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The Occupational Therapy Hub is your global community platform, championing the profession and passionately empowering clinicians, students and those they support. We do this via connection, education and continuing professional development (CPD) resources. Free and Plus+ Memberships are available to everyone. Join today! Networking and Connections Education and CPD Resources Your global occupational therapy community Free Membership Membership Plus+ The platform and app run by practising Occupational Therapists. News + Latest Grown and shaped by 24,000+ Members , in 195 countries . Member Directory Established 2017 Passionately empowering clinicians, students and those they support The Mission To show the world the value of our health and social care profession . To share knowledge and resources, across an international community. To provide a community of practice , reducing geographical and professional isolation. Join the profession's global community Inclusive Membership options, for everyone Free Membership Lifetime access to key Hub tools and resources. ✔ Member Profile Page ✔ OT Circles ✔ Therapy Articles (free sections) ✔ Therapy Videos ✔ Podcast Portal ✔ Service Directory ✔ The OT Journal Club ✔ OT Books: Buy & Sell Join free Plus+ Membership Exclusive tools and resources, via annual or quarterly plans. ✔ Member Profile Page ✔ OT Circles ✔ Therapy Articles (full library) ✔ Therapy Videos ✔ Podcast Portal ✔ Service Directory ✔ The OT Journal Club ✔ OT Books: Buy & Sell ✔ OT CPD Courses ✔ OT Updates ✔ OT Downloads ✔ OT Webinars ✔ Research Portal 3.0 ✔ OT Interventions ✔ Case Studies ✔ Advancing OT ✔ Priority Hub Response Learn more / Upgrade Plus+ Corporate Empower organisations or teams with the benefit of Plus+! ✔ Member Profile Page ✔ OT Circles ✔ Therapy Articles (full library) ✔ Therapy Videos ✔ Podcast Portal ✔ Service Directory ✔ The OT Journal Club ✔ OT Books: Buy & Sell ✔ OT CPD Courses ✔ OT Updates ✔ OT Downloads ✔ OT Webinars ✔ Research Portal 3.0 ✔ OT Interventions ✔ Case Studies ✔ Advancing OT ✔ Priority Hub Response Learn more / Enquire Membership options Testimonials "The Occupational Therapy Hub is a great source of content and connection. Well done! I will share it with the rest of our team." Norma - Care Expert; Specialist Occupational Therapist; Manual Handling Consultant (LinkedIn, 2024) News + Latest News + Latest Free Independent Practitioners → Tackling the big questions on going independent! "I have been asked by a friend of a friend if I would do a sensory assessment on her daughter. I said no as I am currently doing my SI training, so would wait until I am qualified. It did get me thinking though: What do I need to do to practice as an independent practitioner?... I don't know where to start" - Sarah. Join the (free) OT Circle , then engage in this new discussion. Access this great form of continuing professional development (CPD) right here - or via The OT Hub app . 24/06/2025 OT Circles Plus+ Diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorder (FND) 'FND, previously regarded as a diagnosis of exclusion, is now a rule-in diagnosis with available treatments. This represents a major step toward destigmatising the disorder... Rehabilitative interventions (physical and occupational therapy) are treatments of choice for functional motor symptoms, while psychotherapy is an emerging evidence based treatment across FND subtypes.' Are you a Plus+ Member ? If so, visit the Neurology theme of our Research Portal, to access a growing library of research journals from around the world! 21/06/2025 Research Portal Statement Human Intelligence: Our position on Artificial Intelligence (AI) When your work centres around health and wellbeing of others, trust in the information you read is fundamental . Trust that the learning you are absorbing has been carefully considered, well-researched and reviewed by a qualified clinician, not a machine. AI is a growing presence in our world and we embrace the benefits it can bring to organisation and efficiency. However, as a Hub Member or visitor, you can be confident in the knowledge that our articles, courses, research and documents have been written by real OTs and fellow practitioners. Not robots. 19/06/2025 Our Policies Plus+ SI-based sports training on motor/social skills development in children with ASD Study findings of this new research show that this method 'significantly improves motor and social functioning' in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering a promising approach for therapeutic and educational rehabilitation programs. Upgraded to Membership Plus+ ? Visit the Neurodiversity theme of the Research Portal to download this 2025 research. 12/06/2025 Research Portal Plus+ The Value of Occupational Therapy: Falls Assessment and Reduction The data points to falls being increasingly common in later life - posing a significant risk to the health, wellbeing and quality life of (especially but not exclusively) older adults. Occupational therapists play a key role in 'seeing the bigger picture', assessing risks and adjusting the home environment, thereby improving safety and minimising falls. In doing so, older adults worldwide are better able to lead meaningful, independent day-to-day lives. Plus+ Members can read the new piece right here, or via The OT Hub app . 08/06/2025 OT Interventions Free Equipment, Aids + Adaptations → Safe and resistant toothbrush? "Reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for a sturdy, durable toothbrush, for a student who tends to bite down hard during oral care. We've had several instances where standard toothbrushes have broken in the mouth, which raises concerns about safety and potential choking risks... If you’ve used any specific products or have strategies that have worked well in similar situations, I'd greatly appreciate your input." Connect with Eve and others right here in the Hub's OT Circles - or on-the-go, via The OT Hub app . 03/06/2025 OT Circles On-demand education: OT CPD Courses Moving and Handling: A Dignified Approach 2 Plans Available More info / Join Supporting Communication: The SLT-OT Synergy 2 Plans Available More info / Join Improve Client Outcomes with Positive Psychology 2 Plans Available More info / Join Your eyes into OT: Therapy Articles Autism and Sensory Integration OT Interventions (Plus+) The Value of Occupational Therapy: Falls Assessment and Reduction OT Interventions (Plus+) The Impact of Occupational Therapy on Lymphoedema Management Clinical Reference Networking and learning: OT Circles Circles Mental Health Public · 334 members Join Wheelchairs and Specialist Seating Public · 82 members Join Approaches + Frameworks Public · 121 members Join Independent Practitioners Private · 173 members Request To Join Neurodivergent OTs Public · 183 members Join Equipment, Aids + Adaptations Public · 114 members Join Show More We believe in the power of for health and wellbeing occupation

Learn all about occupational therapy (OT)! Frequently asked questions and answers, quotes, videos and graphics about the health and social care discipline and profession. What is Occupational Therapy? Information and public awareness Questions and answers, quotes, videos and graphics about the health and social care profession of occupational therapy (OT). OT FAQ Graphic by Hay, OTR MOT , 2022 We love how the occupational therapy ethos is captured in this image. Hay says she is 'Blessed to be a part of this amazing profession, to serve individuals in their everyday lives!' "Occupational therapy - where science , creativity and compassion collide." Jessica Kensky (2016 AOTA Welcome Ceremony) "Occupational therapy: Arguably the most empowering , creative , holistic and meaning-enhancing health and social care profession. We are proud to use client-centred outcome measures, models of practice and prioritise active engagement in self-care, productivity and leisure. We are occupational therapy practitioners. Adding life to days ." Jamie Grant - Occupational Therapist; Director, The Occupational Therapy Hub "Occupational therapy training provides the occupational therapist with the skills to plan and deliver purposeful, meaningful activity . Occupational therapists and assistants believe that doing things that you enjoy has a positive impact on your health and well-being. Our occupations, or activities, provided us with a role , routine and structure . They define who we are , fill our time and prevent us from boredom" Alice McGarvie - Occupational Therapist, From the Harp "We see humans as having an inherent need to act – to do things. We can break down these actions (or occupations) into what we want to do , what we need to do and the skills we need to be able to do them. While there will always be some overlap, an example might be that I want to play the guitar and I need to be able to go to the toilet. There are also a range of (physical, cognitive, emotional) skills that I need, to be able to manage both of these occupations. A big factor that impacts on my ability to do these things is the environment around me. If my social environment doesn’t like the sound of bad guitar players, my progress will be hampered. The environment will hinder my functioning. If my toilet is upstairs and I can’t use my legs then again, the environment is not helping me to do what I need. OT practitioners help people to identify the things they want and need to do in their lives, identify areas where skills development is needed and assess how the environment helps or hinders people in achieving their goals ." Keir Harding - Occupational Therapist; Clinical Lead, Beam Consultancy Occupational Therapy: A Snapshot from Indonesia Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Video by : Aliffiya Alhani Rahmisafitra , Anak Agung Istri Nada Iswari , Aurellia Novanda Rahmadanty , Jihan Fithriyyah , Marshalena Chandra and Pitriani , 2024 Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners help people to improve their health, wellness and quality of life, valuing all aspects of living. This video captures the breadth of clients, challenges and occupations that OTs passionately support [view expanded video screen on a desk/laptop for the examples]. May the profession of occupational therapy become increasingly recognised, for the greater benefit of society! What is occupational therapy? Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Video created by Occupational Therapist Hannah Spencer , 2019 Whilst on student placement in a Learning Disabilities and Mental Health setting, Hannah produced a selection of easy read laminates about occupational therapy and the OT Process. The resources produced evidenced understanding of the profession, the OT Process and the PEO model, presented in a way that demonstrated consideration of patients' needs. OT FAQ Why choose occupational therapy as a career? There are a breadth of reasons to choose to become an occupational therapist. Below are a key few: Making a genuine difference to people's everyday lives - meaning, roles, confidence, ability Working with varied groups of people - children, teenagers, adults, the elderly; cultural and socio-economic contrasts Working in varied settings - hospitals, schools, the community, charities, prisons; statutory and private services Having career flexibility, to retrain and specialise within other areas of practice This video provides insights into why others chose this career path: [Source: Royal College of Occupational Therapists] The Occupational Therapy Africa Regional Group (OTARG) share this short video clip. It highlights that, to be truly fulfilled and successful in the world of occupational therapy, you must have a passion for the work you are doing: [Credit: OTARG] OTARG is a non-profit professional organisation for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, occupational therapy technicians and students in Africa, aiming to promote OT in Africa. In universities across Canada, occupational therapy students took part in the 'gOT Spirit Challenge', an annual competition to promote the profession. Watch this lighthearted, lively entry from Queen's University: [Source: Queen's University 2016; YouTube - Dustin Thatcher] What makes a successful occupational therapy practitioner? Key skills, abilities and knowledge A warm bedside manner Excellent rapport-building Excellent communication skills Knowledge of psychology Sensitivity and understanding Ability to use your initiative Flexible and open to change Knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations Ability to design and develop individual treatment programmes Ability to form good working relationships with a wide variety of people Ability to motivate patients/clients who may be disappointed or frustrated Counselling skills, including active listening and a non-judgemental approach Competent use of computer and main software packages [Source: National Careers Service] Source: RCOT [YouTube] Useful articles 10 Reasons Why You Will Succeed as an Occupational Therapist: OT Career Path Career Advice Articles: American Occupational Therapy Association Source: icould Career Stories [YouTube] 13 Essential Characteristics of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants Exceptional communication skills While working with the patients, occupational therapists need to listen and explain them the situations and tasks. If they are working with a child patient, they must be capable of converting the complex terms into simpler ones so that the child can understand it. Besides this, they also need to communicate with other team members and doctors. So, it is necessary for them to be clear, efficient, and confident while listening and speaking at the time of such discussions. Outstanding personal skills These professionals work with the patients of all age groups undergoing any physical, mental or emotional disability. Also, the basic nature of the patients varies a lot. Some may be very calm while others may be rude, frustrated or impatient. Thus, they must know the way to deal with all of them and help them get the desired results faster. Problem solving abilities Problem solving skills play a vital role in the jobs related to occupational therapy. Different clients may have different problems. For the success of the cases, you must make a strategy on how to solve all these distinctive issues effectively, without any major failure. Physical strength Physical strength is quite a major requisite for the occupational therapists and related job titles. They have to serve the clients throughout the day, travel from one area to another and stand by the side of the patients irrespective of the time and duration. Thus, if you want to be an OT, you must have a great physical strength to manage such a busy and hectic schedule. Possess a helpful nature An occupational therapist should be very helpful as this is all that they have to show in their profile. It is one of the most important qualities they must possess otherwise they can’t give their best to the patients. All day long, they should be ready to assist the clients for every type of help they want. From helping them in moving around to guiding them through some money related problems, an occupational therapist has to be the guardian angel to their client. Organisation skills For being a proficient occupational therapist, one must be a good organiser. Along with their own schedule, they also need to manage the client’s timetable. Also, they have to properly maintain all the documented records, appointments, meetings with other team members and professionals, etc. Only an organised occupational therapist can provide a well-planned treatment and high-quality care to the patients, so its a must that s/he must have management skills. Boast patience It is easier to write “Keep Patience” to a patient’s ward, but it is not so easy to implement the same. Patience is believed to be the most important attribute that one must have to be in this profession. Sometimes, occupational therapists might have to face rude, impatient, frustrated, depressed or stubborn patients. So, they must keep their patience to tread through these everyday situations. Some clients may achieve success in their condition in a few months or weeks while some may take years. So, you just need to keep hold of the case to be an efficient occupational therapist. Compassion and empathy One should opt occupational therapy as a career only if s/he is empathetic and compassionate. Most of the clients of occupational therapy are not only physically disabled but also, mentally and emotionally sensitive. In that phase of life, they need a genuinely warm-hearted and sympathetic occupational therapist who understands them and treats them accordingly. Acquire creativity No one can learn to be creative as it is an inherent characteristic of human beings. Being an occupational therapist, many times you have to modify the tasks and schedule of the patients. For example, you can take a desolate kid to have fun at an amusement park, instead of taking him to a general rehabilitation centre. Your creative methods can help the clients come out of the dilemma and it may result into their active participation in the healthcare programs organised by you. Good writing skills Akin to communication skills, writing qualities are also quite important to became a highly efficient occupational therapist. It is because you need to keep the detailed files and records of all the clients in order to assist them, their family, and your team. You should state the exact condition of the patients on the papers so that it is easier for you and the medical staff to understand what you are doing and exactly how you are doing it. Keeping the details documented will not only help you and the healthcare staff but also the caretakers when you are not around. 'Cheerleading' skills Being an occupational therapist, your words must have the power to motivate your patients and ignite the passion in them to make their life normal once again. Motivation is very important for such depressed, frustrated and troubled people. An enthusiastic OT with great cheerleading skills can make the patients do the things that seem impossible. A good observer Besides being a good listener, a successful occupational therapist must also be a good observer and analytical. S/he should have the ability to analyse the situation and needs of the patients along with handling their complaints. An OT must observe and evaluate the things and procedures that are suitable for their clients and must act accordingly. For example, if a patient moves abnormally, a good OT would recognise the reason for it and would plan the course of the patient accordingly. Flexibility You never know what kind of client you are going to deal with, as disorders can happen to anyone and they may need your assistance. Thus, being an occupational therapist, you should be flexible enough to work with a wide variety of people. You must have the ability to establish a good inter-relationship bond with them, irrespective of their religion, race or nationality. [Source: Top Occupational Therapy Schools] Working environment, hours and salary? You will usually work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. Some services, such as within community physical health and inpatient mental health, work on a shift basis. This can include working early, late or weekend shifts. You could work with clients at a variety of settings, including: hospitals health centres residential or nursing homes GP surgeries schools prisons in the community at a client's home or workplace You will need mental and physical stamina, as this is a very practical job. [Source: National Careers Service] Salary? The average salary of an Occupational Therapist varies significantly internationally. Salary rates can also vary between private and and public health services. If you are seeking to become an Occupational Therapist to make a fortune, you are looking at the wrong career. Occupational Therapists generally earn equivalent salaries to other health professionals, such as Nurses and Social Workers. An Occupational Therapist's salary will generally increase with years of service and level of experience. Source: Health Careers (October 2019) What are the entry requirements to the profession? Depending on your country and proposed university of study, entry level to occupational therapy can be at apprenticeship, diploma, bachelor, masters or doctoral level. To be accepted into an occupational therapy educational program you will need to meet its specific admission requirements and prerequisites. Once graduated you will likely need to be registered with a health registration board and will be subject to background checks and annual registration requirements, such as continuing professional development (CPD). As an example, in the UK, you will need: an apprenticeship, degree or postgraduate qualification in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) professional registration with the HCPC to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults To do a postgraduate course in occupational therapy, you will usually need a degree in a related subject and some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. [Source: National Careers Service] How do I go about finding and applying to a university? You can search for approved entry level occupational therapy educational programs worldwide, on the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)'s website. Some countries may allow programs that are not WFOT approved, but this may this may restrict you working in certain countries or access to further study (Source: WFOT). The tertiary admissions process is likely to be slightly different between countries, so we recommend that you make contact with the university directly to check their admissions process. It is often recommended that you visit at least one occupational therapy service for job shadowing, prior to university interviews. Universities need to know you have some insight into what the career involves! Can I work as an Occupational Therapist in another country? Yes! If you are a qualified Occupational Therapist you can work in different countries. Every country has slightly different requirements, regarding a working visa, professional indemnity insurance, occupational therapy registration, association membership, etc. Some countries, such as the United States of America, also require you to pass a certification exam. If you are wanting more information about working overseas, read this useful publication: Occupational Therapy International Practice Guide 2020 (WFOT). More sources of information: Contribute content: OT Circles Therapy Articles Submit knowledge here

Enhance your life-long learning and daily clinical practice, with exclusive occupational therapy resources: OT CPD Courses, OT Updates, OT Downloads, OT Webinars, Research Portal, Advancing OT, Case Studies and OT Interventions. With Priority Response from the Hub Team. Plus + Membership Enhance your life-long learning and daily clinical practice. Become a Plus+ Member. Scroll or click images for previews: Exclusive occupational therapy resources. Plus+ Members also s u pport the Hub, to further support our profession . Why upgrade? Unlimited access to: OT CPD Courses Learn from clinicians globally, via self-paced continuing professional development (CPD) courses. T esting and reflection consolidates knowledge; a CPD certificate and Hub Badge evidences your participation. C ourses are free to Plus+ Members. Further info via the Courses FAQ . OT Updates Profession al news and stories collated from around the world, all in one place OT Downloads Assessments, documents, presentations, graphics, clinical and reflective tools * OT Webinars Video interviews, presentations and demonstrations Research Por tal 3.0 Online gateway to access and showcase occupational therapy research OT Interventions E ngagement techniques, rehab approaches, evidence-based support plans Case Stud ies L ibrary of in-depth therapy input, with anonymised patients and service users Advancing OT Projects, ideas and collaborations, that raise awareness of and advance the profession Priority Respons e Enquiries to the Hub Team are addressed ahead of Free Members * Want to purchase individual OT Downloads , without upgrading? Visi t the Hub Store On upgrading to Plus+: "I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in to the resources, as they look fantastic . Thank you for your hard work on The Occupational Therapy Hub." Carina (email, 2024) Don't just take our word for it! Low prices, available in all currencies Secure payment via debit/credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay Due to exchange rates, examples below are indicative - amount charged may differ very slightly Ann ual: £50 / €58.01 / US $68.03 / AU $103.79 Quarterly (3-monthly): £15 / €17.40 / US $20.41 / AU $31.14 Currency conversions last updated 10th July 2025 - New - Corporate Membership Plus+ To make our tools and resources available to your whole team, department or organisation, contact Management to discuss package options. Contact us Plus+ Corporate How to upgrade (For individual accounts): 1) Log in with your Free Membership; if not yet joined, become a Free Member he re . 2) Click 'Select' by your preferred option below. 3) E nter payment details. N.B. PayPal opens in a separate window. (For Corporate Membership Plus+): Contact us Your upgrade options: Best value Plus+ Member (Annual) £ 50 50£ Every year BEST VALUE PLAN. Available in all currencies. Select Complete OT CPD Courses Discover OT Updates Unlimited OT Downloads Play back OT Webinars Utilise Research Portal 3.0 Read OT Interventions Read Case Studies Explore Advancing OT Priority Hub Team Response (+ All Free Resources) Plus+ Member (Quarterly) £ 15 15£ Every 3 months Available in all currencies. Select Complete OT CPD Courses Discover OT Updates Unlimited OT Downloads Play back OT Webinars Utilise Research Portal 3.0 Read OT Interventions Read Case Studies Explore Advancing OT Priority Hub Team Response (+ All Free Resources) On purchase, plans are charged on a recurring basis, unless cancelled. Please ensure payment details are kept updated, for auto-renewal and continued access to your Plus+ resources. Queries or feedback regarding Membership Plus+? Contact us

