Looking Back

    I observed several different settings before applying to OT school. Since I have never been around kids, I was certain I would not want to work with them. Regardless, I decided to shadow an pediatric OT just to get 'dip my toes in the water'. I shadowed an Occupational Therapist who worked at the Children's Hospital at TriStar Centennial.
     After a couple of months in the program, I can tell you that she worked at an outpatient setting and the hospital was public agency. As most students, I was not a big part of the planning and documenting, and simply got to observe the therapy and interaction with the client and family. Before I never thought of a family showing appreciation as inappropriate. Now looking back, it makes sense that many parents brought the therapists donuts and coffee collectively, as to avoid singling anyone out.

Universal Design

     Assistive technology, or most commonly known as adaptive technology, is defined as, "products, devices  or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that are used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities". It is also one of the major factors that first drew me into the realm of occupational therapy. To put it in my own terms, it is equipment that provides every individual with the opportunity to become who they aspire to be. To ensure that people everywhere can enjoy life and participate in the occupations that they desire, regardless of whether they can squeeze in the small box society calls "normal". 
    
      I love the way Michael Nesmith explains universal design, stating that disability is the driving force of innovation. Negating my family's perspective that laziness is what keeps humans constantly inventing new ways to simplify our life, I find this position much more humbling and bright. The way I see it is that the human race is all disabled in a way. We are not all powerful or all knowing. Thus, to makeup for the human limit, we create technology to make our life easier. People are not telepathic so we invented phones or now skype/facetime technology for when we want to communicate. People cannot fly, so we designed cars and airplanes to allow us to travel faster. When we want things done quicker, we invent a machine that is not inhibited by fatigue other like the human necessities etc. 

     Basically, everyone has something wonderful to contribute to this world. The difference several decades have made in society's acceptance and accommodations of all people is truly up-lifting. But it is not enough. However, I believe that step by step we can design a world that is universally accessible.