The types of language occupational therapists use when interacting with and talking about a client is very important. Language can really affect a client's view of his or herself and can affect how he or she views the occupational therapist. In the readings for person-first, inclusive, and disability-referencing language, I learned how far we have come with the treatment and the language we use with people with disabilities, and we need to make sure we continue to use these kinds of languages so we keep moving forward and do not slide back into the past. Occupational therapists need to practice using person-first language because we do not want people with disabilities to feel as if they need something special. If we practice using person-first language we are actually putting the person before the disability, and that allows individuals with disabilities to know that we really do care about who they are as a person. If we use person-first language our clients will trust us and know that we want what is best for them. That is why language is so important in our profession.
"Au-Some Swimmers"
Every time I think I know just what occupational therapy is I learn something new about the profession, and I think that is what's so awesome about this profession. This week I listened to a podcast called "'Au-Some Swimmers': Role of OT in Swim Lessons for Kids with Autism". From listening to this podcast, I've learned more about who occupational therapists are and what they do. I've learned that there is so much more to occupational therapy than I first thought. In the podcast, Kim Persons and Nick Murray were interviewed about helping lifeguards teach kids with autism how to swim. When Nick Murray was a student at the University of Buffalo, he had to go to a site were there was no occupational therapy, but where there could be. His group chose to go to a Jewish community center and get connected with the lifeguards there. Nick Murray and 3 of his classmates discussed with the lifeguards what exactly they needed help with at the center, and what the...
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