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We implement a variety of safety measures to maintain the security of your personal information: The personal information you provide within this platform is secured within HTTPS networks . HTTPS is the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and The Occupational Therapy Hub site. The ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS stands for ‘Secure’. These communications are encrypted. Data is backed up securely in a cloud-based drive . Member information is not stored in physical form. Statements from our website host: 'If you are a visitor, user or customer of any of our Users [The Occupational Therapy Hub], please read the following: [website host] has no direct relationship with the individual Users-of-Users whose Personal Information it processes. If you are a visitor, user or customer of [The Occupational Therapy Hub] and would like to make any requests or queries regarding your Personal Information, please contact [Hub Management] directly. For example, if you wish to access, correct, amend, or delete inaccurate information processed by [website host] on behalf of [The Occupational Therapy Hub], please direct your query to [Hub Management] (who is the “Controller” of such data). If requested to remove any Users-of-Users’ Personal Information, we will respond to such request within thirty days.' 'The transmission of sensitive payment information (such as a credit card number) through our designated purchase forms is protected by an industry standard SSL/TLS encrypted connection; and we regularly maintain a PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) certification.' Other than a Member’s My Profile page - optionally viewable by the public - personal information can only be accessed by Hub Management; all management staff keep this strictly confidential Rights to my information You have the right to access and edit your information, at any time, through the web interface provided as part of the platform and app. On written request (by email) and subject to proof of identity, you may access the personal information that we hold, used or communicated and ask that any necessary corrections be made, where applicable, as authorised or required by law. However, to make sure that the personal information we maintain about you is accurate and up-to-date, please inform us of any change in your personal information by email. Third party links To provide a breadth of website content, third party links to useful, external resources and websites are listed. These are mainly found in: Access Occupational Therapists , Therapy Articles * , OT Circles * , OT CPD Courses * , OT Updates * , Podcast Portal * , Therapy Videos * and Service Directory . These external links (websites, videos, PDF documents, podcast platforms) have separat e and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these links. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our platform and app and welcome any feedback about these linked sites, including if a specific link does not work. * Portals marked with asterisks require Member log in to use in full. Membership sign up here . Changes to our policies If our policies change, amendments will be posted here. Policy changes apply only to information collected after the date of the change. Your consent By using The Occupational Therapy Hub platform/app and/or joining as a Hub Member, you consent to our Policies. Links to this Policies page are located within sign up sections. Questions or feedback? If you have any questions or comments - about our policies or your personal information, to make an access or correction request, to exercise any applicable rights, or to make a complaint - our Data Protection Officer can be reached by email: hubteam@theOThub.com . Alternative methods of communication are listed on the Contact us page. Registration with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO ) Nature of work Occupational therapy information service and networking website and application. Description of processing The following is a broad description of the way The Occupational Therapy Hub processes personal information. To understand how your own personal information is processed you may need to refer to any personal communications you have received, check any privacy notices the organisation has provided or contact the organisation to ask about your personal circumstances. Reasons/purposes for processing information We process personal information to enable us to provide a current, sustainable information service and networking service for our Hub Members and site visitors; to maintain our own accounts and records; to support and manage our staff team. Type of information processed We process information relevant to the above reasons and purposes. This can include: Hub Membership details, within the Member Directory * Therapy Articles * and Therapy Videos * content Financial details, for Plus+ Members , PromOTe Partnerships and Hub Store customers External resources within Access Occupational Therapists , Therapy Articles * , OT Circles * , OT CPD Courses * , OT Updates * , Podcast Portal * , Therapy Videos * and Service Directory * Portals marked with asterisks require logging in to use in full. Membership sign up here . Who the information is processed about To operate our service to you, we need to process information about: Hub Members (Free and Plus+) Members who participate in courses Customers who purchase a product Visitors who inquire about or submit files to the platform or app External podcasts External resources and services External research External occupational therapy practices External occupational therapists Who the information may be shared with In very rare circumstances, in the interest of the public, the company or its Members' safety or security, other governing organisations may need to be contacted. Where this is necessary we are required to comply with all aspects of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ( 2016/679 ) and the UK's Data Protection Act (2018). In this instance, only when required of us, we would share information with: employer associations examining bodies central government suppliers and service providers persons making an inquiry or complaint Hub Store Terms of Use Hub Store For the attention of anyone using the Hub Store . Please read these Terms of Use ('Terms') before purchasing items in the Store. Charges The Occupational Therapy Hub cannot issue refunds for digital products that are downloaded, as these cannot be returned If you make a purchase, you agree that our third party payment gateways will securely store your payment information If the payment method you provide has expired and/or valid payment information is not provided, the transaction will not occur At any point, The Occupational Therapy Hub may choose to transition products from paid to free access (or vice versa). In its sole discretion, Management may also add, remove, update or modify a product, or the fees charged , at any time. Management will notify Hub Members of such changes , prior to implementation of any new or altered costs. Limitation of liability You agree that, under no legal theory, will The Occupational Therapy Hub or its management or team be liable to you or any third party acting on your behalf for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages or losses, arising from or relating to the use of (or inability to correctly use) a product it provides. General representation and warranty Your use of the platform and/or app will be in strict accordance with these Terms, the Privacy, Cookies and Communication Policies , the Hub Membership Terms of Use and all applicable laws and regulations. These include, without limitation, any local laws or regulations in your country, regarding online conduct and acceptable content. These include all applicable laws regarding the transmission of technical data exported from the United Kingdom, or the country in which you reside Your use of the platform and/or app will not infringe or misappropriate the intellectual property rights of any third party Miscellaneous If there is any dispute between you and The Occupational Therapy Hub, about or involving the Terms or a product, you hereby agree that the dispute will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. PromOTe PromOTe Partnerships Terms of Service For attention of commercial partners and clients. Please read these Terms of Service ('Terms') carefully before purchasing a PromOTe Partnerships plan. If you don’t agree to these Terms, as well as The Occupational Therapy Hub’s Privacy, Cookies and Communication Policies , you should not use our services. If you are entering into the Terms on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind such entity to the Terms. Fees and renewals The Occupational Therapy Hub cannot issue refunds for partial months of PromOTe Partnerships marketing If you purchase one of our services, you agree that our third party payment gateways will securely store your payment card or other payment information You expressly agree that we are authorised to charge you: A fee for any applicable service which you have purchased, billed on a basis of the outlined and agreed plan period Any charges for use of our service in excess of the usage or other limits placed on your use of our service (and you hereby consent to such charges) If the payment card you provide expires and you do not provide new payment information or cancel your Account, you authorise us to continue billing you and you agree to remain responsible for any uncollected fees. Limitation of liability You agree that, under no legal theory, will The Occupational Therapy Hub or its owners, directors or team be liable to you or any third party acting on your behalf for any indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages or loss of profits (even if The Occupational Therapy Hub has been advised of the possibility of such damages), arising from or relating to the Terms or your use of or your inability to use the platform and/or app. You agree that The Occupational Therapy Hub will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as the result of any interactions or dealings with partners or advertisers, or as the result of the presence of such advertisers on the platform. General representation and warranty You represent and warrant that: Your use of the platform and/or app will be in strict accordance with these Terms, the Privacy, Cookies and Communication Policies , the Hub Membership Terms of Use and all applicable laws and regulations. These include, without limitation, any local laws or regulations in your country, regarding online conduct and acceptable content. These include all applicable laws regarding the transmission of technical data exported from the United Kingdom or the country in which you reside Your use of the platform and/or app will not infringe or misappropriate the intellectual property rights of any third party Miscellaneous If there is any dispute between you and The Occupational Therapy Hub about or involving the Terms or the service, you hereby agree that the dispute will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Copyright Copyright The OT Hub Ltd is the legal copyright holder of the resources, functions, designs, logos and names ('The Occupational Therapy Hub' and 'The OT Hub'), belonging to The Occupational Therapy Hub platform and app. Our content may not be reprinted, reproduced or modified without written consent. A link to The Occupational Therapy Hub's website (www.theOThub.com ) must appear in all authorised copies of any content owned by The OT Hub Ltd. Content uploaded by Hub Members, via their accounts, is copyright of its respective owners. OT CPD Courses * Courses and contents are owned by their respective hosts. E xternal resources cited are owned by their respective external organisations. OT Circles * and The OT Journal Club * Documents, uplo ads and external links are owned by their original creators/authors, not by The OT Hub Ltd. Therapy Videos * Video footage showcased within the 'Community Videos' channel is owned by its respective publishers, not by The OT Hub Ltd. Podcast Portal * Logos, audio content and embedded links to series and platforms are owned by their original creators/authors. Research Portal * Content uploaded is owned and copyrighted by the research author(s). Hub Store Assessments, documents, presentations and clinical and reflective tools are owned by The OT Hub Ltd, or their creators/authors . Access Occupational Therapists / Service Directory Logos, information and links to external resources and services listed here are owned by external organisations, not by The OT Hub Ltd. * Portals marked with asterisks require logging in to use in full. Membership sign up here . The Occupational Therapy Hub is owned and managed by The OT Hub Ltd, registered in England and Wales. Company number: 11084421.

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We passionately empower clinicians, students and those they support. Via global connections, education and continuing professional development (CPD) resources. Mission Established 2017 The Occupational Therapy Hub Passionately empowering clinicians, students and those they support. Via a worldwide , educative community platform and app. Inclusive to everyone . Our Team Our Reasons for Being To show the world the value of our health and social care profession To share knowledge and resources, across an international community To provide a community of practice, reducing geographical and professional isolation The Aim To champion occupational therapy worldwide. To empower clinicians, students and those they support. What we do The Goals Led by our two core pas sions: A GLOBALLY COLLABORATIVE HUB To provide free professional development opportunities To facilitate learning and development in professional groups To share the latest occupational therapy-linked news and stories * To provide education, via continuing professional development courses * To showcase podcasts * and videos f rom around the world, in one place To signpost external services and resources and research * to clinicians and the public To share inspirational and educative articles * - including reflective journals and case studies To host live and pre-recorded webinars * - presented by experienced occupational therapists To offer affordable downloadable tools * - information sheets, checklists, guidelines and presentations To provide marketing opportunities , that benefit both clinicians and health/social care organisations ENHANCED OT AWARENESS For individuals - access a therapist, to support you or someone you know For those considering or developing a career - opportunities and career pathways For the wider public - information about occupational therapy, its scope and services * These portals are accessible to Hub Members. Free and Plus+ Memberships available here . Join The Occupational Therapy Hub Your global occupational therapy community. O nline platform and app. Created and managed by occupational therapists, shaped by Members. The Occupational Therapy Hub is managed by The OT Hub Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 11084421.

The global OT community, in your pocket! Bringing occupational therapy networking tools and educative resources to mobile and tablet app. Available to download for free on Android (via Google Play) and on iOS (via the App Store). The global OT community, in your pocket. Occupational therapy networking tools and educative resources - in app form! The OT Hub : Available on Android via Google Play and on iOS via the App Store . Why download the app? Convenience and ease Intuitive interface and menu makes learning and networking easier. Community support Quickly engage with Members; contact the Hub Team via Chat. Personalised content Access Free and/or Plus+ resources, depending on your plan. Download free Please note The app provides easy access to many free and Plus+ resources; the full suite is available online , via our website. Unable to upgrade to Membership Plus+ , or purchase Hub Store items directly within the app ? Both actions can be completed via the mobile or desk/laptop sites. Plus+ resources will then be visible in- app. Queries or feedback regarding The OT Hub app? Contact us

Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. Search by specialism and contribute to the global occupational therapy-related directory. Service Directory Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. Search by specialism and contribute to the global occupational therapy-related directory. Suggest new entry Specialisms Service Directory (Specialisms) Accessibility + Adaptation Anatomy + Physiology Autistic Spectrum Condition Career Development Carer Support Charities + Social Enterprises Coronavirus Cultural Considerations Dementia Fatigue Management Green + Outdoor Care Guidance, Laws + Acts Health Promotion Housing Learning Disabilities Manual Handling Mental Health Models + Outcome Measures Music Therapy Networking Neurology Nutrition Occupational Science Older People Other OT Platforms Paediatrics Posture, Seating, Wheelchairs Professional Bodies Promoting Independence Rest + Sleep Sensory Considerations Social Inclusion Social Media Social Prescribing Virtual Reality Vocational Rehabilitation Suggest an entry Suggest entry The Occupational Therapy Hub is aware of external services and resources listed within the specialisms above. This is not a definitive list and the database is regularly reviewed and expanded. If you know of a service or resource that you believe should be showcased, suggest it here. Thank you! Suggestion submitted. Submit suggestion

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CPD Rewards: Growing OT together, with rewards! Occupational therapy (OT) professionals must engage in continuing professional development (CPD). The Occupational Therapy Hub believes that collaboration is key to this; shared learning grows resources for all - and adds to your CPD. ​How do CPD Rewards work?​ Get involved in a selection of activities and receive a Hub Badge for each. Collect four Badges to earn a reward. Rewards Collaborative Professional Development. Growing occupational therapy together, with added rewards. OT professionals engage in career-long development. The Hub believes collaboration is key to this; shared learning grows resources for everyone - and adds to your CPD. - How do CPD Rewards work? - Get involved in your choice of activities below Receive a Hub Badge for each (automatically, or with Hub Team liaison ) On collecting 4 badges you earn a reward : One year's free Membership Plus+ ! Contact the Hub Team Hub Badges An active participant in OT Circles - posting, commenting and/or sharing resources Past/present host of The OT Journal Club, sharing research and analysis with Members A Member who has completed one or more OT CPD Courses, supporting their development Author of least one Therapy Article, contributing to greater collective knowledge A Member who has added a document, video, webinar, podcast, research, etc. to the Hub A Member who has contributed one or more service/resource suggestions to the Service Directory Activities that award Badges Participate in a learning and development network Foster global connections in dedicated professional groups. Engage in discussion or create polls; share files, visual and/or video content. You can interact with any Members in Public Circles, or specific individuals or a team in Private Circles. OT Circles (Free) Hub Badge received: Host The OT Journal Club The Journal Club is home to discussions on the clinical applicability of research articles, to enhance evidence-based practice. Why not host your own? The typical timeframe is one month - and we support you all the way. The OT Journal Club (Free) Hub Badge received: Complete an OT CPD Course Our short continuing professional development courses allow therapists, assistants, students and the public to learn from others and receive a certificate on completion. You need to have upgraded Plus+ Membership to access the courses. OT CPD Courses (Plus+) Hub Badge received: Get writing! Therapy Articles are your eyes into OT. You can submit a short, referenced article (any specialism, setting or topic), a case study (anonymised) , or a reflective piece (from an experience or placement). Contact us to become a Writer. Therapy Articles (Free/Plus+) Hub Badge received: Film or share video insights Members watch short films related to occupational therapy, in a curated video library. Wherever you are in the world, you can contribute videos for others to learn from. Share existing content with the community, or create your own. Therapy Videos (Free) Hub Badge received: Submit a resource to the Hub Store and OT Downloads Both of these areas of the Hub are home to assessments, documents, presentations and clinical and reflective tools. All are created by occupational therapy practitioners. Share an item here for many others to utilise in their work! Hub Store (open access) Hub Badge received: Disseminate your research to a wider audience The Research Portal is your gateway to share occupational therapy-related research, with a global audience. Why not showcase primary research, a literature review, discussion paper, infographic, or presentation? Research Portal 3.0 (Plus+) Hub Badge received: Add to the voices of occupational therapy We feature podcasts from around the world, for Members' ears to enjoy, all in one place! If you know of a podcast series that you think should be included, let us know via the form within the Podcast Portal. Podcast Portal (Free) Hub Badge received: Host an OT Webinar OT Webinars are pre-recorded and feature experienced clinicians. If you would like to host a v ideo presentation, interview, discussion or practical demonstration, w e want to hear from you! The Hub Team can help you with the process. OT Webinars (Plus+) Hub Badge received: Help grow the global service directory This portal contains useful services and external resources for a clinician's care and career. All visitors can search expanding specialism categories. We need a collective input; which others should be included? Submit a suggestion via our form. Service Directory (Free) Hub Badge received: Collected 4 Badges? Get in touch and get rewarded! CPD Rewards (Contact form) Contact us about CPD Rewards Thank you! We'll be in touch with you soon. Send

Your online gateway to access and showcase occupational therapy research, with a global audience. Exclusive to Membership Plus+. Research Portal 3.0 OT Your gateway to access and showcase occupational therapy research Exclusive to Membership Plus+ Research Themes > Submit / Feedback Editorial Editorial We have made further improvements to the Research Portal. In version 3.0, journal articles and infographics are categorised into a breadth of 'Themes', streamlining your route to relevant papers. The type of research continues to be highlighted . "You can contribute to the Portal, by suggesting topics, papers, research and authors that are relevant to evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. Month by month, we can together build a solid collection of references to improve our practice and critical thinking as occupational therapy practitioners. Our profession has been supporting the world for over a hundred years. In all these years, occupational therapy had different paradigms - built under the umbrella of knowledge, culture, clinical experience, values and ethical behaviours. Despite being an extensive topic, subject to corrections, some authors call those sum characteristics 'professionalism'. Speaking about professionalism seems unnecessary in the Research Portal; common sense dictates that if you are a professional, you are going to act with professionalism. But sometimes we may not understand how intrinsic its importance is for advancing the profession, since professionalism is 'an essential component of a value-based practice, which is a complement to an evidence-based practice' (Lecours, 2021). So, despite the cultural, social and geographical differences, professionalism in occupational therapy crosses the frontiers and gives us a collective and unique professional identity. Morrison (1998) highlights that 'Occupational therapy holds together as it develops a praxis that strengthens its development.' Following his line, the author says: 'the exercise of the profession, in any of its spheres, becomes as diverse as the subjects of care, or the issues to be addressed allow it, as well as the development of its scientific knowledge.' In short, two principle factors that make our profession solid and develop a positive identity are: paradigms and evidence. So, let us keep walking hand-in-hand with value-based practice and evidence-based practice." Erica Juliboni - Occup ational Therapist in São Paulo, Brazil; Research Lead 2021-23 Editorial References > Research Themes Themes Acute Care / Rehabilitation Behaviour / Conflict Chronic Conditions Creative Occupations Development and Ageing Education / Occupational Science Mental Health / Wellbeing Neurodiversity Neurology Paediatrics Rest and Sleep Sex and Relationships Spirituality Staff and Patient Safety Vocation / Workforce Research Submission / Feedback Submit Subm ission Have you produced r esearch, individually or as a team? Share it with a global audience. Format options: PDF docum ent, presentation, website link, video summary Full ownership of work maintained by research author Submit research Feedback If you would like the Hub Team to pass o n feedback to research authors, complete the form below. Feedback Thank you. We have received your feedback and will pass it on to the author(s). Send feedback Editorial Themes Submit Feedback

