My Disabled Brother

787 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: A personal reflection on teaching a student with a disability

My Brother

What I consider to be the single most important event of my life occurred in November. That was the day my very non-typical baby brother came into my life and forever changed my view. My brother Russ is a crucial part of my being and in many ways has helped to shape my life. Russ began life with almost complete deafness and remained in his silent world until the age of three. He has also been diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Disorder, Visual Perception Deficiencies, and motor skill weaknesses. Russ required additional assistance in even the simplest activities as he struggled daily to master age appropriate skills. His disabilities have greatly influenced my role as an older sibling. Russ has definitely taught me patience which is a daily asset in every aspect of my life. He has also opened my eyes in understanding other children with disabilities.

My desire for a career in occupational therapy was inspired through living with Russ. As a spectator at his occupational testing and therapy sessions, I experienced first hand the job of a therapist. Exposure to this type of therapy surfaced a natural attraction to this field. His therapist shared with our family, ideas for home therapies and activities that would be helpful in Russ's development. I eagerly began working with Russ. Our amicable non-typical sibling relationship allowed me to turn play into progress for my brother. For example, activities such as mazes and puzzles help to improve his visual perception deficiency. I have assisted in developing his fine motor skills by engaging in various art projects, playing the piano, writing, and even threading beads. But my favorite was helping with his large motor skills. I have always had a passi...

... middle of paper ...

...disability.

One of my favorite quotes is "The happiest people in life don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." Russ is one of the happiest people I know. I have learned through him to be true to myself, content in knowing I am happy with the person I have become. I have even been labeled by some as being hard core "anti-snob". I admit that I detest for a person to judge another by the clothes they wear, or the car they drive, or their parent’s occupation. I respect another human being by the morals they bear, so I proudly wear the label some have given me. In the career I have chosen, it will be important for me to look at each person's disability individually and without judgment. I love the feeling of knowing I have made a difference in my brother’s life and look forward to working with others in the near future.

Show More
Related

  • OTA application

    554 Words  | 2 Pages

    Though occupation usually refers to a job, a person’s occupation is initially determined by what their everyday life consists of. When a person becomes incapable of performing the tasks that they are expected to do in their everyday life due to developmental delays, physical injury, or psychological problems they are often referred to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists, or OTs, usually have occupational therapy assistants, often called OTAs. The OT gives the OTA a set of objectives to help the patient achieve. Since people go through numerous occupations during the course of their lives, OT’s and OTA’s prov...

    Read More

  • The Benefits of Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare, Specifically Occupational Therapy

    2603 Words  | 6 Pages

    Sacket et al, cited in, Duncan, E,A,S, (2006) Foundtions for practice in Occupational Therapy, 4th edition, Elsevier Ltd.

    Read More

  • Occupational Therapy Executive Summary

    1063 Words  | 3 Pages

    Evaluating Process: First, it is important to review R’s occupational profile for progress from the start of occupational therapy. This is done to determine which assessment fits the needs of R and to ensure that the services rendered fits the client's purpose and goal. Some of the information gathered will include: client's occupational history, ADL patterns, needs and goals, environmental issues, and what the client’s limitations. It is important to evaluate the client’s progress to help facilitate the services that the new occupational therapist will continue. In addition, the client's concerns and interests are assessed in a welcome and open interview to attain additional information that R's family may

    Read More

  • Occupational Therapy Client Analysis

    1049 Words  | 3 Pages

    Occupational Therapy takes a client-centered approach to each individual and unique client. This client is Martha. She is 78. She was admitted to the hospital after suffering a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or stroke. It began when she experienced a choking episode and weakness in her right side. The CVA resulted in right hemiplegia and aphasia. Martha has partial paralysis in the right half of her body and cannot verbally communicate. Her primary role is a homemaker. She graduated with a high school education but never pursued a profession. She is the wife of a healthy and supportive 80 year old man. He intends to care for her at home with private assistance. Some of Martha’s meaningful occupations are playing games such as bingo, solitaire and bridge. She also finds satisfaction in tending to her garden.

    Read More

  • Psychosocial Aspects Of Occupational Therapy

    1145 Words  | 3 Pages

    This article discusses the basic understanding of what occupational therapy is and what it the

    Read More

  • Description of Occupational Therapy Career

    1366 Words  | 3 Pages

    "Occupational Therapy." KidsHealth. Ed. Wendy Harron. The Nemours Foundation, 01 July 2010. Web. 01 Mar. 2014 .

