Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy at National Star

Our occupational therapists support students to become more independent so they can live their lives as they wish. For some young people that means developing the skills to decide whether it is safe to cross the road. For other students, mastering the daily routines needed to leave their home on time each morning, could make the difference to whether they can turn up to work on time in the future.

Making everyday tasks easier to manage

Often it is the skills that many of us take for granted that make the biggest difference to lives of students, like being able to get dressed, make a sandwich, clean their teeth or manoeuvre their power wheelchair independently. Our occupational therapists take time to learn the ins and outs of a student’s life, looking at each person as a whole. As a result, we develop unique programmes to meet the specific needs of National Star students.

Occupational Therapy delivered at a time to suit the students’ needs

Flexibility is key to the success of our occupational therapy team. We aim to make therapy as meaningful and individual for each student. If a student loves to cook, we may use cooking as an intervention. Therapy is delivered at a time that best meets the needs of individual students. For residential learners, the occupational therapists work with students in their residences and ensure that other staff understand what goals students are working towards. Wherever possible skills are practised in real-life situations, travelling into town centres for a spot of shopping or to enjoy a drink.

Postural support

Maintaining good posture is vital for people with a disability to ensure they reduce the risk of experiencing chronic pain or swallowing and breathing difficulties. Postural care is a round-the-clock requirement and our team are experienced in assessing day-time and night-time postural equipment including sleep systems, classroom chairs and wheelchairs, personal care equipment, adaptive kitchen equipment, sensory equipment, environmental and assistive technology.

Community transition support

Our experienced team will also support each student to prepare for the transition back into their community, providing information, advice and guidance on disability adaptations, housing and occupation.

Occupational therapy programmes include:

• 24 hour postural management
• Independent skills
• Wheelchair maintenance
• Engagement in occupation
• Wheelchair driving
• Access in the Community training
• Travel training
• Hand function
• Sensory
• Functional Vision
• Transition support
• Work experience
• Assistive and adaptive equipment and enabling technology