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Cultural Considerations Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Have Wheelchair Will Travel Surely we cant be the first people to do this? I kept asking our travel agent, the airline and our therapists. We certainly are not the first family with a disabled child to travel to America, but at times it felt that way. That was when the idea for this website came to me. Why not share all my research and great discoveries with others who are either, planning a trip, or are feeling nervous about giving it a go.' Julie Jones combines her skills as an ex-travel consultant with her experiences travelling with her family, including her son who lives with cerebral palsy. Have Wheelchair Will Travel has an engaged community with a range of backgrounds, including people living with a disability, therapists, educators, teachers and tourism representatives. This brings a wealth of information and experience to the website and Facebook page. - Bupa Travel Blog Award: Winner - Ausmumpreneur Heart & Edge Award: Winner - ASTW Best Travel Blog: Finalist Email us: havewchairwilltravel@gmail.com Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/havewheelchairwilltravel [AUSTRALIA-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy We are an education business with a mission to help guide occupational therapy professionals to becoming more competent and confident addressing sexuality and intimacy in their clinical practice. We offer educational webinars to help clinicians translate knowledge into clinical practice. Through the Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy, we are building a coalition of sex and intimacy OT champions, to dismantle the restrictive norms around discussing sexuality and intimacy. Join us! [US-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Kawa Model The Kawa Model is a therapeutic model of occupational therapy practice, developed by Dr Michael Iwama and Occupational Therapists in Japan. It uses the natural metaphor of a river to depict one’s life journey. [FOUNDED IN JAPAN; APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > OccupationalTherapyOT.com An occupational therapy blog by Occupational Therapists Deepam Pawar and Payal Mehta Pawar, who trained in Nagpur, India. This site can be referred as OT resources for therapists, educators, special needs teachers, and parents/caregivers and other health care professionals. A resource for parents who are looking for occupational therapy activities that can be done at home and with household materials. Skill areas include fine motor, gross motor, sensory strategies, and cognitive strategies. This blog also has information about common disorders in which Occupational Therapists deal, including autism, ADHD, learning disability, cerebral palsy and Down’s Syndrome. [FOUNDED IN INDIA; RESOURCES APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Ocupando los Márgenes Ocupando los Margenes - or Occupying the Margins is a website that promotes critical reflection in and from the margins of occupational therapy; it explores practice and principles outside conventional settings or countries. Occupational therapy is explored in relation to human rights, equality, occupational justice and social transformation. Content includes perspectives from life in Rwanda and interventions with child refugees in Greece. The blog aids to improve reflexive thinking about principle concerns which ought to be approached by occupational therapy. This website is in Spanish, but can be easily translated, through a Google Translate pop-up on your browser. [SPANISH WEBSITE - TRANSLATION AVAILABLE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLD-WIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Charities + Social Enterprises Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Access Sport Access Sport enhances the life prospects of disadvantaged children by providing opportunities to experience and enjoy the power of sport. Our unique experience across a wide range of sports in London, Bristol, Manchester and Oxford have led us, in the twelve years since we were established, to become nationally recognised as an innovative leader in the field of community sport. Our work supports young people aged 5-25, with a particular emphasis on under 18’s who are disabled, disadvantaged or excluded from society. We do this by building thriving community sports clubs, led by inspirational volunteers, in the most disadvantaged urban areas. These clubs then provide life-changing opportunities for local, vulnerable young people, whilst creating a lasting, locally-owned community resource. We have a multi-sport approach, which recognises the importance of different sports in different settings for different participants, enabling maximum inclusivity and impact - from BMX to boxing; from running to rugby; from sitting volleyball to sailing. To find out more information please visit our website or find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. [UK CHARITY] Explore further > Creative Minds A social enterprise and nationwide community of artists, delivering empowering and therapeutic art sessions to care homes, learning disability services and day centres across the country. Our community of over 30 artist licensees deliver over 350 art sessions, to 1500 people a month, working with older people and people with learning disabilities. Creative Minds is expanding all the time. We currently have passionate artists delivering art sessions from London, East Sussex and Kent, to the West Midlands, Leicestershire and Yorkshire. For a full list of locations and further insight into our work, visit our website and follow us on social media. [UK SOCIAL ENTERPRISE; SERVICE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Down's Syndrome Association The only organisation in the UK focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. [UK CHARITY] Explore further > Green Estate Green Estate offers work experience and social activities for people who have Individual Budgets. Our main programmes available - running 50 weeks each year - are Manor Oaks Farm, Cook, Lunch & Learn and Manor Oaks Crafts. Each of our programmes offer our clients the opportunity to join and become an active and integral part of the Green Estate team. [UK: SHEFFIELD NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION] Explore further > Helen Sanderson Associates (+ One-page profiles) A one-page profile captures all the important information about a person on a single sheet of paper, under three simple headings: what people appreciate about me, what’s important to me and how best to support me. We believe that one-page profiles are the foundation of personalisation and can lead to positive change for people, whatever their age or circumstances. They provide us with an at-a-glance way of knowing what really matters to people, that can be taken with them as they move through services and come into contact with people. Getting started with one-page profiles (PDF) > One-page profiles: Getting them right (PDF) > We support individuals, teams and organisations to put people - and what matters to them - at the heart of the work they do every day. We do this because we believe in a world where everyone is valued and appreciated as an individual - and we know we can make it happen, one step at a time. We work with customers large and small, from lots of different backgrounds. These include charities and companies specialising in health and social care, education, and criminal justice. As a social enterprise, we invest our profits into person-centred charities, through our charitable arm, the HSA Foundation. Because of this, our customers aren’t just creating a more person-centred world themselves - they’re also supporting others to do the same. Want to know more about how we can work together? Get in touch for a chat. [UK-BASED] Explore further > Maisha Outreach Therapy Organisation (MOTO) We aim to make rehabilitation services in Africa more accessible and enhance the lives of vulnerable and marginalised people through quality care, therapy and advocacy. We facilitate volunteer placements and use occupational therapy as a tool to support and empower. [AFRICA-BASED; SERVICE AVAILABLE CONTINENT-WIDE] Explore further > Mencap - Communicating with people with a learning disability This information is designed to provide a brief introduction to communication and the problems faced by someone with a learning disability. It also contains tips on how you can be a better communicator, and how you can help someone with a learning disability get their message across. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Mental Health at Work (Mind) Whether you work with 10 people, 10,000 people or just yourself, paying attention to mental health in the workplace has never been more important. Mental Health at Work is here to help you find the information and resources you need. Mental Health at Work is curated by Mind , the mental health charity, and funded by The Royal Foundation as part of their Heads Together campaign. [UK-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Mind - Understanding borderline personality disorder This booklet is for anyone experiencing borderline personality disorder (BPD). It explains what the diagnosis means and what it’s like to live with BPD. It also provides information about self-care, treatment and recovery, and gives guidance on how friends and family can help. [Source: Mind online ] [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > National Autistic Society (UK) The leading UK charity for autistic people (including those with Asperger syndrome) and their families. Providing information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for autistic people. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Off The Record (Bristol) Off The Record, OTR Bristol opened its doors in 1965 and can justifiably claim to be one of the oldest established young people's mental health services in the country. We run services and projects to promote and improve mental health and wellbeing for young people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. All of them are delivered by a team of super-friendly staff and volunteers and have been designed with the help of young people. Our team come from a wide range of backgrounds and work in a variety of ways. They’ve all been chosen to work at OTR because whatever technique they have trained in, they will listen and won’t judge. Aims To support young people to empower and intellectually defend themselves through the provision of mental health services and development work To promote positive mental health and the resilience of all young people To challenge the wider social and structural inequalities that lead to poorer mental health and life chances [UK: BRISTOL CHARITY] Explore further > Remap Remap is a national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers. We help disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life by designing and making equipment for their individual needs. This tailor made equipment helps people to carry out essential daily tasks without having to ask for help, or helps them take part in leisure occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible. Our focus at Remap is to give people independence because we know how important this is. Many people have a physical impairment of some sort. But your life changes if you have to rely on others all the time. By making a piece of equipment specifically for an individual, tailored to their needs, we can often help them become that bit more independent. Remap gives disabled people the joy of independence. We are pleased to give people our equipment free of charge. This is because we are a charity and are not trying to make money. All our running costs are covered by donations and support from charities and our volunteers give their time for free. [UK-WIDE] Explore further > Rethink Mental Illness - 100 ways to Support Recovery Rethink Mental Illness is a UK charity. Their 100 Ways to Support Recovery is a free practical guide for mental health professionals to work in a recovery-oriented way. [UK CHARITY; GUIDE APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > SAGE Greenfingers SAGE stands for Support Arts Gardening Education. We promote the mental and physical well-being of adults experiencing mental health problems, via the provision of creative therapeutic activities. We can offer support to men or women over 18, whose life is troubled by mental health issues. These might range from mild to severe and include diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic attacks and PTSD. We are also able to accommodate adults who have a dual diagnosis of learning disability and/or physical disability. [UK: SHEFFIELD CHARITY] Explore further > Sheffield Carers Centre (Carers Trust) Sheffield Carers Centre offers a range of support and information services to all carers in the city, looking after a relative or friend who is unable to manage alone due to disability, severe illness or frailty. The Carers Centre is a local independent charity, founded in 1993, affiliated to Carers Trust . Services include: Running a Carers Advisory service – a free and confidential helpline offering advice and information on all aspect of caring A weekly drop-in service Advice and information by email Specialist advice sessions on legal matters and on welfare benefits Support with gaining or maintaining employment Specialist support for young adult carers (aged 18-25) [UK: SHEFFIELD CHARITY] Explore further > Sheffield Flourish Owned by the community, we aim to involve people who live with mental health conditions in everything we do. We help people to share their stories by publishing them on our website. We offer a wide range of activities suitable for people living with mental health conditions. We organise fun and interesting monthly community events based on different themes . We even help people to realise their enterprising ideas . [UK: SHEFFIELD CHARITY] Explore further > St Wilfrid's Centre A day centre open to all homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded adults aged 18-65 years old. We are open Monday to Friday (10am-4pm), with a skilled staff team that offer basic Welfare services, as well as Personal Development activities to promote wellbeing and independence. Hygiene services - showers, hairdressing, laundry, clothing repair and clothing bank Hot meals and snacks Finding accommodation Somewhere safe to go regularly and meet others Advice, advocacy and signposting - including benefits, housing and personal advice Social activities, games and groups Personal Development Programme - offers a wide variety of personal development activities structured to help facilitate recovery, life-skills & work-based skills [UK: SHEFFIELD CHARITY] Explore further > The Fund To Promote Awareness of Occupational Therapy (FPAOT) We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organisation, committed to ongoing resource development to support targeted education, research, and professional development opportunities - that will increase the public’s understanding of occupational therapy. The Fund exists to achieve greater understanding, availability and use of occupational therapy and to promote the profession’s contributions to health, wellness, participation, productivity, and quality of life in society. [US CHARITABLE ORGANISATION] Explore further > Tir Coed Tir Coed is a charity and social enterprise that engages people with woodlands, through volunteering, training and bespoke activities that develop skills and improve woodlands for the benefit of everyone. Vision: Thriving sustainable rural communities integrated with the natural environment. Mission: To unlock the potential of woodlands to provide a community facility, educational and health activities, and to create job opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in rural Wales. With the aim to make positive lasting change. Over the past 16 years Tir Coed has developed a comprehensive engagement model that supports people as they develop, from first step engagement through to employment. All of the work carried out by volunteers and trainees improves the health of the woodland and its accessibility for the benefit of the whole community. [UK: WALES CHARITY AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Nutrition Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry AJOT: Nutritional Support and the Occupational Therapist’s Role Nutrition, although important, is often overlooked during hospitalization. At Grant Hospital of Chicago, a nutritional support team is trained in recognizing, assessing, and managing nutritional disorders. The occupational therapist member of this team works to enhance patients’ functional independence physically and emotionally. Knowledge of nutrition is necessary for all health professionals when dealing with the total person. Explore further > Nutritank A nutrition and lifestyle medicine community with the very best educational resources at your fingertips empowering medical students, healthcare professionals and patients alike Explore further > The Role of Occupational Therapy in Diabetes and Lifestyle Interventions 'I started to pursue training in health and wellness coaching because of my interest in food and nutrition. That opened up my idea of the preventive part of OT and our important role in diabetes and lifestyle modification.' - Ryan Osal Explore further > holisticot.org: Do You Eat Well? Part of the OT scope of practice is helping people eat healthy food, meal plan, and shop for and prepare well-balanced nutritional meals.1 However, given the variety of information and new studies that seem to contradict older ones, many wonder, “What should I eat?” Nutrition and Health According to Dean Ornish, MD, “Currently, over 75% of the $2.8 trillion in health care costs are due to chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes, that can be largely prevented by making comprehensive lifestyle changes. We don’t need to wait for a new drug or laser or high-tech breakthrough; we simply need to put into practice what we already know.” Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Learning (Intellectual) Disabilities Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 'Confidential Enquiry into Premature Deaths of People with Learning Disabilities' (CIPOLD) Report (Heslop, et al. 2013) This report follows Death By Indifference, also listed on this page. This confidential enquiry looks further into to why people with learning disabilities sometimes live shorter lives than other people - and what we can do to change this. [UK CHARITY REPORT; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Death By Indifference' (Mencap, 2007) This report will set out why we believe there is institutional discrimination within the NHS, and why people with a learning disability get worse healthcare than non-disabled people. We present the stories of six people who we believe have died unnecessarily. We do so because healthcare professionals need to realise the serious - even fatal - consequences of their lack of understanding. We do so to point out that these professionals must work to ensure that such tragedies can never happen again' (Mencap, 2007). Easy read PDF [UK CHARITY REPORT; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'How Social Care Staff can use Reasonable Adjustments to support the health of people with Learning Disabilities' (Public Health England 2017) Reasonable adjustments are the changes the law says people or services must make so disabled people can use services as easily as everybody else. Putting reasonable adjustments in place can help people with learning disabilities get better healthcare and live longer. This document lays out some tips and advice about how we can ensure individuals with learning disabilities have the reasonable adjustments they need in order to access healthcare safely and effectively. [UK GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Improving Healthcare Access for People with Learning Disabilities' This link provides access to copies of government guidance to support your practice and build your skills. This includes information around common health needs, reasonable adjustments, mental capacity act, hospital admissions, pain management, dementia and palliative and end of life care for people with learning disabilities. [UK GOVERNMENT WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Occupational Therapy for People with Learning Disabilities: Findings from a research study' (2010) Authors:Lillywhite, A. and Haines, D. (2010) Published by:(Royal) College of Occupational Therapists This highlights key points from research undertaken by the (then) College of Occupational Therapists' 'Specialist Section: People with Learning Disabilities'. The research was commissioned with the aim of exploring and documenting the nature of occupational therapy with people with learning disabilities across the United Kingdom, from the perspectives of occupational therapists and support workers. [UK PROFESSIONAL BODY; PDF INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Valuing People Now: a new three-year strategy for people with learning disabilities' (Department of Health, 2009) Valuing People Now was published in 2009 as the UK Government's three-year strategy to improve and promote the rights, choice, inclusion and independence of individuals with learning disabilities. Easy read report (PDF) [UK GOVERNMENT REPORT; INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > A Picture Of Health (NHS South of England) Easy read information that can help people with learning disabilities better understand health, illness, lifestyle and treatments. This website has easy read information about lots of different health conditions. [UK NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Beyond Words Empowering people through pictures. Beyond Words provides books and training to support people who find pictures easier to understand than words. Whether supporting somebody with a learning disability or communication difficulty, their products empower people through pictures. [UK-BASED SERVICE; SERVICES AVAILABLE INTERNATIONALLY] Explore further > Brandon Trust Our charity exists to enable children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism to live life in the way they choose. We do that by providing high-quality, individualised support that focuses on enabling people to achieve their dreams and truly live free. Explore further > British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) Professor Gerry Simon set up BILD in 1971, because he was convinced there could be better support in the community for people with disabilities. They’ve been championing the rights of people with disabilities ever since. BILD uses its skills, knowledge and experience to turn policy into practice, solve problems and improve support. In working with Government departments, local authorities, health trusts, service providers and mainstream organisations, our aim is to improve the quality of the lives of people with disabilities (BILD 2017). The BILD website has a range of resources for service users, family, carers, support workers and professionals around how to effectively support and work with individuals with learning disabilities. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Challenging Behaviour and Learning Disabilities: prevention and interventions for people with learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges (NICE Guidelines, 2015) This guideline covers interventions and support for children, young people and adults with a learning disability and behaviour that challenges. It highlights the importance of understanding the cause of behaviour that challenges, and performing thorough assessments so that steps can be taken to help people change their behaviour and improve their quality of life. The guideline also covers support and intervention for family members or carers. [UK PUBLIC BODY GUIDELINES; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Communicating with people with a learning disability (Mencap) This information is designed to provide a brief introduction to communication and the problems faced by someone with a learning disability. It also contains tips on how you can be a better communicator, and how you can help someone with a learning disability get their message across. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Down's Syndrome Association The only organisation in the UK focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Easy Health This website has lots of easy read resources around health, food and exercise and videos that are accessible for use when working with individuals with learning disabilities. [UK WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Easy-Read Information about Mental Health (Peter Bates) Some people with learning disabilities need to use mental health services, but can find that these services are not well informed about how to support them. One part of good support is the provision of easy read information about mental health services, human rights and psychiatric treatment. [UK WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities Our aim is to ensure that people with learning disabilities continue to get better lives. We do this by gaining knowledge, improving practice and influencing of policy through our work directly with people with learning disabilities. We believe that people with learning disabilities should have the same rights and the same choices as everyone else in society” (Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, 2017). The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities work in the following key areas: Employment and education Family, friends and community Rights and equality Health and Well Being Getting the right support Changing service delivery [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Learning Disability England Learning Disability England is a charity and membership organisation working to make life better for people with learning disabilities and their families. Learning Disability England brings together people with learning disabilities, families and friends and organisations so that we can do more and shout louder. [UK-BASED CHARITY] Explore further > Look Hear Australia Look Hear Australia focuses on bringing the top resources and resource pages, on children with complex and additional needs, together under one site. Our motto is "it's not hard to make it easy" and we strive to make the search for quality information, programs, equipment and resources easy. [AUSTRALIA-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > MyLiferaft MyLiferaft is an online place for an individual’s health and well-being information that helps to connect them to you and others in their care circle. All their information is stored safely and easily, allowing only those that they choose to be able to access it. It’s not just about the facts and figures; they can store information such as “I love a cup of tea with my medication!” or “I’m scared of injections!” This allows those that care for them to know what helps them to feel better, and their care circle to feel better informed to support them. [UK: SOUTHAMPTON-BASED SERVICE; AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > NICE Guidelines and Quality Standards (Learning Disabilities) NICE Guidelines - Review the evidence across broad health and social care topics: Care and support of people growing older with learning disabilities Challenging behaviour and learning disabilities: prevention and interventions for people with learning disabilities whose behaviour challenges Learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges: service design and delivery Mental health problems in people with learning disabilities: prevention, assessment and management Quality Standards - Set out priority areas for quality improvement in health and social care: Learning disabilities: challenging behaviour Learning disabilities: identifying and managing mental health problems [UK-BASED ORGANISATION; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Safeguarding: Easy-read leaflets (Newham London) Some easy read leaflets about hate crime, keeping safe at home and keeping safe while out and about, to support individuals with learning disabilities to better understand these issues, and how they can stay safe. [UK BOROUGH COUNCIL WEBSITE; INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Scottish Commission for Learning Disability The Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) is the lead strategic partner to the Scottish Government in the delivery of learning disability strategy and policy. Explore further > Sensory World Sensory world was set up as a tool to support individuals with learning disabilities to learn to use computers and to fill a gap in provision of an accessible website for adults with learning disabilities. Sensory World is designed to be a fun place to learn, with a wide range of stimulating and appropriate activities. [UK WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > The Learning Disabilities Elf The Learning Disabilities Elf aims to bring you the latest learning disabilities evidence that is published each week. We scan the most important websites, databases and journals and select evidence that is relevant to health and social care professionals with an interest in learning disabilities. [UK-BASED ORGANISATION; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) programme was established to support local areas to review the deaths of people with learning disabilities, identify learning from those deaths, and take forward the learning into service improvement initiatives. Explore further > Yellow Submarine (Oxford) Yellow Submarine is an award-winning Oxfordshire charity, that believes people with learning disabilities and autism deserve to live life to the full. We tackle the problem that many people with learning disabilities leave school with limited life skills and as a result poor life chances. This often leads to isolation and being marginalised. Our projects start working with young people in community settings from the age of 11 onwards, to build their social skills, confidence, independence and ultimately their employability. [UK: OXFORD-BASED SERVICE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Guidance, Laws + Acts Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 100 ways to Support Recovery (Rethink Mental Illness) Rethink Mental Illness - 100 ways to Support Recovery 100 Ways to Support Recovery is a free practical guide for mental health professionals to work in a recovery-oriented way. [UK CHARITY; IDEAS APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > AccessAble The UK's leading provider of access information. Providing independence and choice. On our website you'll find detailed access information to thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland: shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more. Our mission is to maximise independence and choice for disabled people in accessing their local area and the places we all want to visit. We work on behalf of Local Authorities, top Universities, NHS Trusts and private sector organisations to publish detailed access information on well over 125,000 places of interest across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We also have a number of prominent strategic partnerships, particularly in the travel and tourism sector, with organisations such as Visit England, Visit London (London & Partners/Greater London Authority), Tourism For All and Open Britain. Developed by disabled people, for disabled people . We go the extra mile because disabled people have told us: a venue which self-reports its access can all too often miss, overlook or fail to appreciate the reality of the access they provide the majority of venues do not have the expertise or the time to go into the detail that many disabled people need to have to make an effective judgement about the suitability of access. Finally because what’s accessible for one person is not necessarily accessible for another, our independence means “we say as we see it”, providing the facts so you can make an informed choice. [UK SERVICE] Explore further > Borderline personality disorder: recognition and management (NICE Guidelines) This guideline makes recommendations for the treatment and management of borderline personality disorder in adults and young people (under the age of 18) who meet criteria for the diagnosis in primary, secondary and tertiary care. The guideline also covers the treatment and management of people diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder based on ICD-10 criteria. Clinical guideline published: 28 January 2009 [Source: NICE online ] [UK ORGANISATION; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE]. Explore further > Brian Barr Solicitors Brian Barr Solicitors are a specialist firm of solicitors whose expertise is in: CRPS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Serious Injury, Catastrophic Injury, Critical Illness Claims and Ill Health Pension Claims. We are a dedicated team who are passionate about helping our clients in a caring, understanding and professional manner. We pride ourselves in providing expert support and advice in your time of need and securing the compensation you deserve. In any accident or insurance claim, transferring your claim from your current solicitor to Brian Barr Solicitors will be easy and hassle-free. Funding your claim will be straightforward through our ‘no-win no-fee’ scheme. [MANCHESTER-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE UK-WIDE] Explore further > Care Act 2014: Guidance for Occupational Therapists (RCOT - UK) The Care Act 2014 (UK) has been the catalyst for a recent emphasis change within England's health and care system. Carers and the cared for have been placed at the heart of decision-making about the support they need and deserve. Occupational therapy was founded on similar person-centred principles and remains so to this day. Four publications from the RCOT focus on the Care Act and how it affects the work occupational therapists do to enhance the wellbeing of people and communities. Transitions; custodial settings; employment, Training and Education [Source: RCOT online ] [UK GOVERNMENT ACT; GUIDANCE FROM UK OT PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Communicating with people with a learning disability (Mencap) This information is designed to provide a brief introduction to communication and the problems faced by someone with a learning disability. It also contains tips on how you can be a better communicator, and how you can help someone with a learning disability get their message across. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Design Council - The principles of inclusive design Inclusive design aims to remove the barriers that create undue effort and separation. It enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. This guide explains the principles of inclusive design, and gives examples of inclusive design methods for new buildings. [UK-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Green Care: A Conceptual Framework (COST) A Report of the Working Group on the Health Benefits of Green Care. COST 866, Green Care in Agriculture. Editors: Joe Sempik, Rachel Hine and Deborah Wilcox. COST – the acronym for European Cooperation in Science and Technology – is the oldest and widest European inter-governmental network for cooperation in research. COST is presently used by the scientific communities of 35 European countries to cooperate in common research projects supported by national funds. [Source: COST online ] [EUROPEAN REPORT] Explore further > Helen Sanderson Associates (+ One-page profiles) A one-page profile captures all the important information about a person on a single sheet of paper, under three simple headings: what people appreciate about me, what’s important to me and how best to support me. We believe that one-page profiles are the foundation of personalisation and can lead to positive change for people, whatever their age or circumstances. They provide us with an at-a-glance way of knowing what really matters to people, that can be taken with them as they move through services and come into contact with people. Getting started with one-page profiles (PDF) > One-page profiles: Getting them right (PDF) > We support individuals, teams and organisations to put people - and what matters to them - at the heart of the work they do every day. We do this because we believe in a world where everyone is valued and appreciated as an individual - and we know we can make it happen, one step at a time. We work with customers large and small, from lots of different backgrounds. These include charities and companies specialising in health and social care, education, and criminal justice. As a social enterprise, we invest our profits into person-centred charities, through our charitable arm, the HSA Foundation. Because of this, our customers aren’t just creating a more person-centred world themselves - they’re also supporting others to do the same. Want to know more about how we can work together? Get in touch for a chat. [UK-BASED] Explore further > Mental Capacity Act: e-Learning course (SCIE) This resource explores the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including best interests decision-making, and how to support people to make their own decisions. The course is for everyone who looks after or cares for someone, for example, doctors, nurses, care assistants, social workers, and family members. [UK GOVERNMENT ACT; UK RESOURCE; INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. NICE's role is to improve outcomes for people using the UK's NHS and other public health and social care services. We do this by: Producing evidence-based guidance and advice for health, public health and social care practitioners Developing quality standards and performance metrics for those providing and commissioning health, public health and social care services Providing a range of information services for commissioners, practitioners and managers across the spectrum of health and social care [UK ORGANISATION; GUIDELINES APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Paediatrics and Occupational Therapy: What you need to know (Understood.org) Understood.org is a website that addresses learning and attention issues. 'Occupational therapy, or OT, can help people of all ages do the activities of daily living (ADLs) they struggle to do. Occupational therapy for children can lead to big benefits, especially for kids with learning and attention issues. OT can help kids who struggle with everyday fine and gross motor tasks, like using a toothbrush, writing on a chalkboard and organising a backpack. It can also help kids who struggle with self-regulation and sensory processing issues. Here’s what you need to know about occupational therapy in a paediatric setting.... Read more > [FOUNDED IN THE US; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Securing a Sustainable Future (Council of Deans of Health) The Council of Deans of Healths Securing a Sustainable Future - Strategic Plan 2018-2021 (PDF) The Council of Deans of Health (CoDoH) represents the UK’s university faculties engaged in education and research for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (including Occupational Therapists). We are the voice of nursing, midwifery and AHP higher education and research. Operating across the UK at the heart of policy and political debate, we aim to lead policy at national and UK level, promoting the essential contribution of our members to health and social care. Our strategic priorities Influence policy UK-wide Secure sustainable funding for our disciplines Foster leadership and innovation [UK ORGANISATION; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Stroke Core Competencies - Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARS) This e-learning resource provides a learning tool for health and social care staff to enable them to become more knowledgeable and skilful in the challenging area of stroke care. The resource is based on the Stroke Core Competencies which were published by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) in 2005. The website provides a multidisciplinary resource which focuses on a wide range of core knowledge and skills required by all staff when delivering stroke care. The Core Competencies provide an interactive way of learning with quizzes, animations, video clips, and case scenarios. + Stroke Advancing Modules > [UK TRAINING RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Understanding borderline personality disorder (Mind) This booklet is for anyone experiencing borderline personality disorder (BPD). It explains what the diagnosis means and what it’s like to live with BPD. It also provides information about self-care, treatment and recovery, and gives guidance on how friends and family can help. [Source: Mind online ] [UK CHARITY; GUIDANCE APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS - UK) Our services support young people making choices after their GCSEs, as well as those applying for undergraduate and postgraduate university courses. UCAS is an independent charity providing information, advice, and admissions services to inspire and facilitate educational progression. [UK SERVICE] Explore further > Violence in the Occupational Therapy Workplace - Learning Module (University of Alberta) The 7 units in this module provide detailed information about violence in health care workplaces. They include a clear definition, a description of the factors that increase the risks of violence and realistic actions and resources that can be used, to prevent and manage wide-ranging forms of workplace violence. + CPD certificate available This free, online learning module was developed by Occupational Therapists, for Occupational Therapists. The work was carried out at the University of Alberta, with funding support from the Government of Alberta, Canada. We would like to thank all of the Occupational Therapists and occupational therapy students who contributed to this project - your input was invaluable. [FOUNDED IN CANADA; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Coronavirus Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry AOTA: Information Pertaining to Occupational Therapy in the Era of Coronavirus (COVID-19) To help all OT practitioners, educators, and students navigate through this uncertain time, we have lifted member-only access to this content. Explore further > CDC: Coronavirus reports update Novel Coronavirus Reports: April 3, 2020 (Early Release) Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Among Residents and Staff Members of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults — Seattle, Washington, 2020 Rapid Sentinel Surveillance for COVID-19 — Santa Clara County, California, March 2020 April 1, 2020 (Early Release) Presymptomatic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 — Singapore, January 23–March 16, 2020 April 3, 2020 Preliminary Estimates of the Prevalence of Selected Underlying Health Conditions Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 — United States, February 12–March 28, 2020 Explore further > Gov.uk: Coronavirus (COVID-19): hospital discharge service requirements Sets out how health and care systems and providers should change their discharging arrangements and the provision of community support during the coronavirus situation. Explore further > NHS Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Coronavirus (COVID-19) contents: Advice for everyone Advice for people at higher risk Symptoms and what to do Self-isolation if you or someone you live with has symptoms More information Explore further > RCOT: Coronavirus FAQ The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 emergency situation. The following frequently asked questions provide members with guidance on the changing situation. We urge members to read through the FAQs, and follow the advice given by the government, public health agencies and your employer. Explore further > WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) training: Online training Online training courses for: COVID-19: Operational Planning Guidelines and COVID-19 Partners Platform to support country preparedness and response Introduction to emerging respiratory viruses, including novel coronavirus Clinical Care Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Health and safety briefing for respiratory diseases – ePROTECT Explore further > WHO: Country & Technical Guidance - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) All technical guidance by topic: Critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for COVID-19 National laboratories Risk communication and community engagement Early investigation protocols Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Country-level coordination, planning, and monitoring Clinical care Operational support and logistics Virus origin/Reducing animal-human transmission Humanitarian operations, camps and other fragile settings Surveillance, rapid response teams, and case investigation Infection protection and control / WASH Guidance for schools, workplaces & institutions Points of entry / mass gatherings Health workers Maintaining Essential Health Services and Systems Scientific Briefs Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Sensory Considerations Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Communicating with people with a learning disability (Mencap) This information is designed to provide a brief introduction to communication and the problems faced by someone with a learning disability. It also contains tips on how you can be a better communicator, and how you can help someone with a learning disability get their message across. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Paediatrics and Occupational Therapy: What you need to know (Understood) Understood is the leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences in the United States. Occupational therapy, or OT, can help people of all ages do the activities of daily living (ADLs) they struggle to do. Occupational therapy for children can lead to big benefits, especially for kids with learning and attention issues. OT can help kids who struggle with everyday fine and gross motor tasks, like using a toothbrush, writing on a chalkboard and organising a backpack. It can also help kids who struggle with self-regulation and sensory processing issues. [US WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Sensory Integration Education As a not-for-profit organisation, we've pioneered world-class training in sensory integration for professionals for over 30 years. We deliver the world's only UK university-accredited MSc in Advancing Practice Sensory Integration - the pathway to practise sensory integration. And we host a curated programme of peer support, live online events and instant access courses for professionals. Explore further > Special Supplies Special Supplies was founded with a goal to address the difficulty parents and educators encounter when attempting to find reliable, safe and effective tools for children with special needs. We discovered that, by doing our due diligence to ensure that our products were effective and safe, we were taking a load off the shoulders of those most invested in the well-being of these children. All of our products are selected by a team of parents and experienced therapists, which helps us ensure we provide the very best in Oral Motor, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Daily Living, School and Sensory products. Our team is dedicated to providing customers with the best selection of products for children and adults with special needs. Our passion is not only to raise awareness about the issues facing those with autistic and sensory integration needs, but to offer a therapeutic solution at an affordable price. [US-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Social Media Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Current Opinion in Psychology: Online, social media and mobile technologies for psychosis treatment: A systematic review on novel user-led interventions Social Media and Body Image Concerns: Current Research and Future Directions Explore further > Current Opinion in Psychology: Social media and applications to health behavior • Social media presents an unprecedented opportunity to change health through online influence. • Of all the platforms available, Facebook features most commonly in health behavior change research. • Twitter , online communities and apps are increasingly appearing in health research. • Randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of social media for health are rare. • Continued research is required to refine the application of social media for better health. Explore further > Current Opinion in Psychology: Social media, big data, and mental health: current advances and ethical implications Most AYA cancer survivors use social media, yet scholarly efforts to examine utility for supporting AYA survivors have only emerged recently. In addition to intervention development, research must consider prominent online communities (e.g., Facebook Groups) devoted to cancer-related needs. Innovative observational methods (e.g., NLP assisted data mining) complement traditional approaches to help understand actual use of social media communities for AYA survivors Explore further > Current Opinion in Psychology: Using Facebook for health-related research study recruitment and program delivery There is much potential for use of Facebook in health-related research and program delivery We review studies that have used Facebook to recruit diverse samples and deliver programs Facebook studies have generally reported success with recruitment Recommendations for researchers interested in using Facebook are discussed Explore further > Forbes: Can Social Media Have A Positive Impact On Global Healthcare? There really isn’t an area where social media hasn’t had an impact. People use social media to share opinions, seek information, and share stories about their experiences. Healthcare hasn’t been excluded from this in any way. In fact, 60% of doctors see social media as an avenue for delivering better healthcare to patients. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t concerns. For instance, the ways that people choose to use Facebook can lead to negative outcomes. Explore further > Healthcare Weekly: Healthcare Social Media Strategy: 5 Ways to Build Trust As customers increasingly take to social media, healthcare organizations should follow their lead. Social media in healthcare refers to the various tactics healthcare organizations, payers and providers leverage to connect & engage with their patients in order to improve quality of care and decrease readmission rates. Explore further > How to Use Social Media in Healthcare: A Guide for Health Professionals Modern lives are going digital, and healthcare is no exception. Social networks have become an important health resource, and not just for millenials. Nearly 90 percent of older adults have used social media to seek and share health information. It can be hard to know how to navigate the healthcare social media rules. Providers, agencies, and brands need to create informative, engaging social content. At the same time, you need to follow industry rules and regulations. In this post, we look at the many benefits of using social media in healthcare. We also provide some tips on how to keep your social channels compliant and secure. Explore further > P&T: Social Media and Health Care Professionals: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices Many social media tools are available for health care professionals (HCPs), including social networking platforms, blogs, microblogs, wikis, media-sharing sites, and virtual reality and gaming environments.1 –8 These tools can be used to improve or enhance professional networking and education, organizational promotion, patient care, patient education, and public health programs.3 ,5 –10 However, they also present potential risks to patients and HCPs regarding the distribution of poor-quality information, damage to professional image, breaches of patient privacy, violation of personal–professional boundaries, and licensing or legal issues Explore further > Schizophrenia Research Social media use is consistently and positively associated with negative body image Longitudinal studies suggest that this association may strengthen over time Brief exposure to Facebook does not appear to negatively impact body image Appearance comparisons are important in the link between social media and body image Research on more diverse samples and other social media platforms is needed Explore further >