    Read More

  • Shaken Baby Syndrome

    1480 Words  | 3 Pages

    Parker, G. E., Solomon, J. W., & O’Brien, J. C. (2011). Pediatric health conditions. In J.W. Soloman & J. C. O’Brien (Ed.), Pediatric skills for occupational therapy assistants. (190-234). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

    Read More

  • Goals Of Occupational Therapy

    810 Words  | 2 Pages

    While growing up I had many ideas of what professional career I wanted to obtain, although until recent years, occupational therapy was not even a thought. It was not until my grandmother had a stroke that I even knew what occupational therapy was or entailed. I watched my grandmother participate in therapy leading her to learn how to tie her shoes again, and the things I thought were so simple as to dress herself again. It was during that time as high school graduation was approaching that I realized I wanted to be apart of that. I wanted to have a role helping others learn and exceed as she did because I seen how much joy it brought her. This experience opened my eye to the things we so often take for granted, that some people lose the ability of doing or lack the ability of doing. Throughout her journey of facing and overcoming these problems, it led me to a yearning to pursue this

    Read More

  • Occupational Therapy Philosophy Essay

    794 Words  | 2 Pages

    My immediate goals after obtaining an Occupational Therapy degree include gaining clinical expertise through a practice of my choice and motivating as many people as I can to achieve their goals. I plan to participate in evidence-based research in order to improve patient outcomes while spreading this knowledge through community education and prevention programs. After establishing myself in the field and gaining the necessary resources, I intend to collaborate with a team of like-minded

    Read More

  • Occupational Therapy: A Career of Joy and Purpose

    702 Words  | 2 Pages

    During recent observation hours, I heard some of the most influential words of advice from an occupational therapist which was “Occupational therapy is fun.” It is a simple thought, yet it is so true. Occupational Therapy is not a healthcare field where you just prescribe medications. It is a career where you help older adults enjoy the activities they love again. It is a career where you help children be attentive at school and confident at the dinner table. It is a career where you dedicate time to understanding and encouraging patients in ways that are specific to their needs and goals. With occupational therapy, you create an individualistic approach to a patient’s plan of care. It is a career where you make a real difference, and because I want to create change and help others, I want to be an occupational therapist. I am so excited by the diverse and meaningful nature of the work, and I cannot wait to begin this journey.

    Read More

  • Discovering Occupational Therapy: A Personal Journey

    1193 Words  | 3 Pages

    Occupational therapy was based off of psychology; we evolved from treating mentally ill patients with isolation as an efficient treatment plan. We must never forget we are known to be “the art and science of helping people do the day-to-day activities that are important and meaningful to their health and well being through engagement in valued occupations” (Crepeau, Cohn, & Schell, 2008). To other professional disciplines this article explains the difference between each of us, yet can also express our relation to one another. The basic goal of all therapeutic disciplines is to better our clients life, through physical, speech or occupational therapy. Every discipline targets different goals, may it be body mechanics, reducing a stutter or buttoning a shirt, at the end of the day our clients well being may it be through science, art or both is all that matters. To the occupational therapy field this article means progress for what we do. Reading this article today in the year 2015 did not seem like old information to me, it is still relevant, I am proud that our field is not only evolving with contemporary time but it is also maintaining its

    Read More

  • Physical Therapy Personal Statement

    795 Words  | 2 Pages

    My journey to pursue an education in physical therapy actually originates from my early childhood. I endured a very impoverished upbringing and my family’s socioeconomic status was below the poverty line. At a very young age, money became the central issue of my life. I found myself worrying about mortgages, health bills, and grocery money. As I grew older, I vowed to myself that I would not endure my family’s financial burdens into my adulthood. I knew the best way to accomplish this was by obtaining a college degree and having a professional career. However, I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue. I experimented with many different career ideas, but during my sophomore, I discovered my passion and skill for physical medicine. For my

    Read More

  • Educational And Professional Goals: Becoming An Occupational Therapist

    818 Words  | 2 Pages

    I look forward to helping them become more independent by aiming for their personal goals and reaching for their full potential. I am enthusiastic in finding a career were I am able to be creative and discover the self-confidence in my patients that will help them succeed. Throughout the coming years, I hope to attain the skills and abilities to succeed in this field. As I further my knowledge in this field I hope to demonstrate ethical decision making and learn to appreciate my role in supporting my patients as they learn to navigate a new world. I hope to educate the community in gaining a better understanding of what occupational therapy is and the overall impact it can make on an individual’s life and

    Read More

  • Neurodevelopmental Theory Essay

    1360 Words  | 3 Pages

    The goals and interventions developed for Sue are to enable her to participate in activities along side her peers (Parkes, McCullough & Madden, 2010). The practice of the just right challenge under SI will ensure Sue experiences a sense of mastery, these feelings are shown to increase a child’s self-esteem (Berk, 2007; Parham, & Mailloux, 2005). NDT will increase typical movement patterns in Sue’s upper limbs, giving her greater freedom and independence in functional skills and allowing her to participate in activities with her peers (Blanche, & Blanche Kiefer, 2007; Feaver, & Ezekiel, 2011). Therapeutic use of self is used to ensure Sue has just right challenges to increase her self-esteem (Case-smith et al., 2010; Taylor & Melton, 2008). The therapist uses their hands to facilitate active and passive movement, to assist Sue in developing typical movement patterns, leading to an increase in participation with her peers (Feaver, & Ezekiel,

    Read More

  • Transformational Leadership in Healthcare

    849 Words  | 2 Pages

    Cole, M. B., & Tufano, R. (2008). Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical approach. Thorofare, New Jersey, United States of America: Slack Inc.

    Read More

More about My Disabled Brother

Open Document