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For the meal preparation lab, I chose to experience both a hearing impairment and being non-weight-bearing on my left leg. I was excited about experiencing the hearing impairment, as it's a challenge many elderly people face. I wanted to gain a better understanding of their perspective. However, I was quite nervous about navigating the kitchen with only one leg, especially with many people around.
The most challenging aspect was moving objects from one place to another. Without a walker with a basket, I had to ask for help whenever I needed something from across the room. Additionally, holding my leg up and standing on my unaffected leg for extended periods proved to be very difficult. The hearing loss didn't pose any problems until I started eating. Every bite I took was the only sound I could hear. This was frustrating, causing me to intentionally avoid eating when anyone was talking, making mealtime much longer than usual for me.
If I were setting up the kitchen for a similar intervention, I would make a few changes. Firstly, I would ensure everything is readily accessible, reducing the need to expend more energy than necessary. Secondly, I'd limit the number of people in the kitchen to create a more manageable environment. Lastly, I would teach participants energy conservation techniques, such as sitting down while cooking. This conservation approach was particularly helpful, as it allowed me to rest my leg on the ground, relieving the pressure on my hip from constantly holding it up.
This activity greatly helped me understand what it's like to navigate daily life with a disability. I was surprised by how exhausted I felt that night, from hopping around, using a walker, and standing on my unaffected leg. It emphasized the importance of energy conservation and the value of asking for help when needed. Participating in this activity has made me more aware of the challenges someone with a disability faces and will significantly shape the OTA I will become in the future.
Stacy Forden
12/04/2023
Clinic
Service-learning reflection
My experience in the clinic this semester was very eye-opening and provided me with a better understanding of what I will be doing next semester, running interventions of my own. I had the opportunity to observe various interventions, including adult onsite, adult telehealth, and pediatric telehealth. I must admit that when I first walked into the clinic environment, I had no idea what was going on. It was somewhat overwhelming since the client brought up emotions in me and many of my classmates. However, I am grateful for this experience because it allowed me and my classmates to get closer and bond over a shared experience.
The clinic experience connected all of my learning throughout the semester. We were able to learn about different deficits in physical dysfunction and then witness them in real life in the clinic. Additionally, I had the opportunity to learn about a variety of adaptive devices in Modalities and see them in action while creating adaptive devices for patients. The class where I experienced the most crossover engagement was Fieldwork, where we learned how to write SOAP notes. As SOAP notes are a significant aspect of our future professional work, the opportunity to observe interventions in the clinic and practice writing SOAP notes was incredibly valuable.
Participating in the clinic will significantly influence my personal growth because it provided me with a real look at what I will be doing as a professional in the industry. I am grateful for the introduction to occupational therapy that the clinic provides and am both excited and nervous about running my own clinic and treatment programs next semester.
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