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Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Dementia Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 'Study: Memories of music cannot be lost to Alzheimer's and dementia' Some music inspires you to move your feet, some inspires you to get out there and change the world. In any case, and to move hurriedly on to the point of this article, it's fair to say that music moves people in special ways. If you're especially into a piece of music, your brain does something called Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), which feels to you like a tingling in your brain or scalp. It's nature's own little "buzz", a natural reward, that is described by some as a "head orgasm". Some even think that it explains why people go to church, for example, "feeling the Lord move through you", but that's another article for another time. [INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Connecting People, Connecting Support: Occupation Matters Designed to help you embed health promoting activities into your daily routine. Whether you are visiting because you have been told that you have mild-cognitive impairment, have been given a diagnosis of dementia, or want to keep well by taking steps to maintain good brain health, there is something here for everyone. The resources and activities have been tried, tested and recommended by people with dementia. The website was created by occupational therapists and design researchers, who are passionate about the role of occupation and meaningful activity, in enabling individuals to live well and continue to do the things that are important to them. [UK-BASED RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > OT Flourish The Learning Lab Membership: helping you be skilled, creative, current & have the resources you need with hundreds of treatment idea videos, lists and links to patient handouts, tools, assessments, and evaluations, a journal club, exclusive community forum and fun bonuses - just for being a member! Seniors Flourish Podcast: showcasing relevant interviews, answering questions, current articles and hot topics, but also to getting OT practitioners excited about working with older adults, give actionable ideas that listeners can take and use in their own practice and have some fun along the way! OT Resources: find the CEU discounts, e-books, handouts, forms and products that you have been looking for to ramp up your practice! Blog: free treatment ideas, education and resources to learn, relate and grow as an OT practitioner and student. [US-BASED RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Mental Health Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 100 ways to Support Recovery (Rethink Mental Illness) Rethink Mental Illness - 100 ways to Support Recovery 100 Ways to Support Recovery is a free practical guide for mental health professionals to work in a recovery-oriented way. [UK CHARITY; IDEAS APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 24 Character Strengths (Peterson and Seligman) Professors Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman believe that each of us possesses 24 character strengths. Which ones do you particularly identify with? Source: Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification (Peterson and Seligman, 2004). [BOOK AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Adult safeguarding: e-learning course (SCIE) This resource, by SCIE, explores the following questions: What is adult safeguarding and how does it affect each and every one of us? How do I recognise the types and indicators of abuse? What can I do if I suspect that someone is being harmed? What should I do if I believe someone is being harmed but the person asks me to keep the information confidential and take no action? What can I do to make it much less likely that a person might be harmed? How do I ensure that adult safeguarding is managed correctly in the context of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 This e-Learning course module is free to use, however to access the course you will need a free MySCIE account. [UK-BASED; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Borderline personality disorder: recognition and management (NICE Guidelines) This guideline makes recommendations for the treatment and management of borderline personality disorder in adults and young people (under the age of 18) who meet criteria for the diagnosis in primary, secondary and tertiary care. The guideline also covers the treatment and management of people diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder based on ICD-10 criteria. Clinical guideline published: 28 January 2009 [Source: NICE online ] [UK ORGANISATION; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN) Our mission: To have excellent and improved mental health services - that listen to everyone who has used, is using or intending to use mental health services across Bristol. Promoting an effective voice to improve mental health services for all. The Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN) represents a diverse community of past, current and future users of Bristol’s mental health services, as well as those with lived experiences of mental health. We provide a safe space for people to confidentially share their needs and experiences of services, while we campaign for change by holding local providers to account. BIMHN also acts against discrimination, and promotes a positive understanding of mental health through education. We hope that by challenging current practice, we can increase parity of esteem and instigate worthwhile change, allowing people to access the care that they deserve. [UK: BRISTOL SERVICE] Explore further > Five Ways to Wellbeing A toolkit for working with young people, whether in a school, youth club or community setting. Designed for those living in Hertfordshire (UK), but information is applicable worldwide. Alongside a breakdown of the five ways (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give), the toolkit explains why improving young peoples’ wellbeing is important. It introduces practical ideas for using the Five Ways to Wellbeing when working with young people . Credit: Hertfordshire County Council (January 2015) + Five Ways to Wellbeing Handout (PDF) [UK RESOURCES; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > MH4OT - OT Assessment Index An assessment index from Mental Health 4 Occupational Therapy. The Aim: To make a small corner of the internet where mental health Occupational Therapists are able to keep abreast of the latest developments in our profession and become more well rounded clinicians, through self-guided learning and networking. [INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE] Explore further > Mental Capacity Act: e-Learning course (SCIE) This resource explores the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including best interests decision-making, and how to support people to make their own decisions. The course is for everyone who looks after or cares for someone, for example, doctors, nurses, care assistants, social workers, and family members. [UK GOVERNMENT ACT; UK RESOURCE; INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Mental Health Recovery Star The Recovery Star has been designed for use with adults managing their mental health or recovering from mental illness. The Recovery Star covers ten key areas: Managing mental health Physical health and self care Living skills Social networks Work Relationships Addictive behaviour Responsibilities Identity and self-esteem Trust and hope [INTERNATIONAL OUTCOME MEASURE] Explore further > Mental Health at Work (Mind) Whether you work with 10 people, 10,000 people or just yourself, paying attention to mental health in the workplace has never been more important. Mental Health at Work is here to help you find the information and resources you need. Mental Health at Work is curated by Mind , the mental health charity, and funded by The Royal Foundation as part of their Heads Together campaign. [UK-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Model of practice: Model Of Human Occupation (MOHO) MOHO seeks to explain how occupation is motivated, patterned, and performed. MOHO is intended for use with any person experiencing problems in their occupational life and is designed to be applicable across the life span. It is commonly used in mental health settings, highlighting an individual's 'volition' and motivators. [INTERNATIONAL MODEL OF PRACTICE] Explore further > Off The Record (Bristol) Off The Record, OTR Bristol opened its doors in 1965 and can justifiably claim to be one of the oldest established young people's mental health services in the country. We run services and projects to promote and improve mental health and wellbeing for young people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. All of them are delivered by a team of super-friendly staff and volunteers and have been designed with the help of young people. Our team come from a wide range of backgrounds and work in a variety of ways. They’ve all been chosen to work at OTR because whatever technique they have trained in, they will listen and won’t judge. Aims To support young people to empower and intellectually defend themselves through the provision of mental health services and development work To promote positive mental health and the resilience of all young people To challenge the wider social and structural inequalities that lead to poorer mental health and life chances [UK: BRISTOL CHARITY] Explore further > SAGE Greenfingers SAGE stands for Support Arts Gardening Education. We promote the mental and physical well-being of adults experiencing mental health problems, via the provision of creative therapeutic activities. We can offer support to men or women over 18, whose life is troubled by mental health issues. These might range from mild to severe and include diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic attacks and PTSD. We are also able to accommodate adults who have a dual diagnosis of learning disability and/or physical disability. Explore further > Sheffield Flourish Owned by the community, we aim to involve people who live with mental health conditions in everything we do. We help people to share their stories by publishing them on our website. We offer a wide range of activities suitable for people living with mental health conditions. We organise fun and interesting monthly community events based on different themes . We even help people to realise their enterprising ideas . [UK: SHEFFIELD ORGANISATION] Explore further > Survivors of Depression In Transition (SODIT) A support group for women who experience depression and mental health illness. Survivors of Depression is all about giving women a chance to move on from their illness, or period in life which has been very straining on family life and personal life. We have seen many women now who have managed to move on from the group, towards a happy and fulfilling life. This is at the heart of what we do, and also what the government’s reform agenda in health is all about. Our main aims: The relief of sickness and preservation of health among women residing permanently or temporarily in Sheffield To protect the mental health of women with depression and related illness, through support, education and practical advice To advance the education of the general public in all areas relating to depression and related illness [UK: SHEFFIELD SUPPORT GROUP] Explore further > Understanding borderline personality disorder (Mind) This booklet is for anyone experiencing borderline personality disorder (BPD). It explains what the diagnosis means and what it’s like to live with BPD. It also provides information about self-care, treatment and recovery, and gives guidance on how friends and family can help. [Source: Mind online ] [UK CHARITY; GUIDANCE APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Violence in the Occupational Therapy Workplace - Learning Module (University of Alberta) The 7 units in this module provide detailed information about violence in health care workplaces. They include a clear definition, a description of the factors that increase the risks of violence and realistic actions and resources that can be used, to prevent and manage wide-ranging forms of workplace violence. + CPD certificate available This free, online learning module was developed by Occupational Therapists, for Occupational Therapists. The work was carried out at the University of Alberta, with funding support from the Government of Alberta, Canada. We would like to thank all of the Occupational Therapists and occupational therapy students who contributed to this project - your input was invaluable. [FOUNDED IN CANADA; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Green + Outdoor Care Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Green Care: A Conceptual Framework (COST) A Report of the Working Group on the Health Benefits of Green Care. COST 866, Green Care in Agriculture. Editors: Joe Sempik, Rachel Hine and Deborah Wilcox. COST – the acronym for European Cooperation in Science and Technology – is the oldest and widest European inter-governmental network for cooperation in research. COST is presently used by the scientific communities of 35 European countries to cooperate in common research projects supported by national funds. [Source: COST online ] [EUROPEAN REPORT] Explore further > Green Estate Green Estate offers work experience and social activities for people who have Individual Budgets. Our main programmes available - running 50 weeks each year - are Manor Oaks Farm, Cook, Lunch & Learn and Manor Oaks Crafts. Each of our programmes offer our clients the opportunity to join and become an active and integral part of the Green Estate team. [UK: SHEFFIELD NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION] Explore further > Have Wheelchair Will Travel Surely we cant be the first people to do this? I kept asking our travel agent, the airline and our therapists. We certainly are not the first family with a disabled child to travel to America, but at times it felt that way. That was when the idea for this website came to me. Why not share all my research and great discoveries with others who are either, planning a trip, or are feeling nervous about giving it a go.' Julie Jones combines her skills as an ex-travel consultant with her experiences travelling with her family, including her son who lives with cerebral palsy. Have Wheelchair Will Travel has an engaged community with a range of backgrounds, including people living with a disability, therapists, educators, teachers and tourism representatives. This brings a wealth of information and experience to the website and Facebook page. - Bupa Travel Blog Award: Winner - Ausmumpreneur Heart & Edge Award: Winner - ASTW Best Travel Blog: Finalist Email us: havewchairwilltravel@gmail.com Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/havewheelchairwilltravel [AUSTRALIA-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > SAGE Greenfingers SAGE stands for Support Arts Gardening Education. We promote the mental and physical well-being of adults experiencing mental health problems, via the provision of creative therapeutic activities. We can offer support to men or women over 18, whose life is troubled by mental health issues. These might range from mild to severe and include diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic attacks and PTSD. We are also able to accommodate adults who have a dual diagnosis of learning disability and/or physical disability. [UK: SHEFFIELD ORGANISATION] Explore further > Sheffield Shamblers Do you enjoy walking but want to do this at a leisurely pace? Fed up with walking groups that want to beat the clock over the distance of the walk? Or maybe you are new to walking and fear that you won't be able to keep up with experienced walkers? Then come and join the Sheffield Shamblers walking group! Health walks are an ideal introduction to walking for those who haven't been walking before, are bored at home, or perhaps recovering from an illness or operation. We are a group of people of all ages, from every walk of life, who enjoy walking and having a good time. Pleasant company and a good sense of humour is essential on all our walks. If you are looking for formal walks organised with military precision and strict codes of conduct, then this club is not for you! Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times. [UK: SHEFFIELD ORGANISATION] Explore further > Thrive Thrive uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. Using gardening as a safe and secure way to develop someone's ability to mix socially and make friends, and to learn practical skills to help them be more independent is now a proven therapy. Gardening improves physical and mental health and could lead to volunteering with other organisations, qualifications in horticulture which people can do with us and ultimately a job. [UK SERVICE: AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Tir Coed Tir Coed is a charity and social enterprise that engages people with woodlands, through volunteering, training and bespoke activities that develop skills and improve woodlands for the benefit of everyone. Vision: Thriving sustainable rural communities integrated with the natural environment. Mission: To unlock the potential of woodlands to provide a community facility, educational and health activities, and to create job opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in rural Wales. With the aim to make positive lasting change. Over the past 16 years Tir Coed has developed a comprehensive engagement model that supports people as they develop, from first step engagement through to employment. All of the work carried out by volunteers and trainees improves the health of the woodland and its accessibility for the benefit of the whole community. [UK: WALES ORGANISATION] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Accessibility + Adaptation Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Access Sport Access Sport enhances the life prospects of disadvantaged children by providing opportunities to experience and enjoy the power of sport. Our unique experience across a wide range of sports in London, Bristol, Manchester and Oxford have led us, in the twelve years since we were established, to become nationally recognised as an innovative leader in the field of community sport. Our work supports young people aged 5-25, with a particular emphasis on under 18’s who are disabled, disadvantaged or excluded from society. We do this by building thriving community sports clubs, led by inspirational volunteers, in the most disadvantaged urban areas. These clubs then provide life-changing opportunities for local, vulnerable young people, whilst creating a lasting, locally-owned community resource. We have a multi-sport approach, which recognises the importance of different sports in different settings for different participants, enabling maximum inclusivity and impact - from BMX to boxing; from running to rugby; from sitting volleyball to sailing. To find out more information please visit our website or find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. [UK CHARITY] Explore further > AccessAble The UK's leading provider of access information. Providing independence and choice. On our website you'll find detailed access information to thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland: shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more. Our mission is to maximise independence and choice for disabled people in accessing their local area and the places we all want to visit. We work on behalf of Local Authorities, top Universities, NHS Trusts and private sector organisations to publish detailed access information on well over 125,000 places of interest across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We also have a number of prominent strategic partnerships, particularly in the travel and tourism sector, with organisations such as Visit England, Visit London (London & Partners/Greater London Authority), Tourism For All and Open Britain. Developed by disabled people, for disabled people . We go the extra mile because disabled people have told us: a venue which self-reports its access can all too often miss, overlook or fail to appreciate the reality of the access they provide the majority of venues do not have the expertise or the time to go into the detail that many disabled people need to have to make an effective judgement about the suitability of access. Finally because what’s accessible for one person is not necessarily accessible for another, our independence means “we say as we see it”, providing the facts so you can make an informed choice. [UK SERVICE] Explore further > Accessibility Guides (Transport for London) A range of guides in alternative formats to help you plan and make journeys. All guides are free of charge. + Contact ahead and request a member of staff to support someone when they arrive, if they are travelling independently. [UK; LONDON TRANSPORT INFORMATION] Explore further > Branch Properties Are you having problems finding an accessible property to rent or purchase for your client? We provide a personal, specialist service designed for those requiring accessible homes and can offer advice and project manage adaptions or modifications. Let us do the hard work, so you don’t have to. Explore further > Design Council - The principles of inclusive design Inclusive design aims to remove the barriers that create undue effort and separation. It enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. This guide explains the principles of inclusive design, and gives examples of inclusive design methods for new buildings. Explore further > Freedom by Symphony Freedom is a multi-generational accessible kitchen concept designed and manufactured by the Symphony Group. The Freedom range embraces both specialist design features and the latest kitchen styles to create attractive, accessible and Doc-M compliant kitchen designs. Freedom kitchens can be designed to your clients requirements, combining unrivalled functionality and style to create the perfect kitchen, without any limitations. Symphony has developed Freedom in collaboration with the UK's leading expert in accessible design, Adam Thomas. Adam has an unparalleled reputation, with over 35 years of design experience alongside years of research in the field or accessible and multi-generational living. Explore further > Have Wheelchair Will Travel Surely we cant be the first people to do this?- I kept asking our travel agent, the airline and our therapists. We certainly are not the first family with a disabled child to travel to America, but at times it felt that way. That was when the idea for this website came to me. Why not share all my research and great discoveries with others who are either, planning a trip, or are feeling nervous about giving it a go.' Julie Jones combines her skills as an ex-travel consultant with her experiences travelling with her family, including her son who lives with cerebral palsy. Have Wheelchair Will Travel has an engaged community with a range of backgrounds, including people living with a disability, therapists, educators, teachers and tourism representatives. This brings a wealth of information and experience to the website and Facebook page. - Bupa Travel Blog Award: Winner - Ausmumpreneur Heart & Edge Award: Winner - ASTW Best Travel Blog: Finalist Explore further > Healthy & Independent We are specialists in minor and major adaptations, manual handling people and mindfulness in social care. Teaching the correct handling techniques are essential, in order to minimise any risk of accident and to increase safety and dignity. We offer clinical support and workshops online and in situ. [SERVICES AVAILABLE IN SPAIN AND THE UK] Explore further > Innova Care Concepts Founded with the mission to enhance quality of life through innovation, Innova Care Concepts is dedicated to finding exciting, new ways to provide healthcare solutions to a range of environments. With hospital beds, pressure care mattresses, and hidden hoist systems in their product portfolio, they can find subtle smart solutions for every customer. [UK: LEEDS-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > LendoCare LendoCare makes it easy to find and book rental equipment for patients. Explore the wide range of products available across the UK. Our mission is to make equipment access easy, affordable and flexible to match the patient's needs throughout their treatment. [UK SERVICE] Explore further > Let’s Talk Makaton Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other. Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order. With Makaton, children and adults can communicate straight away using signs and symbols. Many people then drop the signs or symbols naturally at their own pace, as they develop speech. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Maisha Outreach Therapy Organisation (MOTO) We aim to make rehabilitation services in Africa more accessible and enhance the lives of vulnerable and marginalised people through quality care, therapy and advocacy. We facilitate volunteer placements and use occupational therapy as a tool to support and empower. [AFRICA-BASED; SERVICE AVAILABLE CONTINENT-WIDE] Explore further > Medequip Medequip Assistive Technology is the leading provider of community equipment services to local authorities and the NHS across the UK, delivering a wide range of equipment and support to people in their own homes, keeping people independent for longer. This experience enables Medequip to be an ideal partner/supplier to any care provider including Nursing and Residential homes, Charities and Sheltered Housing as well as wholesale supply to Retailers and direct to Consumers through our ecommerce website www.manageathome.co.uk Explore further > Muggi Muggi is an innovative new product which enables hot and cold drinks to be carried safely in any environment. This unique tray enables up to four mugs to be carried safely in one hand, leaving the other hand free to support the user. Muggi also fits on to walking frames and can be conveniently placed on the lap of wheelchair users. It catches unwanted spillages and features non-slip rubber feet; finger and thumb holds make it easy to carry for young or old hands. An increasing number of occupational therapists, sufferers of Parkinson’s, arthritis and wheelchair users are finding muggi invaluable in their daily lives. Made from lightweight, but extremely tough Polypropylene, muggi comes in seven vibrant colours blue, grey, red, purple, green, pink, a black recycled material. Explore further > Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) The UKs only FREE Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibition Event. The conference focuses on bringing suppliers and OTs together in one place - in different venues across the UK - with one aim: to improve the industry as a whole and provide better value to the end user. Who should attend? Occupational Therapists, occupational therapy assistants and support staff, commissioners, people working within housing (surveyors, architects and technicians), occupational therapy students and charities and charitable organisations. The list of exhibitors we have exhibiting with us is endless. For instance:- The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Handicare, Guldmann Hoists, Kingkraft, SensoryKraft, Capia PIP, Careflex, FRANKE, Clos-o-Mat, Impey, Safespaces, Triton showers, Geberit, Mangar, Langham GE, AKW, DLF, Otolift...and many more. You can see the full details and listings on our website. Our event is a FREE Event for Delegates and we include refreshments throughout. Each venue holds around 500 Delegates and tickets are available for all of them on our website or via Eventbrite. [UK-WIDE CONFERENCES] Explore further > RCOT: Minor adaptions without delay This practical guide is for housing associations involved in fitting ‘minor adaptations’ for tenants, such as stair rails. It gives technical specifications, examples of good practice, identifies characteristics of best practice and sets out to dispel some of the myths that result in failure to meet the needs of older and disabled people. Explore further > Remap Remap is a national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers. We help disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life by designing and making equipment for their individual needs. This tailor made equipment helps people to carry out essential daily tasks without having to ask for help, or helps them take part in leisure occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible. Our focus at Remap is to give people independence because we know how important this is. Many people have a physical impairment of some sort. But your life changes if you have to rely on others all the time. By making a piece of equipment specifically for an individual, tailored to their needs, we can often help them become that bit more independent. Remap gives disabled people the joy of independence. We are pleased to give people our equipment free of charge. This is because we are a charity and are not trying to make money. All our running costs are covered by donations and support from charities and our volunteers give their time for free. [UK-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further > SGN Locking Cooker Valve SGN manages the network distributing natural and green gas to 5.9 million homes and businesses across the south of England and Scotland. Our free locking cooker valve helps customers living in vulnerable circumstances across the UK retain their independence at home and provides reassurance to carers and relatives. The simple safety device is fitted to existing gas cooker pipework. When the valve is locked, the gas supply to the cooker is stopped and eliminates the risk of the cooker being unintentionally turned on or left on when the carer or relative leaves the house or the room. [UK GAS NETWORK; LOCKING COOKER VALVE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Signalong Signalong provides training and resources to assist those with communication difficulties and English as an additional language. Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British sign language and is used in spoken word order. It uses speech, sign, body language, facial expression and voice tone to reference the link between sign and word. Explore further > Stiltz Home Lifts Stiltz Home Lifts give occupational therapists the chance to independently recommend an innovative through the floor domestic lift during in-home OT assessments as an aid for those who need to adapt their homes to help make their lives easier. The Stiltz Trio+ Home Lift is the only freestanding home lift on the market with no supporting walls needed as the lift travels through the floor on unique and discreet self-supporting vertical rails. The lift is powered by a quiet self-contained motor with no hydraulics required. Stiltz Home Lifts are simple to install and easy to use. Home adaptations can be partially or fully funded depending on the individual’s circumstances, by a Local Government Disabled Facilities Grant. [UK; SERVICE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > The Able Label Who are we? Our clothes are not just any clothes. Stylish - yes... comfortable - absolutely. However, what makes us different is that our high-quality garments have specifically been designed to make dressing easier. The quality fabrics, discreet adaptive designs, innovative fastenings and hidden extras make dressing easier for those who may suffer from restricted movement or lack of finger dexterity. The design of the garments has also taken carers' requirements into account so assisted dressing is quicker, easier and safer. Yet when they're being worn, no one would know they were adapted... it's our secret! Explore further > The IAD Company The IAD Company are Architectural and Interior Design consultants practicing across England and Wales with experience designing environments for children and adults with additional mental and physical needs. IAD’s involvement can be anything from simple floor plans through to fully considered interior design layouts with colour schemes, electrical plans, furniture layouts and anything else that may be required. IAD provide a package following the OT assessment in conjunction with the OT who produced the report. We do not provide a one-size-fits-all package and will adapt our service to supplement the OT’s in whatever way is most beneficial to the project. [UK-BASED ORGANISATION; SERVICES AVAILABLE ACROSS ENGLAND AND WALES] Explore further > The Platform Lift Company Offering one of the biggest ranges of home lift solutions, including open residential platform lifts and cabin style residential lifts. Whether you want to achieve access to the different floors within your home or to overcome an architectural barrier, such as a flight of steps, The Platform Lift Company will give you a variety of options to suit your individual needs and living space. [UK-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > The Pool Lift Company Supplying portable and fixed pool lifts products for swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. The Pool Lift Company is committed to providing the right pool lift solutions, so that people with disabilities, the elderly or someone who is recovering from injury or an operation, can enjoy wet leisure activities and the benefits of hydrotherapy. [UK-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > We Care Home Improvements Our aim is for people to live comfortably and independently at home for as long as they choose, enabling them to enjoy their lives in the surroundings they love. Our support includes specialist advice on home adaptations and accessible bathrooms. We also provide home improvement and repair services in the Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire areas. We help for individuals that are leaving hospital and completing minor repairs such as fixing a leaking tap. Explore further > accessibleGO The leading travel platform aimed at helping to make the world of travel more accessible to people with disabilities. The website has reviews, travel tips and booking capabilities so that people with disabilities finally have a community that addresses their travel needs. [US-BASED PLATFORM; ACCESSIBLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > vivid.care Established in 1972 with the aim to find and supply the best mobility and independent living aids available, vivid.care (formerly Yorkshire Care Equipment) provides high-quality products to people across the North of England. We specialise in everything from wheelchairs and scooters, to made-to-measure seating and bespoke bathrooms. [UK: HARROGATE-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Models + Outcome Measures Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) was developed by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists in 1997. It describes transactions and mutual influences between the dimensions of occupational performance. The main model illustrates the relationship between person, occupation and environment. Spirituality is the fourth dimension, placed in the centre of the model, to highlight its fundamental importance. Further information can be found through the following literature: Townsend, E.A. and Polatajko, H. J. (2007) Enabling Occupation II: Advancing an Occupational Therapy Vision for Health, Well-being and Justice through Occupation. Ottawa, ON: CAOT ACE. [CANADIAN MODEL OF PRACTICE; UTILISED WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is an evidence-based outcome measure designed to capture a client’s self-perception of performance in everyday living, over time. [FOUNDED IN CANADA; APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > HOTheory HOTheory is a database that contains theories, models, frames of reference, and frameworks that are developed specifically by occupational therapists or for use in occupational therapy. This database is designed to help occupational therapy practitioners and students to find theoretical knowledge to inform their practice and learning. [HONG KONG-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Kawa Model The Kawa Model is a therapeutic model of occupational therapy practice, developed by Dr Michael Iwama and Occupational Therapists in Japan. It uses the natural metaphor of a river to depict one’s life journey. [FOUNDED IN JAPAN; MODEL APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Mental Health Recovery Star The Recovery Star has been designed for use with adults managing their mental health or recovering from mental illness. The Recovery Star covers ten key areas: Managing mental health Physical health and self care Living skills Social networks Work Relationships Addictive behaviour Responsibilities Identity and self-esteem Trust and hope [INTERNATIONAL OUTCOME MEASURE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Music Therapy Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry In the Groove: An Evaluation to Explore a Joint Music Therapy and Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children with Acquired Brain Injury By Karen Twyford & Samantha Watters An acquired brain injury in children disrupts brain development and neural pathways, which may have serious implications on occupational role performance. Assessment and management of children with neurological disorders is complex and treatment requires the engagement of a multidisciplinary team. Increasing evidence indicates that both occupational therapists and music therapists work effectively towards similar goals with children with acquired brain injury. This evaluation investigated the effectiveness of a joint music therapy and occupational therapy group in promoting the development of self-regulation skills in children with an acquired brain injury or neurological condition, as part of a pilot project at a regional paediatric hospital in Australia. Explore further > Music & Sound Therapy Music is a very powerful sensory modulation tool! The therapeutic effects of music on the nervous system are well researched. Literature states that a 60 beat per minute pulse can help entrain healthy internal rhythms. Some important considerations before using music in the environment or during OT treatment sessions include the following: diagnosis, age, culture, environment, personal preferences, sensitivities, and personal history. Explore further > Music and the inner self | James Rhodes | TEDxMadrid In times of superficiality and exteriority we need to learn to look into ourselves, and truly listening to music is a great way of doing this. Music is a trustable friend that can save you even in your darkest moments Explore further > Music, Physical and Occupational Therapists: How We Can Work Together As the music therapy profession grows, so does the opportunity for collaboration among other therapists. This post will address two specific therapists in particular: physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs). Music therapists can (and do) work with PTs and OTs in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities co-treating patients/students as they work towards their therapeutic goals. Though all work towards similar goals and therapeutic outcomes, each therapist has a different specialty. Explore further > OT Innovations - Music Therapy Occupational Therapy has grown significantly as a profession since it’s conception in mental health. The current work of many dedicated practitioners and educators promises an explosion of information and research, which will continue to transform our theoretical models, frameworks, practices, and perspectives on occupation and mental health altogether. It is the mission of this website to promote embodied, comprehensive, and person-centered practice by providing a platform for global networking, resource sharing, and educational offerings. Explore further > Occupational therapy and the use of music tempo in the treatment of the mental health care user with psychosis The mental health care user (MHCU) with psychosis has restrictions in occupational performance components and occupational performance areas, causing impaired activity participation, compromising the achievement of Occupational Therapy (OT) goals with this population. The effect of slow versus fast tempo music during OT treatment of the MHCU with psychosis was investigated by means of a quantitative, experimental study. Explore further > Should Music Be Used Therapeutically in Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy addresses the dysfunction found in a wide variety of psychiatric, developmental, and physical disorders. The motor, sensory, cognitive, social, and emotional components of a person's functional perfonnance are all addressed. Considering the holistic phLiosophy of occupational therapy, its broad client base, and its traditional use of creative and purposeful activity, music would seem to be an ideal modality Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Fatigue Management Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Fatigue Management (Oxford University Hospitals) Learning more about fatigue and the strategies to manage it may be the first step towards assisting you to take a more active role in managing your fatigue. Read this PDF document to understand the core concepts. Explore further > South Coast Fatigue Occupational therapist-led specialist fatigue management service for NHS and private individuals based in the UK. Aiming to promote fatigue management strategies into general rehabilitation to help maximise outcomes. [UK; SOUTH COAST-BASED] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Rest + Sleep Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 'Sleepwise: Addressing sleep disturbance in young children with developmental delay' (AOTJ) Abstract Disability SAs Early Childhood Service identified the need to address sleep disturbance in young children with developmental delay. Sleep disturbance has been clearly linked to reduced daytime functioning, increased problematic behaviour and increased family stress levels (Didden, Curfs, van Driel & de Moor, 2002; Honomichl, Goodlin-Jones, Burnham, Gaylor & Anders, 2002; Mindell & Owens, 2003). While sleep disturbance is common in typically developing children, there is an increased prevalence of sleep disturbance in children with devel- opmental delay that requires professional intervention (Stores & Wiggs, 2001; Williams, Sears & Allard, 2004). Early intervention and prevention of sleep disturbance in young children with developmental delay was consid- ered important to maximise children’s potential and facilitate family well-being. The purpose of this article is to outline the Sleepwise approach and report the initial findings from its implementation over 1 year within the Early Childhood Service.' Read more > Authors: Annie O’Connell and Kath Vannan Australian Occupational Therapy Journal > Volume 55, Issue 3 - September 2008 > Pages 212–214. [AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL ARTICLE; ARTICLE AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'The Role of Occupational Therapy in Sleep and Wellness' (Shoshanah Shear on Huffington Post) Every activity that we engage in has benefits and potential problems or risks that accompany it. Likewise, sleep has benefits to our health and well-being and problems that can occur when we lack sufficient quality sleep. The benefits and problems are directly connected to how many hours of uninterrupted sleep that we attain on a daily basis, together with the nature of that sleep. For adults to be healthy, sleep takes up approximately one third of every 24 hour day. That is a major chunk of time that begs for our acknowledgement and attention For babies and children, obtaining sufficient hours of sleep has a direct relation to their development. An important fact to take note of is that whether or not the hours of sleep were adequate and rejuvenating has a direct impact on our waking hours and our ability to effectively carry out our daily tasks. This is where occupational therapy (OT) has become recognised as having a role to play in the area of sleep and wellness.' Read more > Author: Shoshanah Shear Huffington Post > Healthy Living - 27th October 2016 [INTERNATIONALLY COLLABORATED WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic We are passionate about teaching children to sleep - and have been since 2000. Millpond is the only sleep clinic working with children from babies right up to adolescence - and our trainers are all fully qualified medical professionals. The NHS trusts us to train their staff. You can trust us to help your child sleep.' [UK CHARITY. NATIONAL SERVICE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Sleep Doctor Sleep health is an emerging field of research, focused on how we sleep and the benefits it provides to our minds, bodies and lives. At Sleep.org, by the National Sleep Foundation, we are dedicated to starting a movement about the positive benefits of sleep health. Join us as we uncover sleep’s mysteries and create a sleep health movement, that empowers all of us to take back our sleep. Learn more about how you can feel better and start improving your sleep today. [US WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > SleepAbility SleepAbility, For Children & Teenagers with Sleep Difficulties. SleepAbility is a therapy and education service developed by Annie O’Connell (MSc OT) that aims to improve sleep for children, teenagers and their families. Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s daily routine and strongly related to quality of life, learning, health and emotional well-being. Sleep, like diet and exercise, helps us to grow, recover from the wear and tear of daily life and build immunity. While sleeping, the brain sorts and stores memories for future learning. Over 80% of children and teenagers with developmental disabilities have disturbed sleep that affects their development, daytime behaviour (hyperactivity, mood swings, lethargy, aggression, self-injury), learning and health. A child’s inadequate sleep can have a large impact on the whole family, with increased emotional and physical stress. Sleep-deprived parents and carers find it harder to manage family and work commitments. Parents' own health can be greatly impacted by poor sleep. SleepAbility can help families to develop better sleeping patterns for their children, with a family centred individualised sleep plan. [AUSTRALIAN SERVICE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > SleepOT Welcome to sleepOT.org, the information and networking site for occupational therapists interested in sleep. This site is aimed at everyone involved in occupational therapy practice and research, and for occupational therapists in all fields and all regions. Here you will find a growing body of information about sleep which is relevant to OT practice, contributed to by international experts in the field . You will find links and listing of online resources and literature relevant to your sleep-related practice, research or study. Explore further > The Children's Sleep Charity We are a national, award-winning charity, supporting children with sleep issues. We provide support for families and accredited training for professionals and commercial organisations. Sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on emotional, physical and mental health. Many families seeking our support are approaching crisis point. We offer a range of services, from working directly with parents, to training professionals in the NHS. Our work is based on the latest research - and we have a team of experts, who input into our training materials and courses. We believe in working in partnership with families and offer a gentle approach to making lasting changes to your child’s sleep patterns. [UK CHARITY. NATIONAL SERVICE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Other OT Platforms Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Double Time Docs Double Time Docs was developed by an experienced occupational therapist and software developer. Jason Gonzales has 18 years of experience in school-based occupational therapy in various US states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusettes, California and Hawaii. Scott Leisawitz is a web and software developer with 20 years of experience, who has worked with many of the biggest brands in the world, including Motorola, IBM, GE and more. Jason found a need and envisioned an idea of how to solve it and Scott made it into a reality. Working as a team, Jason and Scott developed Double Time Docs, so that occupational, physical and speech therapists can write an individualised narrative report in a fraction of the time. Explore further > OT Flourish OT Flourish helps OT practitioners and students be the best they can be when working with older adults. We do this through: The Learning Lab Membership: helping you be skilled, creative, current & have the resources you need with hundreds of treatment idea videos, lists and links to patient handouts, tools, assessments, and evaluations, a journal club, exclusive community forum and fun bonuses - just for being a member! OT Flourish Podcast: showcasing relevant interviews, answering questions, current articles and hot topics, but also to getting OT practitioners excited about working with older adults, give actionable ideas that listeners can take and use in their own practice and have some fun along the way! OT Resources: find the CEU discounts, e-books, handouts, forms and products that you have been looking for to ramp up your practice! Blog: free treatment ideas, education and resources to learn, relate and grow as an OT practitioner and student. Connect with Seniors Flourish via mchamberlain@seniorsflourish.com , or social media. [US-BASED RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > OT Potential OT Potential exists to help occupational therapy practitioners provide the best care possible. What started as an occupational therapy blog has evolved according to practitioner needs. Today on the site you can find: A comprehensive guide to finding and landing the right OT job A store with digital forms, ebooks and handouts An overview of occupational therapy ...and more To receive updates, please sign up for the newsletter, via our homepage. [US-BASED RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Ocupando los Márgenes Ocupando los Margenes - or Occupying the Margins is a website that promotes critical reflection in and from the margins of occupational therapy; it explores practice and principles outside conventional settings or countries. Occupational therapy is explored in relation to human rights, equality, occupational justice and social transformation. Content includes perspectives from life in Rwanda and interventions with child refugees in Greece. The blog aids to improve reflexive thinking about principle concerns which ought to be approached by occupational therapy. This website is in Spanish, but can be easily translated, through a Google Translate pop-up on your browser. [SPAIN WEBSITE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > SPOTeurope - Student Platform Occupational Therapy Europe SPOTeurope aims to encourage and increase OT student connection across Europe. You can connect with other students to exchange experiences, opportunities, knowledge and ideas, all through SPOTeurope! A place for the future OT. The idea was developed at the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE) Congress and since then has made huge progress! SPOT currently provides a blog (with news about the OT world), a forum (in which students can connect and ask questions), country representatives (who can answer OT questions in their country), Twitter, Facebook and more. Join in the discussion! [EUROPEAN PLATFORM; ACCESSIBLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Professional Bodies Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry All India Occupational Therapists' Association (AIOTA) All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) is the founder council member of World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). It is a registered body under Bombay Public Trust Act, Mumbai 1950-E-1118. The AIOTA regularly organises annual national conferences, to update members on recent advances and research in the areas of vivid interest. The Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy (IJOT) is published three times a year - in April, August and December - by the AIOTA. The Journal publishes original scientific research papers, case reports, preliminary articles and information on all aspects of occupational therapy. [INDIA PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services. [US PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Asociación Argentina de Terapistas Ocupacionales (AATO) The Argentine Association of Occupational Therapists maintains a registry of the country's occupational therapy graduates and promotes their work. It promotes the growth of the Association of Occupational Therapists in the Argentine Republic, establishing relations with similar domestic and foreign associations. The AATO ensures professional ethics and intervenes in the defence of professional interests, before national, provincial, municipal authorities and associations. It promotes joint interdisciplinary actions and the possibility of associating with federations and confederations. The AATO offers its partners: Legal and accounting advice A large agenda of specific activities for Occupational Therapists and those related to interdisciplinary issues It manages discounts and scholarships in training courses, seminars, conferences, congresses, etc. Organises spaces for meetings, thematic coffees, courses, seminars and face-to-face or virtual workshops It provides the most comprehensive bibliographic OT material in Argentina, through its own library [ARGENTINA PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Association Nationale Francaise des Ergotherapeutes (ANFE, France) For more than 50 years, ANFE has been the main representative body for occupational therapists in France. ANFE is an independent community of exchanges and encounters, that brings together occupational therapists, regardless of their field of practice. It acts on major social projects, through its participation in ministerial plans, work of agencies, observatories and high state authorities. The association was created in 1961, by Jacqueline Roux, to promote Occupational Therapy in France. It represents more than 10% of occupational therapists in France. ANFE represents the profession at the HCPP (Haut Conseil des Professions Paramédicales) and more generally at all ministerial, territorial, political and associative bodies. It participates and contributes to reflections, studies and reforms concerning health and the development of services. [FRANCE PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland is the only professional body for Occupational Therapists in the Republic of Ireland. The AOTI provides national leadership to its members and works on behalf of its members with the best interest of the profession and service users in mind. The AOTI is the organisation that promotes the profession on behalf of all occupational therapists in Ireland. It is reliant entirely on the voluntary efforts of its members. The AOTI considers current practice in Ireland and abroad, working at both a strategic and operational level to advance the profession in Ireland, ensure appropriate governance and optimise communication with the public and our members. [IRELAND PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Associazione Italiana dei Terapisti Occupazionali (AITO) AITO is the representative association of Occupational Therapists in Italy and has, as its organisational goal, the constant search for members' participation. This means developing and consolidating competition of ideas, building visibility and traceability of decision-making paths. The association aims to pursue many objectives, including: to contribute to the valorisation and protection of professionalism, expectations and image of Occupational Therapists promoting and encouraging the establishment of schools for Occupational Therapists to directly develop the continuing training of occupational therapists by means of meetings, congresses, courses, ethics debates, etc. evaluate, through the Italian Occupational Therapy Society, the quality of training courses for Occupational Therapists provide scientific and technical information and advice to those who are interested in occupational therapy and, more generally, establish and coordinate relationships with affiliated national or international disciplinary associations or societies [ITALY PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is the national organisation that supports the more than 16,000 occupational therapists who work or study in Canada. [CANADA PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Colegio Profesional de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de Canarias (COPTOCA) El Colegio Profesional de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de Canarias se constituye de forma oficial el 18 de enero de 2020, tras 17 años como Asociación Profesional de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de Canarias (APTOCA). Como corporación de derecho público, COPTOCA se encarga de velar por los intereses del ejercicio profesional de los terapeutas ocupacionales de Canarias, de las personas que reciben sus servicios y del cumplimiento de sus estatutos. [PROFESSIONAL BODY OF THE CANARY ISLANDS] Explore further > European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE) ENOTHE is a non-profit organisation, funded by annual subscription membership and is concerned with the standards and quality of professional education of occupational therapists across Europe. One of the primary aims is to ensure that there is a robust educational system for European occupational therapists, which demonstrates comparability, high quality and flexibility to respond to changes in health and societal issues, policy and practice. Explore further > National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is a US regulatory body. It provides services for the public, students, certificants, and educators. Explore further > National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. NICE's role is to improve outcomes for people using the UK's NHS and other public health and social care services. We do this by: Producing evidence-based guidance and advice for health, public health and social care practitioners Developing quality standards and performance metrics for those providing and commissioning health, public health and social care services Providing a range of information services for commissioners, practitioners and managers across the spectrum of health and social care [UK ORGANISATION; GUIDELINES APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Occupational Therapy Australia Occupational Therapy Australia is the peak professional body representing the interests of occupational therapists across Australia. It strives to ensure that members consistently receive quality, responsive services that add significant value to their careers. [AUSTRALIA PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) Fostering faith and confidence in the profession. The Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) is a health regulatory authority. We ensure the safety of consumers using occupational therapy services. We do this by making sure all Occupational Therapists meet the specifications of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. [NEW ZEALAND REGULATORY BODY] Explore further > Occupational Therapy New Zealand (OTNZ) / Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa Our mission is to support members to excel professionally and promote occupation by providing resources, education and representation. Our vision is that occupational therapy should be accessible and valued by all. Underpinning values:- Occupational justice: Fair access to resources to enable occupation / He huarahi ki nga taonga tukuiho he pumautanga o te mahi Biculturalism: Equity between the tangata whenua (Māori) and the tangata tiriti (non Māori) / Te nohoanga nga tahitanga o te tangata, ko te kii tuhono mo ake tonu Integrity: The quality of being honest and following our principle / Te rangatiratanga o te tika, me te whai ake ra o nga mātāpono Professionalism: High standards that characterise behaviour / Ko te taumata i whaia ko te ahua i wawatatia Collaboration: Work together in mutual effort and partnership towards goals / He ringa raupa, ka eke nga hiahia, ka tutuki nga wawata i tumanakotia Transparency: Visibility or accessibility of information / Te kitenga ake, te huarahi hoki, o te mohiotanga [NEW ZEALAND PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) Occupational therapists improve lives and save money for the health and social care services on a daily basis. We're making the case for occupational therapy in the UK. We work to ensure the profession's rightful place in health and social care delivery and encourage our members to play an active role as ambassadors for the profession. [UK PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > Toimintaterapeuttiliitto Ergoterapeutförbundet (TOI) Toimintaterapeuttiliitto Ergoterapeutförbundet - The Finnish Occupational Therapy Association (more commonly known as TOI) - was founded in 1965. The Occupational Therapy Association is the Akava Trade Union and the only advocate of Occupational Therapists and students of the profession in Finland. The task of the Occupational Therapy Association is to influence Occupational Therapists in matters of working life and to supervise and develop Finnish Occupational Therapist training. [FINLAND PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further > World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) WFOT promotes occupational therapy as an art and science internationally. The Federation supports the development, use and practice of occupational therapy worldwide, demonstrating its relevance and contribution to society. [INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL BODY] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Networking Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) The UKs only FREE Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibition Event. The conference focuses on bringing suppliers and OTs together in one place - in different venues across the UK - with one aim: to improve the industry as a whole and provide better value to the end user. Who should attend? Occupational Therapists, occupational therapy assistants and support staff, commissioners, people working within housing (surveyors, architects and technicians), occupational therapy students and charities and charitable organisations. The list of exhibitors we have exhibiting with us is endless. For instance:- The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Handicare, Guldmann Hoists, Kingkraft, SensoryKraft, Capia PIP, Careflex, FRANKE, Clos-o-Mat, Impey, Safespaces, Triton showers, Geberit, Mangar, Langham GE, AKW, DLF, Otolift...and many more. You can see the full details and listings on our website. Our event is a FREE Event for Delegates and we include refreshments throughout. Each venue holds around 500 Delegates and tickets are available for all of them on our website or via Eventbrite. [UK-WIDE CONFERENCES] Explore further > SPOTeurope - Student Platform Occupational Therapy Europe SPOTeurope aims to encourage and increase OT student connection across Europe. You can connect with other students to exchange experiences, opportunities, knowledge and ideas, all through SPOTeurope! A place for the future OT. The idea was developed at the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE) Congress and since then has made huge progress! SPOT currently provides a blog (with news about the OT world), a forum (in which students can connect and ask questions), country representatives (who can answer OT questions in their country), Twitter, Facebook and more. Join in the discussion! [EUROPEAN NETWORKING] Explore further > The Occupational Therapy Show Benefit from: The Occupational Therapy Show is dedicated to informing, inspiring and investing in all Occupational Therapists. This truly is an event not to be missed! Venue: NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK Visitor cost: Free Join the UK's largest, free-to-attend, dedicated event just for OTs! This CPD education and trade show will be taking place at Birmingham’s NEC over a two day period. Don't miss out! Access over 100 OT focused and interactive lectures, seminars and practical workshops View the conference programme by clicking here Gain over 80 hours accredited CPD education Learn from world-renowned speakers and experts Update and refresh your learning across physical, mental health and learning difficulties, children and families, neurology in practice, housing and innovation, plus many more hot topics, specialist areas and new research relevant to OTs in practice Research and source new products and services, through a network of over 270 trade exhibitors and suppliers. Providing information and advice for all your questions and need [BIRMINGHAM, UK; NATIONWIDE, ANNUAL CONFERENCE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Occupational Science Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Occupational Science Europe The aim of Occupational Science Europe is to support the development of occupational science throughout Europe. OSE aims to be a vibrant community for all people with an interest in occupational science. Anyone can join, it is free of charge and has no formal registration process. It aims to be a multidisciplinary group and it actively encourages the involvement of many disciplines. Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Vocational Rehabilitation Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry AJOT: The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Vocational Rehabilitation Process This paper identifies the roles and responsibilities of occupational therapy to individuals involved in the vocational rehabilitation process. Explore further > BSRM: Vocational Rehabilitation: The Way Forward This document has been produced in the hope that it will contribute to the debate on work (within government, the health professions and other interested bodies) and lead to improvement in services for those for whom accident, illness or disability has led to temporary or permanent loss of work. Better practice within the National Health Service (NHS) and liaison with other agencies can prevent unnecessary sickness absence and job loss in view of the number of bodies involved in vocational rehabilitation. This report is wide-ranging in the hope that it may act as a resource for those entering the field without detailed knowledge of all the agencies involved. Explore further > British Association for Supported Employment The British Association for Supported Employment is the national trade association for the supported employment sector. Our purpose is to support, promote and develop the principles and provision of supported employment. BASE aims to: Assist people with disabilities by encouraging the provision of support into employment Endorse and promote quality standards in the delivery of supported employment Nurture and encourage the setting up of new supported employment services Promote the training of supported employment personnel throughout the UK Provide regular, detailed information including an advisory and development service to association members Liaise and negotiate with national and international government and non-government organisations, to promote the aims of the Association Explore further > Healthy Working Lives Find out about the basics you must have in place to manage health and safety in your organisation. Why supporting the mental health of your employees is important and ways to do this. Explore further > Personnel Today: Return to work through vocational rehabilitation A vocational rehabilitation model using occupational therapists challenges traditional OH approaches Explore further > The OT Practice : A professional’s guide to Vocational Rehabilitation This guide has been produced to assist case managers in understanding the place of vocational rehabilitation in occupational therapy. Vocational rehabilitation has been thoroughly explored in professional and academic literature and some suggestions for further reading are provided at the end of this guide. The present writer has been able to draw not only from that literature, but also from years of practical, clinical experience in the field, which itself sits at the very heart of occupational therapy. Explore further > UK Rehabilitation Council The UK Rehabilitation Council is a community of rehabilitation associations, rehabilitation providers, clients and other stakeholder groups. Our common goal is to ensure access to high quality medical and vocational rehabilitation services in the UK. Acting as an umbrella organisation for this broad community, the Council has been established to provide a united voice on issues of importance to us. The Council seeks to coordinate the efforts of its members, in order that our combined efforts have the greatest possible impact. Explore further > Vocational Rehabilitation Association The VRA is a multi-disciplinary UK-wide organisation supporting and promoting all those working in vocational rehabilitation whether in the public, private, voluntary or third sector. Explore further > Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities: A United States Study By Alo Dutta, Robert Gervey, Fong Chan, Chih-Chin Chou, Nicole Ditchman. This study examined the effect of vocational rehabilitation services on employment outcomes of people with sensory/communicative, physical, and mental impairments in the United States. Explore further > Vocational rehabilitation: scientific evidence review The aim of this review was to provide an evidence base for policy development on vocational rehabilitation, which is defined as, ‘whatever helps someone with a health problem to stay at, return to and remain at work’. It focused on: adults of working age the common health problems that account for two-thirds of long-term sickness work outcomes The review found a strong scientific evidence base for many aspects of vocational rehabilitation - and a good business case for it. Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Social Inclusion Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Access Sport Access Sport enhances the life prospects of disadvantaged children by providing opportunities to experience and enjoy the power of sport. Our unique experience across a wide range of sports in London, Bristol, Manchester and Oxford have led us, in the twelve years since we were established, to become nationally recognised as an innovative leader in the field of community sport. Our work supports young people aged 5-25, with a particular emphasis on under 18’s who are disabled, disadvantaged or excluded from society. We do this by building thriving community sports clubs, led by inspirational volunteers, in the most disadvantaged urban areas. These clubs then provide life-changing opportunities for local, vulnerable young people, whilst creating a lasting, locally-owned community resource. We have a multi-sport approach, which recognises the importance of different sports in different settings for different participants, enabling maximum inclusivity and impact - from BMX to boxing; from running to rugby; from sitting volleyball to sailing. To find out more information please visit our website or find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. [UK CHARITY] Explore further > AccessAble AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out. To give you the information and detail you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible for you. We've surveyed 10,000s of venues across the UK and Ireland, including shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more. AccessAble is Your Accessibility Guide. Download our free App to use AccessAble on the go. [UK-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further > Creative Minds A social enterprise and nationwide community of artists, delivering empowering and therapeutic art sessions to care homes, learning disability services and day centres across the country. Our community of over 30 artist licensees deliver over 350 art sessions, to 1500 people a month, working with older people and people with learning disabilities. Creative Minds is expanding all the time. We currently have passionate artists delivering art sessions from London, East Sussex and Kent, to the West Midlands, Leicestershire and Yorkshire. For a full list of locations and further insight into our work, visit our website and follow us on social media. [UK SOCIAL ENTERPRISE; SERVICE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Garry Burge - Asperger Syndrome and Autism Advocacy Offering personal experience, through trial and error, to help raise awareness. Garry Burge was born in Brisbane, Australia in August 1972 and was diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome in July 1998. Being diagnosed has helped him to understand who he is as a person and explained why he was different from other people and the world around him. His diagnosis helped to answer some of the following questions: Why it was difficult for him to make friends His constant obsessions in trains, pocket watches, orchids and history The difficulty in not being able to fit into and adjust to the school environment Why he was bullied and teased within secondary school Experience of having depression and social isolation earlier in his life Not having a lighter side Seeing things and taking comments from other people very literally Unemployment issues and not being able to find employment Visit Garry Burge's website to find out more and learn from his experiences. This includes autism and employment, Asperger Syndrome advocacy, links and support. [AUSTRALIA-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > LGBTQ and OT This website is designed to connect OT practitioners, educators, and students to the resources and information that they need to improve OT services for LGBTQ clients in many settings. This website offers cultural awareness resources, information on how LGBTQ identities can impact occupational performance, advice on how to make clinics more LGBTQ friendly and more. [INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Maisha Outreach Therapy Organisation (MOTO) We aim to make rehabilitation services in Africa more accessible and enhance the lives of vulnerable and marginalised people through quality care, therapy and advocacy. We facilitate volunteer placements and use occupational therapy as a tool to support and empower. [AFRICA-BASED; SERVICE AVAILABLE CONTINENT-WIDE] Explore further > Ocupando los Márgenes Ocupando los Margenes - or Occupying the Margins is a website that promotes critical reflection in and from the margins of occupational therapy; it explores practice and principles outside conventional settings or countries. Occupational therapy is explored in relation to human rights, equality, occupational justice and social transformation. Content includes perspectives from life in Rwanda and interventions with child refugees in Greece. The blog aids to improve reflexive thinking about principle concerns which ought to be approached by occupational therapy. This website is in Spanish, but can be easily translated, through a Google Translate pop-up on your browser. [FOUNDED IN SPAIN; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > St Wilfrid's Centre A day centre open to all homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded adults aged 18-65 years old. We are open Monday to Friday (10am-4pm), with a skilled staff team that offer basic Welfare services, as well as Personal Development activities to promote wellbeing and independence. Hygiene services - showers, hairdressing, laundry, clothing repair and clothing bank Hot meals and snacks Finding accommodation Somewhere safe to go regularly and meet others Advice, advocacy and signposting - including benefits, housing and personal advice Social activities, games and groups Personal Development Programme - offers a wide variety of personal development activities structured to help facilitate recovery, life-skills & work-based skill [UK: SHEFFIELD CENTRE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Older People Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry AccessAble The UK's leading provider of access information. Providing independence and choice. On our website you'll find detailed access information to thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland: shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more. Our mission is to maximise independence and choice for disabled people in accessing their local area and the places we all want to visit. We work on behalf of Local Authorities, top Universities, NHS Trusts and private sector organisations to publish detailed access information on well over 125,000 places of interest across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We also have a number of prominent strategic partnerships, particularly in the travel and tourism sector, with organisations such as Visit England, Visit London (London & Partners/Greater London Authority), Tourism For All and Open Britain. Developed by disabled people, for disabled people . We go the extra mile because disabled people have told us: a venue which self-reports its access can all too often miss, overlook or fail to appreciate the reality of the access they provide the majority of venues do not have the expertise or the time to go into the detail that many disabled people need to have to make an effective judgement about the suitability of access. Finally because what’s accessible for one person is not necessarily accessible for another, our independence means “we say as we see it”, providing the facts so you can make an informed choice. [UK SERVICE] Explore further > Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia Alzheimer Scotland is the leading dementia organisation in Scotland. We campaign for the rights of people with dementia and their families. We provide a wide range of specialist services, community activities, information and advice - for people with dementia and their carers, at every stage of the dementia journey. [UK SERVICE; AVAILABLE ACROSS SCOTLAND] Explore further > Bristol Older Peoples Forum BOPFs aim is that every older person in the city is an equal, valued, participating member of the community who can influence the decisions which affect their lives. (Read more on the About Us pages). Our manifesto , launched in 2016, sets out the priorities in achieving our aim through influencing key providers and decision makers in the city, and by working with others. It is fully supported by Mayor Marvin Rees, Kerry McCarthy MP, many councillors and others. Please read it and let us know what you think – it belongs to all older people in the city. Explore further > CareFlex CareFlex offers an expert, free, no-obligation assessment service, to ensure the client gets the right chair to meet their needs; considering the key criteria: posture and stability, functionality, pressure relief and, of course, comfort. Our chairs are custom built in Devon, by a workforce that has a strong sense of responsibility to provide well-made chairs that will last. We are an ethical company - not solely profit focused - and we want to make a difference. Through providing pioneering, high quality products and education, we want every individual to have access to the best possible posture and pressure management product for them – to improve their quality of life and provide reassurance for their care providers. In recent clinical trials by the University of Salford, our chairs were found to be comfortable and to aid occupation and feelings of wellbeing. Our WaterCell Technology® - which is at the heart of our seating - proved to be effective. It provides a reliable and continuous low-pressure solution, for people at medium to high risk of pressure damage. Remember, 95% of pressure ulcers are preventable, which can save considerable pain and anguish for patients - and save the NHS literally billions of pounds a year. [UK-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Enabling activity in palliative care: focus groups among occupational therapists BMC Palliative Care (Open Access) Authors : Tavemark, S., Hermansson, L.N. and Blomberg, K. Published : 7 February 2019 Background Activity participation may support clients in palliative care to maintain dignity and quality of life. Literature and policy documents state that occupational therapists should be part of the team in palliative care but provide limited guidance on how interventions should be employed. Thus, the aim was to describe occupational therapists’ experiences of enabling activity for seriously ill and dying clients. Methods In a descriptive, qualitative study, three focus groups with occupational therapists (n = 14) were conducted. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results The findings showed that occupational therapists enabled activity in clients in palliative care while considering the client’s individual preferences. Motivation was seen to facilitate activity, while environmental restrictions were thought to act as barriers. The occupational therapists wanted to bring activities physically closer to the clients and felt a need for more client contact to enable activity. Conclusions Occupational therapists’ interventions in palliative care include prioritising and planning activities according to clients’ preferences and capacities. The individual nature of these activities makes it impossible to create standardised protocol for interventions, but the study results can be used to describe occupational therapists’ strategies and to guide their work, especially for occupational therapists without experience in palliative care. Explore further > Mental Capacity Act - e-Learning course (SCIE) This resource from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) explores the UK's Mental Capacity Act 2005. It includes best interests decision-making, and how to support people to make their own decisions. The course is for everyone who looks after or cares for someone, for example, doctors, nurses, care assistants, social workers, and family members. [UK ORGANISATION; E-LEARNING COURSE RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Muggi Muggi is an innovative new product which enables hot and cold drinks to be carried safely in any environment. This unique tray enables up to four mugs to be carried safely in one hand, leaving the other hand free to support the user. Muggi also fits on to walking frames and can be conveniently placed on the lap of wheelchair users. It catches unwanted spillages and features non-slip rubber feet; finger and thumb holds make it easy to carry for young or old hands. An increasing number of occupational therapists, sufferers of Parkinson’s, arthritis and wheelchair users are finding muggi invaluable in their daily lives. Made from lightweight, but extremely tough Polypropylene, muggi comes in seven vibrant colours blue, grey, red, purple, green, pink, a black recycled material. Explore further > MyLiferaft MyLiferaft is an online place for an individual’s health and well-being information that helps to connect them to you and others in their care circle. All their information is stored safely and easily, allowing only those that they choose to be able to access it. It’s not just about the facts and figures; they can store information such as “I love a cup of tea with my medication!” or “I’m scared of injections!” This allows those that care for them to know what helps them to feel better, and their care circle to feel better informed to support them. [UK: SOUTHAMPTON-BASED SERVICE; AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > OT Flourish OT Flourish helps OT practitioners and students be the best they can be when working with older adults. We do this through: The Learning Lab Membership: helping you be skilled, creative, current & have the resources you need with hundreds of treatment idea videos, lists and links to patient handouts, tools, assessments, and evaluations, a journal club, exclusive community forum and fun bonuses - just for being a member! OT Flourish Podcast: showcasing relevant interviews, answering questions, current articles and hot topics, but also to getting OT practitioners excited about working with older adults, give actionable ideas that listeners can take and use in their own practice and have some fun along the way! OT Resources: find the CEU discounts, e-books, handouts, forms and products that you have been looking for to ramp up your practice! Blog: free treatment ideas, education and resources to learn, relate and grow as an OT practitioner and student. Connect with OT Flourish via mchamberlain@seniorsflourish.com , or social media. [US-BASED RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Seating Matters Together with a team of clinicians, engineers and designers, Seating Matters have designed the world’s leading range of specialised seating, to improve comfort and quality of life for those with postural and pressure management needs. Martina Tierney - Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director - has specialised in seating throughout her career. However, she struggled to find chairs to meet the clinical and functional needs of her patients. Martina realised that her patients needed pressure care chairs which were designed to properly fit the patient’s size and were easily adjustable in order to meet their long term needs. She and her team design and produce therapeutic chairs that meet pressure management, posture, comfort, mobility and functional requirements. Her sons have created a person-centred organisation that has the patient at the heart of every decision. To change the world of healthcare seating, Seating Matters are increasing the knowledge available and sharing it freely, to improve patient care and encourage evidence based practice. [IRELAND-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Sheffield Shamblers Do you enjoy walking but want to do this at a leisurely pace? Fed up with walking groups that want to beat the clock over the distance of the walk? Or maybe you are new to walking and fear that you won't be able to keep up with experienced walkers? Then come and join the Sheffield Shamblers walking group! Health walks are an ideal introduction to walking for those who haven't been walking before, are bored at home, or perhaps recovering from an illness or operation. We are a group of people of all ages, from every walk of life, who enjoy walking and having a good time. Pleasant company and a good sense of humour is essential on all our walks. If you are looking for formal walks organised with military precision and strict codes of conduct, then this club is not for you! Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times. [UK: SHEFFIELD ORGANISATION] Explore further > Stroke Core Competencies - Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARS) This e-learning resource provides a learning tool for health and social care staff to enable them to become more knowledgeable and skilful in the challenging area of stroke care. The resource is based on the Stroke Core Competencies which were published by NHS Education for Scotland (NES) in 2005. The website provides a multidisciplinary resource which focuses on a wide range of core knowledge and skills required by all staff when delivering stroke care. The Core Competencies provide an interactive way of learning with quizzes, animations, video clips, and case scenarios. + Stroke Advancing Modules > [UK TRAINING RESOURCE; AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Promoting Independence Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry AccessAble AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out. To give you the information and detail you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible for you. We've surveyed 10,000s of venues across the UK and Ireland, including shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more. AccessAble is Your Accessibility Guide. Download our free App to use AccessAble on the go. [UK-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further > Branch Properties Are you having problems finding an accessible property to rent or purchase for your client? We provide a personal, specialist service designed for those requiring accessible homes and can offer advice and project manage adaptions or modifications. Let us do the hard work, so you don’t have to. [UK: LONDON-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Have Wheelchair Will Travel Surely we cant be the first people to do this? I kept asking our travel agent, the airline and our therapists. We certainly are not the first family with a disabled child to travel to America, but at times it felt that way. That was when the idea for this website came to me. Why not share all my research and great discoveries with others who are either, planning a trip, or are feeling nervous about giving it a go.' Julie Jones combines her skills as an ex-travel consultant with her experiences travelling with her family, including her son who lives with cerebral palsy. Have Wheelchair Will Travel has an engaged community with a range of backgrounds, including people living with a disability, therapists, educators, teachers and tourism representatives. This brings a wealth of information and experience to the website and Facebook page. - Bupa Travel Blog Award: Winner - Ausmumpreneur Heart & Edge Award: Winner - ASTW Best Travel Blog: Finalist Email us: havewchairwilltravel@gmail.com Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/havewheelchairwilltravel [AUSTRALIA-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy We are an education business with a mission to help guide occupational therapy professionals to becoming more competent and confident addressing sexuality and intimacy in their clinical practice. We offer educational webinars to help clinicians translate knowledge into clinical practice. Through the Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy, we are building a coalition of sex and intimacy OT champions, to dismantle the restrictive norms around discussing sexuality and intimacy. Join us! [US-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Kyndi & Medway Virtual House A virtual house, showcasing equipment to support independent living. This online tool suggests various objects for every room. The guide includes occupational therapy equipment, support aids and assistive technology. Launched by Medway Council, UK, in 2024. [UK-BASED ONLINE RESOURCE; ACCESSIBLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Let's Talk Makaton Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other. Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order. With Makaton, children and adults can communicate straight away using signs and symbols. Many people then drop the signs or symbols naturally at their own pace, as they develop speech. [UK CHARITY; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Muggi Muggi is an innovative new product which enables hot and cold drinks to be carried safely in any environment. This unique tray enables up to four mugs to be carried safely in one hand, leaving the other hand free to support the user. Muggi also fits on to walking frames and can be conveniently placed on the lap of wheelchair users. It catches unwanted spillages and features non-slip rubber feet; finger and thumb holds make it easy to carry for young or old hands. An increasing number of occupational therapists, sufferers of Parkinson’s, arthritis and wheelchair users are finding muggi invaluable in their daily lives. Made from lightweight, but extremely tough Polypropylene, muggi comes in seven vibrant colours blue, grey, red, purple, green, pink, a black recycled material. Explore further > MyLiferaft MyLiferaft is an online place for an individual’s health and well-being information that helps to connect them to you and others in their care circle. All their information is stored safely and easily, allowing only those that they choose to be able to access it. It’s not just about the facts and figures; they can store information such as “I love a cup of tea with my medication!” or “I’m scared of injections!” This allows those that care for them to know what helps them to feel better, and their care circle to feel better informed to support them. [UK: SOUTHAMPTON-BASED SERVICE; AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) The UKs only FREE Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibition Event. The conference focuses on bringing suppliers and OTs together in one place - in different venues across the UK - with one aim: to improve the industry as a whole and provide better value to the end user. Who should attend? Occupational Therapists, occupational therapy assistants and support staff, commissioners, people working within housing (surveyors, architects and technicians), occupational therapy students and charities and charitable organisations. You can see the full details and listings on our website. Our event is a FREE Event for Delegates and we include refreshments throughout. Each venue holds around 500 Delegates and tickets are available for all of them on our website or via Eventbrite. [UK-WIDE CONFERENCES] Explore further > RAPAEL Smart Glove (Neofect) RAPAEL Smart Glove is a high-tech rehab device. Starting the training is as simple as wearing the glove, connecting to the “RAPAEL” app and proceeding to play the rehabilitation games. Neofect 'We will build hope for healthier lives as we provide opportunities of rehabilitation through technological innovation to anyone. [US-BASED COMPANY - SERVICES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Remap Remap is a national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers. We help disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life by designing and making equipment for their individual needs. This tailor made equipment helps people to carry out essential daily tasks without having to ask for help, or helps them take part in leisure occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible. Our focus at Remap is to give people independence because we know how important this is. Many people have a physical impairment of some sort. But your life changes if you have to rely on others all the time. By making a piece of equipment specifically for an individual, tailored to their needs, we can often help them become that bit more independent. Remap gives disabled people the joy of independence. We are pleased to give people our equipment free of charge. This is because we are a charity and are not trying to make money. All our running costs are covered by donations and support from charities and our volunteers give their time for free. [UK-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further > SGN Locking Cooker Valve SGN manages the network distributing natural and green gas to 5.9 million homes and businesses across the south of England and Scotland. Our free locking cooker valve helps customers living in vulnerable circumstances across the UK retain their independence at home and provides reassurance to carers and relatives. The simple safety device is fitted to existing gas cooker pipework. When the valve is locked, the gas supply to the cooker is stopped and eliminates the risk of the cooker being unintentionally turned on or left on when the carer or relative leaves the house or the room. [UK GAS NETWORK; LOCKING COOKER VALVE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Special Supplies Special Supplies was founded with a goal to address the difficulty parents and educators encounter when attempting to find reliable, safe and effective tools for children with special needs. We discovered that, by doing our due diligence to ensure that our products were effective and safe, we were taking a load off the shoulders of those most invested in the well-being of these children. All of our products are selected by a team of parents and experienced therapists, which helps us ensure we provide the very best in Oral Motor, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Daily Living, School and Sensory products. Our team is dedicated to providing customers with the best selection of products for children and adults with special needs. Our passion is not only to raise awareness about the issues facing those with autistic and sensory integration needs, but to offer a therapeutic solution at an affordable price. [US-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further > St Wilfrid's Centre A day centre open to all homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded adults aged 18-65 years old. We are open Monday to Friday (10am-4pm), with a skilled staff team that offer basic Welfare services, as well as Personal Development activities to promote wellbeing and independence. Hygiene services - showers, hairdressing, laundry, clothing repair and clothing bank Hot meals and snacks Finding accommodation Somewhere safe to go regularly and meet others Advice, advocacy and signposting - including benefits, housing and personal advice Social activities, games and groups Personal Development Programme - offers a wide variety of personal development activities structured to help facilitate recovery, life-skills & work-based skills [UK: SHEFFIELD-BASED] Explore further > Stiltz Home Lifts Stiltz Home Lifts give occupational therapists the chance to independently recommend an innovative through the floor domestic lift during in-home OT assessments as an aid for those who need to adapt their homes to help make their lives easier. The Stiltz Trio+ Home Lift is the only freestanding home lift on the market with no supporting walls needed as the lift travels through the floor on unique and discreet self-supporting vertical rails. The lift is powered by a quiet self-contained motor with no hydraulics required. Stiltz Home Lifts are simple to install and easy to use. Home adaptations can be partially or fully funded depending on the individual’s circumstances, by a Local Government Disabled Facilities Grant. [UK; SERVICE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > The Able Label Who are we? Our clothes are not just any clothes. Stylish - yes... comfortable - absolutely. However, what makes us different is that our high-quality garments have specifically been designed to make dressing easier. The quality fabrics, discreet adaptive designs, innovative fastenings and hidden extras make dressing easier for those who may suffer from restricted movement or lack of finger dexterity. The design of the garments has also taken carers' requirements into account so assisted dressing is quicker, easier and safer. Yet when they're being worn, no one would know they were adapted... it's our secret! Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Manual Handling Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust : Moving and Handling Guidance This guidance is written to provide practical support for staff working with disabled children and young people from 0 - 18 years. Explore further > HSE : What you need to do - Moving and handling If risks from moving and handling are to be managed successfully, there must be support from those at the top of the organisation, whatever its size. This can be expressed in a clear statement of policy – supported by organisational arrangements – to ensure that the statement is implemented. Explore further > Healthy & Independent We are specialists in minor and major adaptations, manual handling people and mindfulness in social care. Teaching the correct handling techniques are essential, in order to minimise any risk of accident and to increase safety and dignity. We offer clinical support and workshops online and in situ. [SERVICES AVAILABLE IN SPAIN AND THE UK] Explore further > How to move, lift and handle someone else If you look after someone who has an illness or disability, you may need to help them move around. Explore further > Independent Living : Risk Assessment & Hoist FAQ Moving and handling risk assessment. Clearly, it is not possible to avoid moving a person who is unable to move independently, but it is possible to make the procedure safer with the right equipment. For this reason, risk assessment is extremely important. Explore further > London Group of the National Back Exchange: Therapeutic Handling Protocol Systems are in place for the rehabilitation process to enable the best clinical outcomes, whilst ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of the patient and the rehabilitation staff. Balanced decision making is essential. Therapeutic handling is an important part of this process. Explore further > Manual Handling Matters We work closely with our clients to provide Manual Handling Training and Occupational Therapy assessments to meet specific needs, reduce risks, promote safety and increase wellbeing. Explore further > The OT Practice : A Professional’s Guide to Moving & Handling This guide has been produced to assist case managers in understanding the mechanics of a moving and handling assessment including: when to commission one, what it involves and what should be delivered by the assessor. Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Autistic Spectrum Condition Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Garry Burge - Asperger Syndrome and Autism Advocacy Offering personal experience, through trial and error, to help raise awareness. Garry Burge was born in Brisbane, Australia in August 1972 and was diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome in July 1998. Being diagnosed has helped him to understand who he is as a person and explained why he was different from other people and the world around him. His diagnosis helped to answer some of the following questions: Why it was difficult for him to make friends His constant obsessions in trains, pocket watches, orchids and history The difficulty in not being able to fit into and adjust to the school environment Why he was bullied and teased within secondary school Experience of having depression and social isolation earlier in his life Not having a lighter side Seeing things and taking comments from other people very literally Unemployment issues and not being able to find employment Visit Garry Burge's website to find out more and learn from his experiences. This includes autism and employment, Asperger Syndrome advocacy, links and support. [AUSTRALIA-BASED; INSIGHTS RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Look Hear Australia Look Hear Australia focuses on bringing the top resources and resource pages, on children with complex and additional needs, together under one site. Our motto is "it's not hard to make it easy" and we strive to make the search for quality information, programs, equipment and resources easy. [AUSTRALIA-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > National Autistic Society (UK) The leading UK charity for autistic people (including those with Asperger syndrome) and their families. Providing information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for autistic people. [UK-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Sex Ed for Self-Advocates | Organization for Autism Research A sexuality and sex education resource, written specifically for autistic people age 15 and up. Autistic people sometimes don't have the chance to learn about sexuality and sex in ways that work for them, so OAR created this guide as a starting point to change that. In each of the nine sections of the guide, self-advocates will be able to read articles and watch brief videos, before testing their knowledge about a given topic and practicing new skills. There's a lot to learn about these topics - more than we could fit in just this guide. You can use this information as a starting point for learning more about relationships and sexuality, keeping in mind that learning about sexuality and relationships is a lifelong process. [US-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Special Supplies Special Supplies was founded with a goal to address the difficulty parents and educators encounter when attempting to find reliable, safe and effective tools for children with special needs. We discovered that, by doing our due diligence to ensure that our products were effective and safe, we were taking a load off the shoulders of those most invested in the well-being of these children. All of our products are selected by a team of parents and experienced therapists, which helps us ensure we provide the very best in Oral Motor, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Daily Living, School and Sensory products. Our team is dedicated to providing customers with the best selection of products for children and adults with special needs. Our passion is not only to raise awareness about the issues facing those with autistic and sensory integration needs, but to offer a therapeutic solution at an affordable price. [US-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Anatomy + Physiology Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Anatomy TV With benchmark anatomy, physiology and clinical content we are widely accepted as the best in class and used by thousands of health science educators, students and practitioners worldwide to teach, learn and practice. Primal Pictures 3D anatomy model, built using real scan data from the visible human project, has been carefully segmented to create an unparalleled level of detail and accuracy. All of the content within this program has been verified by qualified anatomists and by a team of external experts for each body area. Explore further > Artificial Anatony This web site highlights the National Museum of American History's varied collection of papier-mâché anatomical models and provides additional in-depth information not included in the original three-dimensional exhibition. The exhibit showcases two major themes. It explores the history and use of papier-mâché anatomical models, and, then focuses on their construction, conservation, and preservation Explore further > Complete Anatomy Complete Anatomy 2020 The future of anatomy is here. Experience the world’s most advanced 3D anatomy platform, refined over 15 years research of anatomical papers, classic textbooks and scan data. TRY IT FOR FREE Explore further > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body The Bartleby.com edition of Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body features 1,247 vibrant engravings—many in color—from the classic 1918 publication, as well as a subject index with 13,000 entries ranging from the Antrum of Highmore to the Zonule of Zinn Explore further > Innerbody.com: Human Anatomy Innerbodys Innovative Anatomy Explorer Tools -- Featuring Over 1,000 Interactive Body Maps Explore the human body like never before. We have comprehensive guides that explain your Skeletal System , Muscular System, Cardiovascular System, Digestive System, and more. Explore further > Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology: Crash Course In 47 episodes, Hank Green will teach you anatomy and physiology! This course is based on an introductory college level curriculum, with Human Anatomy and Physiology, 9th edition, by Marieb and Hoehn as its main reference text. By the end of the course, you will be able to: * Understand the chemistry and cell biology of systems in the human body * Recognize how tissue types define the function of each organ system * Predict how the failure of an organ system might lead to disease * Explain how energy is changed into different forms throughout the body * Break down the names of anatomical systems using Greek and Latin root words Explore further > Muscle Atlas Created by Dr. Michael Richardson. Musculoskeletal Atlas contains more than 80 anatomical images of upper and lower extremities. The images may be licensed for many uses. Explore further > The ICF - An overview The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a framework for describing and organising information on functioning and disability. It provides a standard language and a conceptual basis for the definition and measurement of health and disability. The ICF was approved for use by the World Health Assembly in 2001, after extensive testing across the world involving people with disabilities and people from a range of relevant disciplines. A companion classification for children and youth (ICF-CY) was published in 2007. Explore further > Univadis Concise Daily Essentials, Curated for the Modern Clinician Anatomical illustrations - printable HD anatomical imageries to help with patient communication. and 3D body Anatomy - human body in 3D with 15 anatomical layers and 360 degree rotation. Explore further > Visible Body Our highly-accurate, visual database includes thousands of models you can rotate, zoom, and dissect, and physiology and pathology animations that quickly communicate complex biology Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Posture, Seating, Wheelchairs Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry CareFlex CareFlex offers an expert, free, no-obligation assessment service, to ensure the client gets the right chair to meet their needs; considering the key criteria: posture and stability, functionality, pressure relief and, of course, comfort. Our chairs are custom built in Devon, by a workforce that has a strong sense of responsibility to provide well-made chairs that will last. We are an ethical company - not solely profit focused - and we want to make a difference. Through providing pioneering, high quality products and education, we want every individual to have access to the best possible posture and pressure management product for them – to improve their quality of life and provide reassurance for their care providers. In recent clinical trials by the University of Salford, our chairs were found to be comfortable and to aid occupation and feelings of wellbeing. Our WaterCell Technology® - which is at the heart of our seating - proved to be effective. It provides a reliable and continuous low-pressure solution, for people at medium to high risk of pressure damage. Remember, 95% of pressure ulcers are preventable, which can save considerable pain and anguish for patients - and save the NHS literally billions of pounds a year. [UK-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Have Wheelchair Will Travel Surely we cant be the first people to do this? I kept asking our travel agent, the airline and our therapists. We certainly are not the first family with a disabled child to travel to America, but at times it felt that way. That was when the idea for this website came to me. Why not share all my research and great discoveries with others who are either, planning a trip, or are feeling nervous about giving it a go.' Julie Jones combines her skills as an ex-travel consultant with her experiences travelling with her family, including her son who lives with cerebral palsy. Have Wheelchair Will Travel has an engaged community with a range of backgrounds, including people living with a disability, therapists, educators, teachers and tourism representatives. This brings a wealth of information and experience to the website and Facebook page. - Bupa Travel Blog Award: Winner - Ausmumpreneur Heart & Edge Award: Winner - ASTW Best Travel Blog: Finalist Email us: havewchairwilltravel@gmail.com Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/havewheelchairwilltravel [AUSTRALIA-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Innova Care Concepts Founded with the mission to enhance quality of life through innovation, Innova Care Concepts is dedicated to finding exciting, new ways to provide healthcare solutions to a range of environments. With hospital beds, pressure care mattresses, and hidden hoist systems in their product portfolio, they can find subtle smart solutions for every customer. [UK: LEEDS-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Invacare 'The aim of Invacare, as both a European and worldwide Company, is to ensure that users, clinicians and customers receive the best selection of products, services and training. Invacare has the most comprehensive homecare product range in Europe, covering virtually all product requirements. The range will continue to expand to meet customer needs. European Product Innovation Teams are ensuring that there is increasing coverage of clients' personal and functional needs in each sector.' [SERVICES AVAILABLE INTERNATIONALLY] Explore further > LendoCare LendoCare makes it easy to find and book rental equipment for patients. Explore the wide range of products available across the UK. Our mission is to make equipment access easy, affordable and flexible to match the patient's needs throughout their treatment. [UK SERVICE] Explore further > Remap Remap is a national charity that works through local groups of skilled volunteers. We help disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life by designing and making equipment for their individual needs. This tailor made equipment helps people to carry out essential daily tasks without having to ask for help, or helps them take part in leisure occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible. Our focus at Remap is to give people independence because we know how important this is. Many people have a physical impairment of some sort. But your life changes if you have to rely on others all the time. By making a piece of equipment specifically for an individual, tailored to their needs, we can often help them become that bit more independent. Remap gives disabled people the joy of independence. We are pleased to give people our equipment free of charge. This is because we are a charity and are not trying to make money. All our running costs are covered by donations and support from charities and our volunteers give their time for free. [UK-WIDE SERVICE] Explore further > Seating Matters Together with a team of clinicians, engineers and designers, Seating Matters have designed the world’s leading range of specialised seating, to improve comfort and quality of life for those with postural and pressure management needs. Martina Tierney - Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director - has specialised in seating throughout her career. However, she struggled to find chairs to meet the clinical and functional needs of her patients. Martina realised that her patients needed pressure care chairs which were designed to properly fit the patient’s size and were easily adjustable in order to meet their long term needs. She and her team design and produce therapeutic chairs that meet pressure management, posture, comfort, mobility and functional requirements. Her sons have created a person-centred organisation that has the patient at the heart of every decision. To change the world of healthcare seating, Seating Matters are increasing the knowledge available and sharing it freely, to improve patient care and encourage evidence based practice. [IRELAND-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > The Pool Lift Company Supplying portable and fixed pool lifts products for swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. The Pool Lift Company is committed to providing the right pool lift solutions, so that people with disabilities, the elderly or someone who is recovering from injury or an operation, can enjoy wet leisure activities and the benefits of hydrotherapy. [UK-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > vivid.care Established in 1972 with the aim to find and supply the best mobility and independent living aids available, vivid.care (formerly Yorkshire Care Equipment) provides high-quality products to people across the North of England. We specialise in everything from wheelchairs and scooters, to made-to-measure seating and bespoke bathrooms. [UK: HARROGATE-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Virtual Reality Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 'Advances in Occupational Therapy Technology: Rehab Week 2017' - The future of OT (OT Potential) There is no better place to take in emerging technology in occupation therapy than Rehab Week. I had the opportunity to attend the 2017 conference in London and I am excited to update you on the technology advances that are coming to rehabilitation. Whether you are looking to invest in new rehab tech or simply feel inspired, this post is for you.' Author: Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L OT Potential > OT Blog - 14th September 2017 [US-BASED WEBSITE; BLOG AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'How virtual therapy can lead to real-world healing' (Newsy.com) How virtual therapy can lead to real-world healing Virtual reality s promise doesn't end with games and movies. Researchers and doctors are turning to VR for everything from neuroscience, to psychiatry, to occupational therapy. Virtual reality headsets and cameras can supplement - and in some cases even improve - occupational therapy... Author: Evan Thomas Newsy.com - 19th May 2017 [US-BASED WEBSITE - ARTICLE + VIDEO AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'I build games for survivors' - Dr Rachel Proffitt (A Stroke Focus Podcast) Episode 14:Develop VR Games For Stroke Survivors, Interview With Dr Rachel Proffitt In this interview, Dr Proffitt shares her work and the experience that led her to become a passionate “game nerd” working for survivors. A Stroke Focus Podcast - Episode 14 [PODCAST RECORDED IN THE US - AVAILABLE TO LISTEN WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Incorporating the Wii into Occupational Therapy Treatment' (My OT Spot + Grant Mitchell) Effective implementation of virtual reality (VR) as a treatment modality needs to be practical, accessible, and affordable to the client. The Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect are two examples of systems that demonstrate those traits comparatively to the high-end VR products that can cost upwards of $75,000.' Read more > Author: Grant Mitchell - Millennial OT A guest blog on My OT Spot [US WEBSITE; BLOG AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Learning from experience: shared constructs in virtual reality and occupational therapy' (IJTR) Rehabilitation professionals have long accepted the belief that engagement in meaningful activity contributes to human development and can enhance health and wellbeing. More recently, theorists have begun to discuss the importance not only of engagement in such activities, but the experience one has while engaging in them. With this shift, it is important for scholars of rehabilitation, in particular occupational therapy theorists and clinicians, to develop better ways to describe and measure occupational experience. Considering how an understanding of occupational experience can be enhanced by taking up constructs in virtual reality theory that are similar to those in occupational therapy and occupational science, such as immersion, presence, flow, and embodiment. Correspondingly, the growing field of virtual reality can benefit from occupational therapists' and occupational scientists' work on occupational presence, therapeutic occupation, and the adaptation of contexts (including virtual contexts) to fit individual needs.' > To read more, log-in to IJTR with your institution's account - via OpenAthens or Shibboleth - to access the full text. Author: Amanda C Foran International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation (IJTR) - 16th August 2013 [AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'The Use of Virtual Reality to Facilitate Mindfulness Skills Training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Case Study' (Frontiers in Psychology) Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder characterised by a dysfunctional pattern of affective instability, impulsivity and disturbed interpersonal relationships (American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ). People with BPD are at increased risk of self-harm, suicidal behaviours, completed suicides and often have co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and eating disorders (Lieb et al., 2004 ). BPD has been conceptualised as a disorder of the emotion regulation system (Linehan, 1993 ; Crowell et al., 2009 ). Even when they try to modulate their own emotions, people with BPD have high negative emotions as their baseline emotional state, they are unusually sensitive, respond intensely, and are slow to calm down (Linehan, 2015 )...' '...Immersive VR is proving useful as a new tool clinical psychology therapists can use to enhance the effectiveness of cognitive-behaviuor therapy to treat many psychological disorders. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy using VR exposure therapy has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of anxiety disorders (Opris et al., 2012 ), like spider phobia (Garcia-Palacios et al., 2002 ; Hoffman et al., 2003 ), fear of flying (Rothbaum et al., 1996 ; Krijn et al., 2004 ), social phobia (Kampmann et al., 2016 ), small animal phobia (Botella et al., 2016 ), and claustrophobia (Botella et al., 1999 )...' Read more > Authors: Maria V. Nararro-Haro, Hunter G. Hoffman, Azucena Garcia-Palacios, Mariana Sampaio, Wadee Alhalabi, Karyn Hall and Marsha Linehan. Frontiers in Psychology - November 2016 - Volume 7, Article 1573 (Case Report) Explore further > 'VR brings dramatic change to mental health care' (Forbes Tech) VR brings dramatic change to mental health care. Author: Charlie Fink Forbes online > Tech > Medicine - 25th October 2017 [US-BASED WEBSITE - ARTICLE + VIDEOS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Virtual reality in your OT practice' - The future of OT (OT Potential) Virtual reality in your OT practice. I think we can safely assume that we are only beginning to see the potential that VR has for transforming occupational therapy (as well as physical therapy and speech therapy)... Author: Lauren Sheehan, OTD, OTR/L OT Potential > OT Blog - 22nd June 2017 [US-BASED WEBSITE - BLOG AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Virtual reality therapy is just as effective as physical rehabilitation for stroke patients, study finds' (Daily Mail online) Virtual reality therapy for stroke patients is just as effective as standard physical therapy, a new study found. Researchers discovered that virtual reality therapy improved arm, hand and finger movement after a patient had lost muscle control due to a stroke... Read more > Author: Kayla Brantley DailyMail.com - 15th November 2017 [UK-BASED WEBSITE - ARTICLE + VIDEO AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > 'Virtual rehabilitation with video games: A new frontier for occupational therapy' (Occupational Therapy Now - CAOT) Virtual rehabilitation with video games: A new frontier for occupational therapy' Author: Jonathan Halton Occupational Therapy Now - January/February 2008 - Volume 10, Issue 1 [CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS - JOURNAL ARTICLE] Explore further > RAPAEL Smart Glove (Neofect) RAPAEL Smart Glove is a high-tech rehab device. Starting the training is as simple as wearing the glove, connecting to the “RAPAEL” app and proceeding to play the rehabilitation games. Neofect 'We will build hope for healthier lives as we provide opportunities of rehabilitation through technological innovation to anyone. [US-BASED COMPANY - SERVICES AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Rachel Proffitt - Games4Rehab (Twitter) Rachel Proffitt, Occupational therapist, assistant professor, stroke researcher extraordinaire, video game nerd. Designing and testing customised video games for rehabilitation.' Follow Rachel Proffitt on Twitter > [US: MISSOURI-BASED OT - TWITTER ACCOUNT AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Special Effect - The gamers' charity Special Effect, Levelling the playing field for people with disabilities. We put fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities, by helping them to play video games. By using technology ranging from modified joypads to eye-control, we're finding a way for people to play to the very best of their abilities. But we're not just doing it for fun. By levelling the playing field, we're bringing families and friends together and having a profoundly positive impact on therapy, confidence and rehabilitation. How we can help If you have a physical disability that limits or stops you from playing video games, get in touch. We have a range of accessible gaming equipment to try out in our Games Room in Oxfordshire, and there’s also the option of a home visit if your disability limits your ability to travel. We may also be able to loan you equipment following an assessment, so you can try before you buy. We’ll do our best to help you play the games you want to play - and if your needs change, we’ll come back to look at alternative solutions that will keep you going to the best of your abilities. There’s no charge for any of our help, so if you think we might be able to assist, get in touch. [UK: OXFORDSHIRE-BASED CHARITY] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Housing Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry Branch Properties Are you having problems finding an accessible property to rent or purchase for your client? We provide a personal, specialist service designed for those requiring accessible homes and can offer advice and project manage adaptions or modifications. Let us do the hard work, so you don’t have to. [UK: LONDON-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > Design Council - The principles of inclusive design Inclusive design aims to remove the barriers that create undue effort and separation. It enables everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday activities. This guide explains the principles of inclusive design, and gives examples of inclusive design methods for new buildings. [UK-BASED; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Freedom by Symphony Freedom is a multi-generational accessible kitchen concept designed and manufactured by the Symphony Group. The Freedom range embraces both specialist design features and the latest kitchen styles to create attractive, accessible and Doc-M compliant kitchen designs. Freedom kitchens can be designed to your clients requirements, combining unrivalled functionality and style to create the perfect kitchen, without any limitations. Symphony has developed Freedom in collaboration with the UK's leading expert in accessible design, Adam Thomas. Adam has an unparalleled reputation, with over 35 years of design experience alongside years of research in the field or accessible and multi-generational living. Explore further > Healthy & Independent We are specialists in minor and major adaptations, manual handling people and mindfulness in social care. Teaching the correct handling techniques are essential, in order to minimise any risk of accident and to increase safety and dignity. We offer clinical support and workshops online and in situ. [SERVICES AVAILABLE IN SPAIN AND THE UK] Explore further > Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) The UKs only FREE Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibition Event. The conference focuses on bringing suppliers and OTs together in one place - in different venues across the UK - with one aim: to improve the industry as a whole and provide better value to the end user. Who should attend? Occupational Therapists, occupational therapy assistants and support staff, commissioners, people working within housing (surveyors, architects and technicians), occupational therapy students and charities and charitable organisations. The list of exhibitors we have exhibiting with us is endless. For instance:- The Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Handicare, Guldmann Hoists, Kingkraft, SensoryKraft, Capia PIP, Careflex, FRANKE, Clos-o-Mat, Impey, Safespaces, Triton showers, Geberit, Mangar, Langham GE, AKW, DLF, Otolift ...and many more. You can see the full details and listings on our website. Our event is a FREE event for delegates and we include refreshments throughout. Each venue holds around 500 Delegates and tickets are available for all of them on our website or via Eventbrite. [UK-WIDE CONFERENCES] Explore further > SGN Locking Cooker Valve SGN manages the network distributing natural and green gas to 5.9 million homes and businesses across the south of England and Scotland. Our free locking cooker valve helps customers living in vulnerable circumstances across the UK retain their independence at home and provides reassurance to carers and relatives. The simple safety device is fitted to existing gas cooker pipework. When the valve is locked, the gas supply to the cooker is stopped and eliminates the risk of the cooker being unintentionally turned on or left on when the carer or relative leaves the house or the room. [UK GAS NETWORK; LOCKING COOKER VALVE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further > The Platform Lift Company Offering one of the biggest ranges of home lift solutions, including open residential platform lifts and cabin style residential lifts. Whether you want to achieve access to the different floors within your home or to overcome an architectural barrier, such as a flight of steps, The Platform Lift Company will give you a variety of options to suit your individual needs and living space. [UK-BASED; SERVICES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further >

