Activities of daily living (ADL) are a vital part of each person's life. For people with disabilities, activities such as eating, dressing, personal hygiene, housekeeping tasks and recreations can become difficult. The Center for Rehabilitation Science and Biomedical Engineering has developed an independent living facility to assist people who have difficulty with these daily tasks. The Center's occupational therapist evaluates the person's current level of ADL and provides recommendations for adaptive equipment.

PROGRAM SERVICES

-Self Care
-Home Management
-Environmental Control Systems
-Consumer Information Services
-Professional Staff Training
-Workshops and Presentations

 

EVALUATION

The occupational therapist assesses the person's current independent living status. If adaptive equipment is needed, the individual and therapist work together to determine which equipment is appropriate. They evaluate different devices in an apartment environment which simulates a real life situation. The results of this evaluation will determine which assistive devices will be recommended.

 

GOALS

The first goal is to accurately access each individuals's capabilities and deficits in order to prescribe the correct equipment. Only in this way can the main goal be achieved, which is to encourage independence in every aspect of the individual's life. The increased independence that each person gains through the ADL program will rebuild confidence. This confidence will carry over into all areas of an individual's life, including home and work goals.

 

REFERRALS

Referrals are accepted from physicians, vocational rehabilitation counselors, occupational therapists, rehabilitation agencies and other individuals that assist people with disabilities. The individual or a family member may also initiate a self-referral.

 

Procedure for Referrals

 

Team Manager:

Marty Gallagher,  MS, LOTR,  ATP
Activities of Daily Living Program Manager
(318) 257 - 4562