Students help others learn about adaptive technology and moving beyond barriers OCTOBER 8, 2013 BY SHARON CECIL Those in their prime and beyond begin to need assistance with activities of daily living. Bad knees, sore back and stiff shoulders can slow us down. This can lead to depression. Students from Spalding University’s Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy Masters of Science Program joined with We Survive’s WOW Program to present an educational interactive day at the Altenheim. Since 1906, the Altenheim has become a focal point for the Highland’s, as its historical building was the summer home of the Stewart family (the old Stewart’ Department store). Located on a quiet, park-like setting in peaceful surroundings, it provided a relaxing atmosphere The goal of this wellness event was to heighten awareness, provide educational information and resource materials in a relaxed environment. Residents of the Altenheim, their visitors and the public were able to attend all day or one of two sessions: Assistive and Adaptive Technology for Promoting Healthy Living Beating the Blues: Strategies for Coping with Depression and Mood … Changes (to help you live life to the fullest) Being Breast Cancer Awareness month, We Survive provided information and educational materials on breast cancer. Could not think of a better way to kick off the month than with an event that is educational, fun and relaxing while promoting healthy living!! During the morning session, participants learned ways to make their lives easier with adaptive adjustments. As students instructed participants on how to assemble simple devices that help make their everyday life easier, everyone was eager to construct and use their device. Drinking straw holder, cardholder and a favorite was putting a sponge roller on a pen, making it easier to hold. You know, those black or pink sponge rollers, we’ve seen in stores for years. Have a rattail comb that you have trouble holding onto or trouble grasping you toothbrush? Sponge roller it! After lunch, “Beating the Blues” was the topic. Valuable information was shared and engaging activities that included—pumpkin painting, body scan meditation, laughing yoga meditation and positive affirmation cards to name a few. It was great to be able to offer assistance to a friend of mine who recently fractured her leg. On my way home, I stopped by the store to purchase Slip Resistant Shelf Liner, which she put in the seat of her wheelchair to keep her from sliding out of the wheelchair onto the floor. Thanks to the information provided by the students—PROBLEM SOLVED! Intergeneration connections When working with young people like the Occupational Therapy Masters of Science Students from Spalding, you are able to see up close and personal how enthusiastic they are about what they are learning while helping and sharing their time and talents with others. Life is valued—giving time to others while seizing the opportunity to make a difference. - See more at: blogs.courier-journal/prime/sharoncecil/2013/10/08/students-helping-others-moving-beyond-barriers/#sthash.k8tNIOqw.dpuf
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 17:51:29 +0000
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