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Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Social Prescribing Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry A connected society: A strategy for tackling loneliness (HM Government) The relationships we have with our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues are, for many of us, the most important things in our lives. Increasingly, we understand the link between having strong and meaningful social connections and living a healthy and successful life. And we see that having more connected communities means a more thriving, productive society, in which we can all contribute and live fulfilling lives. [PDF document from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport] [UK GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Delivering a primary care-based social prescribing initiative: a qualitative study of the benefits and challenges (Br J Gen Pract) Authors : Skivington, K., Smith, M., Chng, N.R., Mackenzie, M., Wyke, S. and Mercer, S.W. Journal : British Journal of General Practice, 2018; 68 (672): e487-e494 Background: Social prescribing is a collaborative approach to improve inter-sectoral working between primary health care and community organisations. The Links Worker Programme (LWP) is a social prescribing initiative in areas of high deprivation in Glasgow, Scotland, that is designed to mitigate the negative impacts of the social determinants of health. Aim: To investigate issues relevant to implementing a social prescribing programme to improve inter-sectoral working to achieve public health goals. [UK JOURNAL; ACCESSIBLE AND RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Social Prescribing (NHS England) Social prescribing is a way for local agencies to refer people to a link worker. Link workers give people time, focusing on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. Link workers also support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable, and help people to start new groups, working collaboratively with all local partners. Social prescribing works for a wide range of people, including people: with one or more long-term conditions who need support with their mental health who are lonely or isolated who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing [UK NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE; INFORMATION RELEVANT WORLDWIDE] Explore further > What is social prescribing? (The King's Fund) Social prescribing, sometimes referred to as community referral, is a means of enabling GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. Recognising that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health. Social prescribing schemes can involve a variety of activities which are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports. [UK-BASED ORGANISATION; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further >

