Providing an optimal program of early intervention for young children with developmental disabilities and their families requires knowledge of reliable and current information on research and practice. However, analyzing research studies and determining their relevance to practice can be a perplexing task, even for the professional. Differing methodologies and a variety of conceptual frameworks often make it difficult to judge the quality of the research and to discern outcome patterns that can—and should—influence practice.  Despite the fact that this is a difficult task, practice guidelines based on a sophisticated and rigorous analysis of the extant research literature can convey essential information for the design and implementation of optimal early intervention programs.

ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST IN VISION REHAB:
1.  Observe functional activities
2.  Perform screening of gross visual function
3.  Work closely and collaboratively with the physiatrist and neuro-optometrist
4.  Implement vision strategies and interventions as advised by the physician
5.  Determine how the vision impairment impacts a persons ability to perform daily tasks

Oral fixation refers to an intense or obsessive desire to place various items (some inappropriate) in the mouth. During early childhood development, infants go through an oral phase in which it is developmentally appropriate to put things in and around the mouth. This oral phase of exploration helps children learn about different things in the environment. For example, infants often bite, chew, and suck toys, clothing, paper, etc. They eventually outgrow much of this behavior, generally by the end of the toddler years. If a child does not outgrow this behavior, he/she may have an oral fixation.

Self-care skills are the basic tasks we perform every day. Self-care skills are also known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The self-care skills children learn early on are self-feeding, dressing, bathing, and grooming. This handout will give a basic guideline for the development of self-feeding skills.

The use of simple preparatory methods, such as listening to relaxing music, may decrease negative emotions and enhance performance. The purpose of this research was to explore whether certain types of music, as a preparatory task, could enhance motor performance.

The purpose of this lab is to introduce assessment of the vision and vestibular systems and teach ideas for treatment of mild traumatic brain injury.

Objectives
1.  Understand vision diagnoses and the functional impact
they play with B/IADLs
2.  Understand how to screen for common brain injury and stroke related vision deficits.
3.  Identify “shoe box” activities for each of the outlined vision diagnoses.
4.  Improve knowledge and understanding of commonly used vision therapy equipment.
5.  Utilize iPad applications for vision therapy treatment.

As we continue to look at home safety modifications we must assess for grab bars. Grab bars are safety devices designed to enable a person to maintain balance, lessen fatigue while standing, hold some of their weight while maneuvering, or have something to grab onto in case of a slip or fall. A caregiver may use a grab bar to assist with transferring a patient from one place to another. 

Here are some dressing techniques to help your clients become efficient dressers.

Here are some great movies that can broach the subject about race and racism.