OTA 1230 OT Modalities Lab II

Students will learn theory of assistive technology and application of upper extremity dynamic splinting, prostheses, orthotic devices, computer technology, environmental controls, and specialty areas of practice. This is a designated service-learning course.

Stacy Forden

04/15/2024

AD reflection

The reason I decided to create this device is because I have a friend who has Lupus and Scleroderma. One of the things she must deal with is calcium deposits in her joints, especially her elbows. This is something she has been dealing with since she was 16 years old, and she has had many surgeries to remove them since then. She has even performed her own surgery and wound care since she gets them so often. One of the major triggers for this growth is friction and pressure on the joints.

While talking to her and asking how I might be able to help, she let me know that sleep is one of her biggest challenges, since even the pressure and friction of the bed is too much for her. Currently, she is using a sheepskin wrap that Velcro's onto her arm, but it is not tight enough and moves around at night, leaving her unprotected. She also uses weightless beanbags, but she has to lay flat on her back all night, which is uncomfortable. Learning all of this, we decided that I was going to make her arm sleeves that gave her 360-degree protection, lined with sherpa and also filled with mini bean bag beads.

I do not sew, so I worked with some friends of mine in the Fashion Design program at SLCC. We spent a total of 30 hours working on these and making them just right. We had to draft our own pattern and learn how to work with the material. We ended up making two pairs: one with the beads and one without the beads that had a double layer of sherpa. I was thrilled to hear how much they helped my friend when she got them and that they allowed her to have a full, restful night's sleep.