Useful resources and services, to enhance your care and career. < Specialisms Service Directory Health Promotion Useful services and external resources, for your care and career. This is an expanding directory and current community suggestions are not definitive. K now of a service or resource that should be featured? Suggest an entry 'Preparing Physical and Occupational Therapists to be Health Promotion Practitioners: A Call for Action' International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Published: February 2018. Volume 15, Issue 2. Article authors: Morris, D. and Jenkins, G.R. Abstract 'Experts around the world support the integration of health promotion and wellness (HPW) services into traditional health care services. If successfully executed, the addition of HPW services would reduce rates of death and disability and significantly reduce health care costs. While all health care providers should be engaged in providing HPW services, many believe that physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely positioned to provide these services. However, research suggests that clinicians in both fields may fall short in doing so. Likewise, research indicates that entry-level educational programs inadequately prepare PT and OT students to be HPW practitioners. The overall purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations to educators for preparing PT and OT students and clinicians to better meet the HPW needs of the clients and patients they serve.' This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL; UNIVERSAL ACCESS] Explore further > Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy We are an education business with a mission to help guide occupational therapy professionals to becoming more competent and confident addressing sexuality and intimacy in their clinical practice. We offer educational webinars to help clinicians translate knowledge into clinical practice. Through the Institute for Sex, Intimacy and Occupational Therapy, we are building a coalition of sex and intimacy OT champions, to dismantle the restrictive norms around discussing sexuality and intimacy. Join us! [US-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > Mental Health at Work (Mind) Whether you work with 10 people, 10,000 people or just yourself, paying attention to mental health in the workplace has never been more important. Mental Health at Work is here to help you find the information and resources you need. Mental Health at Work is curated by Mind , the mental health charity, and funded by The Royal Foundation as part of their Heads Together campaign. [UK-BASED RESOURCE; INFORMATION APPLICABLE WORLDWIDE] Explore further > MyLiferaft MyLiferaft is an online place for an individual’s health and well-being information that helps to connect them to you and others in their care circle. All their information is stored safely and easily, allowing only those that they choose to be able to access it. It’s not just about the facts and figures; they can store information such as “I love a cup of tea with my medication!” or “I’m scared of injections!” This allows those that care for them to know what helps them to feel better, and their care circle to feel better informed to support them. [UK: SOUTHAMPTON-BASED SERVICE; AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE] Explore further >

