I’ve made a big effort to engage with the online OT community and I have to say I’m loving it. Tweet chats like #OTalk and the up and coming #WeAHPs are making it much easier to connect with likeminded people across the world. Social media is making the world a more accessible place and I love it.
One of the things I’ve come across in my internet travels is the sheer number of OT’s who actually have a disability themselves. It makes sense when you think about it, the career is about enabling people to reach their best, who better to convey that than someone who understands the day-to-day struggles of life with a long-term health condition. I’m not saying a perfectly fit and health person can’t be an outstanding OT (I’ve seen first hand that they can be) but having a disability myself offers me a unique dual perspective, when I qualify I’ll be half professional half patient. I’ll see things from both sides, I’ll need an OT to help me be an OT.
From discussion with other people I’ve discovered there’s quite a few people in a very similar situation, we’ve shared tips & ticks and compared experiences working in OT. These discussions have been invaluable and I can’t help but think they would benefit a lot of people. During one such conversation the DisabilOT Facebook group was born. The group was designed by Mitäl Gajjar and myself. It is open to anyone working or studying in the field of Occupational Therapy, prospective students are also welcome. Our hope is that the group will be a safe haven for OT folks with disabilities where we can help each other, support each other and gain knowledge from each others experiences.
If you are interested in joining then please pop along to DisabilOT – OT’s with disabilities
Ciao for now
This is great news Jo! I’m so glad that you’re all able to support each other in this way & that there is a real trend for people who understand OT from both the patient & professional perspective! Tania Xx
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Thanks lovely 😀 the group is going well xx