Living with a disability can create various challenges that impact one’s physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Occupational therapy can help individuals with disabilities regain independence, regain function, and improve their overall quality of life through the provision of occupational therapy services. Occupational therapy is more than assisting someone with basic day-to-day tasks; it is empowering individuals to actively engage in activities that have some value or importance to them.
Occupational therapists work with many different types of disabilities. They assist individuals with physical disabilities to regain movement and improve mobility. They work with people who have cognitive disabilities to develop strategies that will help them learn and succeed. And they help support emotional wellness for those who are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety due to their conditions. Occupational therapy is a valuable resource for people with disabilities who are trying to live a more independent life.
Here at Soaring Together, we recognize the impact that occupational therapy has on those with disabilities and the potential that it provides for individuals with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential and live as independently as possible.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) offers the opportunity for individuals to develop or regain their everyday living abilities in a client-centered, holistic manner. Examples of everyday activities include basic self-care tasks, such as dressing and meals, to more complex activities involving social engagement and community participation.
As an occupational therapist, you will:
- Help teach individuals to live independently through skill acquisition in the areas of cooking, grooming, and personal hygiene.
- Use various types of adaptive devices (such as weighted blankets and light therapy devices) to provide support for the individual in his or her ability to focus, coordinate movements, maintain balance, and process sensory information.
- Perform modifications to the individual’s living or work environment to enhance comfort, accessibility, and safety.
- Provide education about and/or introduce assistive technology to promote independence.
- Encourage the development of a healthy routine that will support a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
- Reduce pain and enhance overall quality of life, allowing the individual to participate in meaningful activities.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for People with Disabilities
The positive effects of Occupational therapy are immense:
- Greater mobility & range of motion
- Less Pain and Fatigue
- Improved Ability to Utilize Assistive Devices
- Home Adaptations to Be Accessible and Adapt to a Disabled Person’s Living Environment
- Improved Memory and Cognitive Ability
- Developed Skills and Coping Strategies for Managing Disability
- Ability to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, & Emotional Challenges
- Increased Self-Esteem & Mood
- Improved Relationships & Social Support
By treating both Physical and Emotional Needs, Occupational Therapy helps people with disabilities live a more independent life with much greater satisfaction.
What Is an NDIS Occupational Therapist?
An NDIS Occupational Therapist is a trained individual who helps people with disabilities achieve daily functioning and independence through individualised assessments of ability, challenges, and goal development.
The NDIS Occupational Therapy process incorporates the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of an individual’s health. The assessment determines the NDIS participant’s major life activity.
The therapist collaborates with the NDIS participant to develop an individualised therapy plan that supports the participant to:
- Participate in meaningful activities.
- Increase self-confidence.
- Collaborate with other providers in the NDIS support system and allied health staff.
An NDIS occupational therapist brings together all components of the participant’s NDIS plan to promote the participant’s independence and wellness.
What to Expect from NDIS Occupational Therapy
NDIS-funded occupational therapy services provided by Soaring Together are designed to meet
the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The expected outcomes of this service are based on your individualised support plan and would typically include:
- Assessment and Evaluation – Identifying your strengths and limitations, as well as determining your support needs, allows you to develop a tailored plan for intervention.
- Skill Development – Your therapist will provide you with the support necessary to improve your various daily living skills, skills related to mobility, communication, and participation in your community.
- Assistive Technology – Assistance in selecting and utilising appropriate assistive devices that enable independence during daily activities.
- Home Modifications – Recommendations for home modifications that will help provide a safe, accessible, and functional setting that will support your mobility needs.
- Therapeutic Intervention – Use of validated therapy techniques to help you enhance your daily activities and overall well-being.
- Coordination and Collaboration – Working with you, your family, and any other NDIS service providers to coordinate supports, goals, and objectives of your care.
The experienced team of occupational therapy professionals at Soaring Together is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities live more independently and achieve their personal goals. If you require support through the NDIS or other means to develop your practical daily living skills or gain access to necessary equipment, we are available to provide guidance and support throughout your entire journey.
Contact us to learn more about our NDIS-funded Occupation Therapy Services, and to begin your journey toward greater independence and a more fulfilling life.
