Occupational Therapy Students Studying At Canterbury Christ Church University Will Celebrate National Occupational Therapy Week, England

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Also Included In: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy;  Public Health
Article Date: 04 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PST

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The students aim to raise awareness of the role of Occupational Therapists by highlighting numerous settings in which they may work. The students will be encouraging the public to participate in a number of activities, some of which will provide the opportunity to gain an insight as to some of the obstacles faced by those experiencing challenges to their Health and/ or Wellbeing. These activities will include:

- Trying to put on items of clothing using various dressing aids.
- Attempting to prepare a sandwich whilst wearing specially adapted glasses which replicate various visual impairments.
- Negotiating your way around campus whilst using a walking aid or wheelchair.

Further activities will focus upon defining Health and Wellbeing, and exploring the scope of the role of the Occupational Therapist. There is also a piece of art work on display created by one of the Occupational Therapy students, celebrating the history of Occupational Therapy in Britain.

The Occupational Therapy students will show participants how they help people return to work after illness or injury; ensure older adults remain in their own homes even when frail; and help disabled children and their parents lead fulfilling lives.

Fellow student, (need another name), agreed: "It is important to educate people on the challenges those with disabilities and impairments face when it comes to dealing with every day situations which others take for granted."

Occupational Therapists are skilled in identifying a person's physical, psychosocial and social needs. They work with a variety of individuals who have difficulty in carrying out their everyday and meaningful occupations. Most commonly, Occupational Therapists work with people who may have a variety of physical or mental health limitations enabling them to maximise their skills and abilities. Services include: treatment programmes to improve a person's ability to perform daily activities and/or to improve their social skills; comprehensive home assessments with adaption recommendations; and guidance to family members, caregivers and much more.

Lecturer of the University's Allied Health Professions, Gemma Taylor-Wyard, explained: "We are keen to raise awareness about the valuable role of Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapists work with people who have experienced changes in their lives, to develop or maintain aspects of daily living that are important and meaningful to them. It is a fantastic profession that helps people lead more independent and rewarding lives and our students have invited the general public to see this for themselves."

Occupational Therapy at Canterbury Christ Church University

Occupational Therapy undergraduate education aims to develop professionals who help people to lead a life that is meaningful to them and is based on the individual's unique occupational choices. Reflecting changes in society and regarding the rights of people with disabilities, Occupational Therapy programmes enable students to understand how illness, disability, the environment and social or economic circumstances impact on the ability of individuals to carry out their chosen occupations and activities.

The philosophy and beliefs that underpin occupational therapy are that occupation, in its widest sense, is a major factor in the health and well-being of people, and can be used therapeutically. Client-centred approaches to therapy, are strongly embedded in the pre-qualifying interprofessional undergraduate programme. The programme reflects current health and social care policy and the standards described in a range of National Service frameworks and best practice guides.

Source
Claire Draper, Media Relations Officer
Canterbury Christ Church University