Occupational therapy and wheelchair users



Upholding a job, having a balanced life and being an integral member of society throughout life is an important part of the hardworking Kiwi culture, I can only imagine how challenging it is to go through the transition from being able to complete daily occupations competently, to having to rely on a wheelchair to complete these occupations that many take for granted. 

Here is a short YouTube clip that highlights some of the problems wheelchair users face in their everyday life and how just a little bit of thought can make their lives so much easier.

                            
                   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB0PI3lsYGk

         With the support and co-operation of health professionals and friends and family wheelchair users can work towards reengagement into their previous life roles and chosen occupations. The occupational therapist is a key support person within this type of rehabilitation as they take on the role of the ‘wheelchair therapist’ who facilitates the goal of enhancing client participation in occupation through technical intervention.

         Wheelchairs are effective in compensating for a decrease or loss of function and preventing further loss of function in order to manage daily life. According to Reid, Laliberte-Rudman, & Hebert, (2002), the prescription of wheeled seated mobility devices for clients with mobility impairment is a growing area in occupational therapy practice. This falls under the main goal of improving occupational performance.

         The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) refers to occupational performance as, the ability to choose and satisfactorily perform meaningful occupations that are culturally defined, and appropriate for looking after one’s self (self-care), enjoying life (leisure), and contributing to the social and economic fabric in the community (productivity).

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. (2012). What is Occupational Therapy? Retrieved 31 July 2012 from: http://www.caot.ca/default_home.asp?pageid=2399

Reid, D., Laliberte-Rudman, D., & Hebert, D. (2002). Impact of wheeled seated mobility devices on adult users' and their caregivers' occupational performance: A critical literature review. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(5), 261-80. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview