Linking to Blogs of interest and engaging in comments

From using google reader and searching through blogs of interest I have found many blogs of relevance to the occuaptional therpay practise including,  Assistive technology, Smitten Kitchen, Making a house a home, according to me and moving culture.

One blog I took particular interest in was a blog related to assisstive technology. It discussed how assisstive technology is used within occuaptional therapy and its uses amoungst clincal practise.

I posted a comment asking "Hi Madison ,whats one way the photo album would assist people with physical and intellectual disabilites? You seem to have a really informative and indepth understanding of this technology?" and she replied with "Well Jennifer. Thanks for following my blogs. One way it can assist the users that you mentioned is it allows those who are non verbal to commuinicate in a new way"

Online Communities - Depression

For this tutorial I will discuss three online communities which are related to Depression. Therapists are able to encourage and recommend clients to seek these online communities to help guide the client if they want to find out more ways of coping, and knowledge on Depression aswell as ways to manage depression.  Social networking can benefit people in finding supports in online communities; this is especially true for youth who have unique interests or feel isolated. Online communities can encourage youth to find others who are may be dealing with similar issues. The following online communities can enable the good mental health of young people who are vulnerable or marginalised and can facilitate good mental health for young people experiencing mental health problems. (The Benefits of Social Networking, 2012).

Three online communities which I have found in relation to depression are; depression helpline, The low down and SAVE; Youth Depression.

Depression Helpline

The depression helpline is ran by the face of John Kirwan, a well-known ex All Black. He discusses the methods of getting through ways of depression and asks you questions on your current state of mind, once you answer a questionnaire he gives you ways of getting help and walks you through some coping mechanisms. One of the main purposes of this site is to help people with depression understand that it is okay to get help, and that help is available. It provides education on depression awareness, information and support. This community discusses the causes, provides an 0800 helpline and contacts which could help you if you ever need someone to talk too.

This community can be found at http://www.depression.org.nz

The Low down.

The purpose of the low down online community is to help young kiwis understand and deal with depression. This site is run by “Navigators” which navigate you and take you through the website. The navigators are Sonia Grey - TV Presenter, Dave Gibson - Singer, Jane Yee - TV Presenter and Awa – Singer . Navigators can tell you of their stories and you are able to listen to others. The site is very interactive in that you are able to chat, listen to music, and participate in polls.

This website can be found at http://www.thelowdown.co.nz

SAVE; Youth Depression

SAVE is an awareness website which addresses youth with depression which may be having other mental health problems. It addresses that suicidal children and adolescents have clinical depression alone or in conjunction with another mental illness like anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, bipolar illness (manic depression), or child-onset schizophrenia. It recognizes that through treating children they can improve the chances a young person with depression can live a longer, healthier, more quality life. This website has many of the symptoms to look out for under the sub headings of verbal cues, behavioural cues, high risk children, childs attempt at suicide behaviour and treatment, what to do, and how to get help. It has a tool bar down the side which has many options from how to cope with loss, new and events and a “lets talk about it program”. It also provides a depression checklist, a newsletter sign up and a helpline.

This community can be found at http://www.save.org

People have the options of contributing to each of the online communities. This is evident through chat rooms, music, quizzes, polls, and donations to the organisations. People may want to contribute for many reasons. Sharing their own stories, to be a part of a community, seek help for themselves or a peer, discover ways of coping and supporting these networks. Information is shared both ways, as the communities provide information as well as allowing the user to participate through chat rooms or story entries. All three of these communities address and can relate to the concept of occupational justice which refers “to that aspect of social justice that pertains to human occupation or the lack of opportunity thereof”. The sites provide for users’ needs and allow users to fully occupy within the webpage to express there, feelings, needs and queries through discussion, online chat forums and helplines. Another concpet these communities relate to is that of Occupational transition. Occupational transition is 'the changes to occupational engagement as a result of changes in daily life' (Christiansen & Townsend, 2010). Through these online communities each community aims to provide the user with ways to cope, manage and get through depression. The sites aim to help provide tips and mechanisms as an effective tool to encourage positive participation in occupations to ultimately improve mental health.

References

Christiansen, C.H., & Townsend, E.A. (2010). Introduction to occupation: The art and science of living. (2^nd Eds.). New Jersey: Pearson.

Depression. (2012). Get through it. Retrieved from http://www.depression.org.nz/?gclid=CMLFq5_JhLACFfBSpgodvEFtjQ

New Zealand Government. (2012). The low down. Retrieved from           http://www.thelowdown.co.nz/#/home/

Save. (2012). Youth Depression. Retrieved from http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=7059F90B-018E-  8AE4-   A6C45D036A17D4F4

The Benefits of social Networking. (2012). Services. Retrieved from http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved

Web definitions. (2012). Occupational Justice. Retrieved from  https://www.google.co.nz/#hl=en&q=occupational+justice&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=

Cooking as a part of my experience in feildwork one.

