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Occupational Therapy Gave Him His Life Back After a TBI

By Stephanie Yamkovenko posted 06-24-2019 11:42

  

AOTA member Shawn Phipps recently gave a TEDx talk about a client who says occupational therapy gave him his life back after a traumatic brain injury.

The client, Armando Rodrigo, says, ““I want to thank you and occupational therapy for giving me my life back. I am able and independent to do everything by myself as I did before, and better.”

Watch the talk below (or on Youtube here) to find out how Phipps helped the Rodrigo become independent after a head-on auto collision.

Did you know that an occupational therapist was the organizer and curator of this TEDx? AOTA member Bill Wong applied his occupational therapy skills to the task of being the first OT practitioner to organize a TEDx event. Look for an interview with Wong in an upcoming issue of OT Practice magazine.

Want to help promote occupational therapy’s role for individuals who have had brain injuries? In addition to sharing the talk by Phipps, check out these AOTA resources:

Listen to a Podcast About OT’s Role Post Concussion

Listen to a podcast about how occupational therapy can help people with post-concussion syndrome manage symptoms and return to work or school. For 15 to 30% of people who have had a concussion, symptoms like headaches, mental fatigue, and irritability can linger long after the injury. Occupational therapist Steven Wheeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, CBIS, discusses the distinct value of occupational therapy services to help those with concussions or traumatic brain injuries return to work, school, and other valued activities.

Share AOTA’s Fact Sheet

AOTA’s fact sheet about brain injuries is a free resource you can share with clients and other health care professionals to highlight the distinct role OT plays in this area.

Watch Occupational Therapy in Action

This clip from the What OT Can Do video series features an occupational therapist who is working with a young man who had a TBI. She incorporates his valued activities into his rehabilitation to motivate him and help him reach his goals.  

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Comments

07-01-2019 16:24

Shawn Phipps did a great job explaining how occupational therapy's use of the CAPE model helps patients with brain injuries during their recoveries. His emphasis on engaging clients' interventions on their interests and occupational histories is an important lesson for occupational therapy practitioners, students and the general public.

06-26-2019 09:06

Thank you thank you thank you.  Armando, your joy and spirit is contagious.   
Where can I find more information on the CAPE model?

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