The Occupational Therapy Department's focus is on fine motor and functional skills for daily living. Therapists work on upper extremity bracing and range of motion, sensory integration issues, adaptive strategies for positioning, fine motor skills, and self-care skills such as dressing, grooming and feeding. Collaborating with other IDDI departments to promote functional independence for individuals throughout the day, the department also coordinates and participates in on-site brace clinics with local Orthotists.
Some of our children and adults require sensory integration intervention prior to their participation in activities and learning new fine motor skills. Others require range of motion and/or brace application to assist them in stretching out their upper extremities. In some instances, musical activities are incorporated in treatment sessions as an especially motivating way of encouraging participation.
The department also provides training on feeding strategies to promote the individual’s independence in eating. They use such interventions as adaptive positioning and adaptive feeding equipment.