The following five youtube videos are relative to my placement in that cooking was a tool used to help the clients interact. My placement was in a commuinity adult intellectual disability day program, which emphasised the importance of group actvity. This was done in a weekly timetable of various activites in which the service users were able to choose which occupations they participated in. This was my longitudinal placement meaning I came 1 day a week for 13 weeks, for 3-4 hours at a time. One of the activites I often took part in and sometimes ran was cooking. The following videos I have chosen are representative of the many aspects important in cooking. Involving healthy food choices, social interaction, teamwork, and extreme food prepration!







APA Refrencing
Youtube. (2012). Cake Boss. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/embed/uzDxEw3owz4
Youtube. (2012). Cooking with kids. Retreived from. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qtCjs4RNoM
Youtube. (2012). New Zealands Fastest Master Chef. Retreieved from http://www.youtube.com/embed/1ztqR2ohaF8
Youtube. (2012). Smart Kitchen - Supporting Persons with special needs. Retreieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3nm4xM1CIo
Youtube. (2012). Top 5 Brain Health Foods. Retreived from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDeLf93JXoY

Video Production; Occupational Transition

Our group was assigned the task to create a film which represented the theme of "Occupatioanl transition". We began with assigning the group allocated tasks including story borders, directors, actors and a camera man. The group consisted of six occupational therapy students , Victoria, Sarah, Rachel, Madison, Charlotte and I.

The concept of occupational transition we thought would be appropriatly represented through an individual growing up and going through all the transitions of life stages. Starting from kindergarten - the common occupation of a young child to an elderly person, drinking tea and knitting. We began planning our film through a story board. We had no script to capture the essence of the film and also lead the film to be interpreted by the viewer. The film had to be one minute long which aided us in only filming relevant footage which would really capture the essence of occupational transition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9iyPFY7DIc&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMLV409Sbdw

Assistive Technology blog

Assistive or Adaptive Technology commonly refers to "...products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities..."( Rehab tool, 2012). To me, assistive technology are products which help enable people with disabilities to accomplish communication,  education, daily living tasks. Assistive technology can enhance independence and enhance their quality of life. They can help improve anything form physical or mental functioning to help improve a persons capacity to learn. (Rehab tool, 2012).

One piece of assistive technology introduced to me in a tutorial was A “Talking photo album”.  This photo album was primarily used in a school for youth with physical and mental disabilities. The size of the photo album was A5, but opens up to about A4 size. It costs around $50.00 from Jaycar but can be ordered offline from overseas for over $100.00. The function of the photo album was to document and communication between school and home. The service user would speak into a small voice recorder on each page of the album and would have a photo as visual evidence of what they did that day. They would then take it home and give it to their parents as a way of keeping a diary of significant things they did that day, and that week. The photo album had up to 100 minutes of recording had 20 double sided pages with built in speakers, and a removable SD card which transfers recordings to a PC.  

The videos I have posted describe ways people can use a video diary and how it can benefit the user. This equipment relates to occupational justice. Occupational Justice is a “term credited to Wilcock referring to that aspect of social justice that pertains to human occupation or the lack of opportunity thereof.”(Pearson Eduction, 2006.)  This photo diary is occupational justice in that it is allowing opportunities for the user to have social interaction with others, and document activities meaningful to them.

References

Pearson Education, (2006). Occupational Justice Retrieved from www. [11]wps.prenhall.com/chet_christiansen_introoccup_1/7/2018/5167

Rehab tool. (2012). What is assistive technology. Retrieved from http://www.rehabtool.com/forum/discussions/1.html

YouTube. (2012). Talking photo album. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWWHpINM-AI

Youtube. (2012). Talking Albums for Education by Talking Products . Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9iyPFY7DIc&feature=relmfu

Cooking (In relation to powerpont)

Cooking.

Cooking is to “prepare (food) for eating by applying heat” (The free dictionary, 2012). I have chosen cooking as occupation to discuss as it is one I have participated in during my fieldwork placement for occupational therapy. My placement was in a Youth Mental Health setting, and on Fridays the service users came together to cook a substantial meal for all of them to eat together. I assisted the service users in making the food, by helping them prepare the food, and answer questions they were not sure about. Once the food had been cooked, myself, the other therapists and service users gathered around a table and eat together.