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Our team spans diverse cultures, skillsets and clinical and professional roles. We passionately empower clinicians, students and those they support. The Occupational Therapy Hub Team We passionately empower clinicians, students and those they support. Our team spans diverse cultures, skillsets and clinical and professional roles. Click our faces to learn more. Jamie Grant Founder/ Managing Director Abigail Brown Therapy Articles Lead Ainun Meutia ('Tia') Paediatrics Lead Dr Madhuri Arora OT CPD Courses Lead Ali Sutani Research/Development Lead Tasha Jones OT Webinars Lead Jay Vivek Jagdale Student Engagement Lead Claire Davies Gaunt Company Secretary Jamie Grant - Team J amie Grant Founder and Managing Director Specialist Neu rological Occupational Therapist in Bristol, UK Contact Jamie With a decade of experiences in hospitality, media and television production, Jamie opted for a new direction. After working as a mental health support worker, he decided that a career in healthcare better matched his values. Jamie relocated from London to Bristol, to train as an Occupational Therapist at the University of the West of England. Jamie works clinically as an Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, providing outpatient rehabilitation. He integrates neuro-technology and traditional functional rehab methods, to maximise outcomes for adults. Previously, he worked for a community paediatric disability service and before that in a brain injury rehabilitation unit. Other experiences include being a rotational OT in acute NHS hospitals and working within an urgent care rapid response team. Jamie also completed placements within stroke rehabilitation and at a young persons' mental health charity. The Occupational Therapy Hub has been Jamie's labour of love since he launched the platform in 2017. He enjoys collaborating with occupational therapists and healthcare staff around the world. By sharing knowledge and breaking down geographical and financial barriers, he believes that his team can make a valued contribution to health and social care. Jamie has a bold vision: He strives to bring a global community together; in doing so, The Occupational Therapy Hub can directly empower clinicians and students, indirectly supporting patients and clients. Abigail Brown Therapy Articles Lead Specialist Mental Health Occupational Therapist in Hereford, UK Contact Abigail Abigail graduated in 2017 with an MSc in pre-reg Occupational Therapy from Plymouth University, UK. She has worked in community adult mental health and learning disabilities as a mental health practitioner; supporting people in their own homes through the recovery model. Abigail found a passion for empowering this client group, focusing on skill development and increasing independent living skills. Through working with those who have a learning disability, Abigail has developed a passion for advocating for the rights and choices of those who are vulnerable. A large part of the job involves supporting communication and making reasonable adjustments through best practice. Working in a generic role, Abigail valued the challenge of weaving her OT skills into practice to promote the benefits of OT across mental healthcare. Abigail has a passion for learning and gaining new experiences in the world of OT. She has an interest in research and promoting the value of the profession, through evidence based practice. In her spare time, Abigail enjoys exercising at the gym and cycling, reading and going to the beach with friends and family. Ainun Meutia ('Tia') Paediatrics Lead School-based Occupational Therapist in Jakarta, Indonesia Contact Tia Tia is a school-based occupational therapist, with more than 10 years’ experience. Since graduating from the University of Indonesia, Tia has been working in the school setting; teaching and coaching have always been her passion. She is also a guest lecturer for the occupational therapy major at her alma mater. Tia loves iced coffee as much as she loves sharing her knowledge and experiences in parenting classes, talking about attachment and child development. Currently she is interested to learn more about the occupation of sleep. Dr Madhuri Arora OT CPD Courses Lead General Physician and SENCo Trainee, in United Arab Emirates Contact Dr Arora Dr. Madhuri is an MBBS graduate from India, with over 20 years of experience working as a General Physician (GP). Her first home is Mumbai; she currently lives and practises in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). New opportunities in different (yet related) fields sparked her interest in Special Education Needs (SEN). A temporary volunteering job inspired her to contribute more to a field that requires equal compassion for children with learning difficulties. This motivation led her to complete a post-graduate diploma in Special Education, focusing on ADHD, Autism and other learning difficulties. Currently, Dr. Madhuri is pursuing training to become a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCo) in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is keen to explore diverse therapies, as she believes that each individual benefits uniquely from therapies best suited to them and their needs. She was delighted to then connect with The Occupational Therapy Hub team, who have piqued her interest in occupational therapy. Outside of productivity-based occupations, her hobbies include playing tennis, singing and listening to a variety of music. As a music enthusiast, she is also eager to learn about the benefits of music and sound therapy; these can support improved functioning of both mind and body, in a holistic manner. Ali Sutani Research and Development Lead Community Occupational Therapist in Toronto, Canada Contact Ali Ali is passionate about leveraging technology to enable occupations. With experience across various clinical and industry settings, he strives to find innovative solutions to occupational challenges. Ali's interests lie at the intersection of occupational science and information science, where he explores how data and technology can enhance daily living and promote well-being. Outside of work, he enjoys writing, philosophy, digital art and staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends. Tasha Jones OT Webinars Lead School-based Occupational Therapist in Dubai, UAE Contact Tasha Tasha is a school-based paediatric occupational therapist, with over 12 years of experience. After completing her BSc in South Africa in 2006 and working for a few years she returned to university, graduating with an MSc in Neuroscience in 2019. Tasha knew from early on in her training that she had a passion for working with children. While she's gained valuable experience across children's hospitals, medical step-down facilities and private clinics, she discovered her true professional home in school-based therapy services. Tasha never met a question she didn't want to know the answer to. This has led to her drive for understanding the evidence and neural basis behind what we do as occupational therapists - and sharing that knowledge with others, to bridge the gap between neuroscience, theory and daily practice. Tasha moved from South Africa to Dubai in 2018. In her spare time, she can be found hanging with her husband and two children, researching obsessively, reading, listening to podcasts and, when time and temperature allow, on her SUP in the ocean. Jay Vivek Jagdale Student Engagement Lead B.O.T.H student at Government Medical College in Nagpur, India Contact Jay Jay is a student in the WFOT-approved Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program at Government Medical College, Nagpur, known for having the largest campus in Asia. His passion for occupational therapy stems from a personal experience - his father's stroke, which left his left side paralysed. Witnessing first-hand how rehabilitation played a key role in his father's recovery, Jay became determined to help others regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Jay is dedicated to pursuing research and advancing his career in occupational therapy. Outside of academia, he actively engages in singing, playing the piano and writing short stories and poems. He is also a proud pet parent to five cats and a passionate academic enthusiast. Claire Davies Gaunt Company S ecretary Based in Kent, UK Contact Claire Graduating from Sheffield University with a degree in Law, Claire is currently also working at a digital scheduling company. Past roles include Paralegal and Office Manager in the London office of a well-known Belgian chocolate company. Claire brings many years of knowledge of the legal sector and has previously been an EA for a charity start-up and a policy officer at City Hall, in the Mayor's office. Outside of work, Claire enjoys everything Kent and London have to offer. But she loves to escape to the mountains as many times as possible in the winter, to get back on the skis! Ainun Meutia - Team Abigail Brown - Team Ali Sutani - Team Dr Madhuri Arora - Team Tasha Jones - Team Claire Davies Gaunt - Team Jay Vivek Jagdale - Team

