntary sterilizations and institutional facilities across the Unites States, most of which did not provide safe and appropriate housing, nonetheless adequate healthcare. As the lecture moved along, we began seeing change, specifically with healthc...

Transfers

The term “mobility” is defined as having controlled instability. The order in which we are able to restore confidence in mobility based on increasing activity demands is as follows: Bed mobility, mat transfers, wheelchair transfers, bed transfers, functional ambulation for ADL’s, toilet and tub transfers, car transfer, functional ambulation, and community mobility and driving. I do believe this is a logical order once you begin to examine what an individual must do, and is able to do, in order to perform certain tasks. For example, we wouldn’t want to begin working with a patient getting out of their car when they cannot even get out of their bed safely. I do believe I have seen this approach used in much of my job shadowing experience, specifically when the therapist is working on getting the client out of the bed and then safely to the bathroom. Many times, the therapist would work consistently on getting the patient out of bed safely, and if they were able to do so, move on to the...

Liz Burton MOT/S

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