The term “do” means “The activities in which a particular person engages. Or Deeds; accomplishments.” (Free dictionary.com,2012) In my power point I have created images which represent this (Images 13,14,15, and 17) to show aspects of cooking which people are performing purposeful, goal orientated activities such as cooking on the barbeque. Becoming is “any process of change” (Free dictionary.com, 2012) Slide numbers 3, 6, 12, 16 and 20 represent the envisioning a future self, what we wish to become and the future contributions to self and others. Being is “a part of something, such as an object, an idea, or a symbol, that exists, is thought to exist, or is represented as existing”. (Dictionary.com, 2012) In slides 5 and 7 this is represented through people showing that they are taking the time taken to reflect, be introspective with valued people. The term belonging is the “Acceptance as a natural member or part” (Free dictionary.com, 2012). In images 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 18, and 20 all represent social interaction, friendship, inclusion and people valuing each other.

Three examples of ethical considerations I have made in relation to the images I have chosen is that I have gained informed consent from all people making an appearance in my own photos, that I have referenced any online sources I have used and that I have remained fully confidential to the youth mental health setting I was placed in as I provided no names or places.

References Farlex. The free dictionary. (2012). Retreived from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cooking

Information Technology and Ethical Issues

Technology.

The focus of this blog is to annotate my experience using digital technology and the ethical issues related to technology and how it is used for information distribution. Technology defined as Information technology is “The production, storage and communication of information using computers and microelectronics.” (Hanks, 1989) This type of technology includes the use of laptops, iPods, I pads, computers as a means to store and communicate with the wider world.

Informative technology in society is becoming extremely prevalent and is becoming a part of everyday life. The use of technology allows the individual to communicate efficiently, cheaply and quickly. The following YouTube clip is a cleverly computer generated clip to where it shows people performing daily activities promoting the “future of screen technology”. It is a representation of how technologies are fastly expanding and the potential of where technology could be in the near future. (YouTube; Future of Screen Technology, 2012) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7_mOdi3O5E

Devices I am comfortable in using is my laptop, television, cell phone and IPod Nano. I have been brought up around these technologies and feel as if they have become a common household item and many people are owners of the same technologies I own. I am not as comfortable using an iPod touch, Ipad as these are new technologies and I feel as though a standard iPod has the same purpose. I am aware that an iPod touch for instance has all the applications you need to send emails go on Facebook and even check the weather – but I enjoy keeping these things separate. A factor that would limit my use of these technologies is the lack of knowledge of how to use them, and having to learn about technology that currently does not interest me. A factor that would help expand my use of it would be if it brought on a means of meaningful occupation.  I am currently using Facebook to keep in touch with friends living elsewhere. Socialising is of great importance to be in keeping friendships. Facebook in particular has specifically increased my use of it for this particular reason.

During my occupational therapy practise I have witnessed the use of information technology being used in my placement with adults with intellectual disability. The use of television, and music became a measure for people to gather around a lounge and either listens to music or watch TV together, this enhanced the importance of belonging to a group and how technology can assist in group activities.

The issues around OTs adopting IT systems and tools is that the successful use of technology relies on the occupational therapist ability to select and structure technologies that meets the client’s needs. There are a lot of technologies that remain unused but could be very empowering for a client. It is important for an occupational therapist to explore these as applying technology to their practise could benefit a client.

I can envisage OTs using something such as an ipad as a tool of practise to see how a client is able to adapt to new technologies. Such as in a youth mental health setting getting the client to use the ipad as a use of means of gathering recipes for healthy eating, and storing these. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcl5MHZilzE (YouTube, 2012) Youth cooking together is a therapeutic measure in the fact of gaining self-satisfaction and the knowledge on healthy eating and food preparation.

I think an understanding of information technology will help me and other occupational therapists in practise to enable a person’s functional independence. For instance; the internet can help an individual with their self -such as online shopping, internet banking, and leisure activities such as music downloading, videos and virtual communities, and productivity; in buying and selling making travel bookings and for advertising. Overall technology can assist in meeting the ultimate goal of an Occupational therapist which is to help the individual be independent and competent in occupation.

Ethical implications must be taken into consideration when citing images and transferring information through technology. Informed consent when taking images is important as the individual becomes aware and accepts that their imagery may be used for public use or even used for study or research.  Confidentiality is important when discussing a setting and clients as not to use names. However wherever information has been annotated names places, websites and written resources must be cited.

References

Hanks, P. (ed). (1989) Collins Concise Dictionary. Glasgow: Bath Press.

YouTube. Breakfast smoother - kids cooking for kids (2012) Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcl5MHZilzE

YouTube; Future of Screen Technology, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7_mOdi3O5E

Cooking for pio

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