Connecting and collaborating is what we are all about. Reach us by email, direct message, phone or via one of our social media platforms. Contact us Membership queries? Collaborative opportunities? Share feedback Connect with the Hub (Contact) Connect with the Hub Message sent! We'll be in touch soon. Send (+44) 07704 514 523 hubteam@theOThub.com The Occupational Therapy Hub The Occupational Therapy Hub @theOThub the.occupational.therapy.hub

Vacancies and voluntary roles. For occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students. Hub Jobs Vacancies and voluntary roles For occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students. Before making contact or applying for a post, please consider your skillset and relevant experiences to-date. Vacancy applications will only be considered if you can clearly demonstrate you meet the criteria outlined. Interview tips OT Circles Lead Voluntary Ad hoc/Flexible hours Worldwide (working remotely) The Hub Team are looking for a passionate and driven occupational therapist to manage and moderate OT Circles - learning and development networks for practitioners and students worldwide. You will be enhancing your CPD portfolio and facilitating connections and learning between Hub Members. You will feature on our website Team page and have access to the entire platform, our social media channels and email. Projects may include : Moderating existing groups and discussions, across both Public and Private Circles; creating (or assisting Members to create) new Circles; supporting Admins with any issues that arise; reaching out to Members about recent activity, such as via social networks; marketing and raising awareness of the value of OT Circles. This is a part-time, ad hoc role. No set hours are required. We ask that you engage regularly with other Hub Team members. All Team positions are currently voluntary. As The Occupational Therapy Hub’s commercial division grows, management will reward its Team for their commitment. The Occupational Therapy Hub hubteam@theOThub.com Apply Research Lead Voluntary Ad hoc/Flexible hours Worldwide (working remotely) The Hub Team are looking for a passionate and driven occupational therapist to lead our internationally-utilised Research Portal 3.0 , accessed by Plus+ Members (full access to Plus+ resources provided). You will be enhancing your CPD portfolio and helping to connect OTs, OTAs and students to research, to inform their practice . You will feature on our website Team page and have access to the entire platform, our social media channels and email. Projects to include : Searching for new and recent research; uploading journal articles to the Portal; developing research categories; reaching out to Members, to submit their work; bringing content to the attention of Members via social networks. This is a part-time, ad hoc role. No set hours are required. We ask that you engage regularly with other Hub Team members. All Team positions are currently voluntary. As The Occupational Therapy Hub’s commercial division grows, management will reward its Team for their commitment. The Occupational Therapy Hub hubteam@theOThub.com Apply New roles are uploaded periodically. Interested in a position, or in advertising a job? Contact the Hub Team