OT-recommended assistive technology helps a boy with writing challenges

Eight-year-old John was feeling frustrated. He could speak well but had poor fine motor skills, which affected the speed and quality of his printing. As a result, he found it hard to keep up with his school work.

An OT started working with John to help him improve his fine motor and printing skills. But writing continued to be hard for him, so the OT suggested assistive technology which included software that could read text, predict words, and allow John to speak out his ideas. His teacher was also trained on how to use the curriculum-based software.

These solutions helped John work well within his class and feel proud of what he can do. They even proved to be helpful for many other students in the classroom.

OT makes a big difference for a boy with a sensory processing disorder

A sensory processing disorder and learning disability made it difficult for Gregg to perform well in school and make friends. He was always chewing on the front of his shirt, to the point where it would get soaked almost right down to the waist and his parents had to make sure he always had extra shirts on hand.

Gregg’s gym teacher talked with Gregg’s parents and suggested they find an OT. In addition to weekly therapy to develop sensory processing, the OT worked with Gregg and his parents to find something else for Gregg to chew on that would be more socially acceptable. One idea was for Gregg to wear a Chewelry necklace, which is designed to be chewed on safely. At first Gregg did not want to bring the necklace to school. His parents spoke with the gym teacher, who asked for his own Chewelry necklace and started wearing it to class. This made Gregg feel comfortable using his necklace at school. He no longer chews on his shirts and now feels more comfortable among his classmates.

Young man with a history of schizophrenia succeeds in entering the workforce

Diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was 17, Joel had a few bad years when he was in and out of hospital. At age 21 he felt ready to start looking for a part-time job but was insecure about his diagnosis. He worried employers would judge him before they had a chance to see what he could do.

Joel met with an OT who sat down with him and helped him set a goal: to find a job working at a grocery store. Together, they found a few stores that were hiring and with support from the OT, Joel found the confidence to put together a resume and apply for a position in a local store. The OT then set up a couple of practice job interviews, where Joel could work out his answers to the usual interview questions and ensure he maintained eye contact.

Thanks to the help and support from the OT, Joel got a job. He had the confidence and the right words he needed to perform well in a job interview. He was also able to explain the special considerations he needs in the workplace. Joel and his employer worked together to introduce him to his job in a way that would ensure his success at work.

OT supports a cancer patient as she gradually transitions back to work

After spending the last two years recovering from breast cancer, Samara, a 43-year-old executive was ready to return to work. She was worried about her continuing feelings of tiredness and wondered if she would able to handle the same amount of work she had before she got cancer.

Samara decided to contact an occupational therapist available through the employee assistance program as part of her workplace benefits. The OT met with Samara and looked at what she could do and how much she could push herself. Working with Samara and her employer, the OT also identified the key demands of Samara’s job. The three of them worked together to create a return to work plan and a schedule that would allow Samara to slowly return to her work duties.

The OT was also available to provide coaching and support. Samara felt uneasy talking about her illness with other employees and wanted to find a better way to answer their questions. With practice Samara became confident and comfortable talking to co-workers and her employer about her weaknesses and strengths. Once everyone saw that Samara was feeling better and was making a successful return to work, they began to include her in all work activities again.

OT strategies help Sam cope with the effects of a stroke

After being admitted to hospital because of a stroke, Sam needed a lot of help with the activities of daily living such as feeding, and getting to the bathroom. He also had problems responding to people and his environment. He did not make eye contact when people came into the room and when his meals arrived, he did not touch the food on the tray unless he was told that he needed to eat.

An OT was asked to assess Sam’s ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADLs) and see how safely he could return home. The OT found that Sam had “unilateral neglect“ – the stroke had caused brain damage which made Sam unaware of the left side of his body and people and things that were in his left field of vision. This affected his ability to do things on his own.

The OT worked with Sam to identify his goals and develop a plan, including ways to increase his awareness of the left side. The OT also worked with the hospital team to incorporate these strategies into everyday contact with him. Sam was referred to inpatient rehabilitation where he worked with the OT to increase his independence and safety in his everyday activities so he could return home.

Once Sam was ready to leave the hospital the OT went with him to his home. The OT suggested simple changes to the home and other strategies that would make it easier and safer for Sam to do the things he needed to do around the house. The OT also made plans for Sam to go to outpatient therapy and to be assessed again for driving in three to six months.