Inclusive Design

OT

2009-09-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

new post

Occupational Environments

2009-09-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

(Schkade, J.K. Schulz, S. (2003)p. 187)

This diagram demonstrates how you need to consider different enviornments for every individual. The subsystems are made up of physical, social and cultural.

The Role of the Occupational Therapist

2009-09-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Occupational therapy is located in a crucial crossroads with social services, health care and housing. Occupational therapists work with all three agencies to bring resources together to enable clients to lead independent lives.

Long delays are common in assessment and needs anaylsis, also financial support is one of the largest barriers to having people lead independent lives.

Nocaon & Pleace,(1997)conducted a study to investigate people with disabilities housing needs and looked at how these needs could be met.
One concept that came about through the reseach was the design of "lifetime homes" the developement of homes that would be easily adapted an would reduce costs if modifications were nessasary.

Nocaon, A. & Pleace, N. (1997). 'Until Disabled People get Consulted" the role of Occuptaional Therapy in meeting Housing Needs. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60(3), 115- 122

Barrier Free Living

2009-09-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Universal Design

2009-09-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Seven Principles of Universal Design
1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to any group of users.

2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand.

4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user.

5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintentional actions.

6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach and use.

The 7 Principles of Universal Design were developed in 1997 by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers, led by the late Ronald Mace in the North Carolina State University.The purpose of the Principles is to guide the design of environments, products and communications. According to the Center for Universal Design in NCSU, the Principles "may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments."

Retrieved 8 September 2009 from, http://universaldesign.ie/exploreampdiscover/the7principles

Inclusive Design

2009-09-04T18:54:00.001-07:00

Inclusive Design
Understanding how environments press and afford an individuals ability to participate in occupations is one of the key aspects of occupational therapy. This blog will explore products and environments that are usable and effective for everyone, not just people with disabilities. A case study scenario will illustrate how to incorporate inclusive design into house plans, drawing on occupational perspective to enable the client to engage in activities of daily living.

Letter Propsal

2009-09-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

Emma Moynihan
Occupational Therapist
Dunedin Hospital

18 July 2008

Whom it may concern:
Community Health services
PO Box 1426
WELLINGTON

Dear Sir/ Madam

REGARDS: Carol Simms (DOB 24/12/1987), 87 Small St, Dunedin Client # 136790

I am writing to you in regard to Carol Simms in relation to her proposed housing modifications. Carol is a 21 year old who was in a motor vehicle accident in 2005. Carol sustained major injuries to her lower extremities with serious burns and crush injuries resulting in the bilateral amputation of both legs above the knee. Carol has ongoing skin integrity issues and has scars from the burns in her pelvis area. Carol experiences some pain in her right hip and is in a self propelled light, weight wheelchair; however she has very poor balance due to the bilateral amputation.

Carol is employed part time and is currently living with her parents’; however Carol and her fiancé Phillip are going to be building a new home together. There needs to be careful consideration of design of the new home so that it is practical and usable by both Carol and her fiancé.

It is recommended that consultation with housing design team to prescribe suitable suggestions for minimum requirements for Carol to be safe and independent in the new home environment.

Yours sincerely

EjDrake

Emma Drake
Student Occupational Therapist

Assistive technology

2009-09-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

“Any item, piece of equipment or product system weather acquired commercially or of the shelf, modified or customized that is used to increase or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

Cook, A.M., & Hussey, S.M. (2000). Assistive technologies: principles and practice. St Louis: Mosby

Self Concept

2009-09-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

"A seris of beliefs or a view of oneself which may be particully conscious and partly unconscious. The self concept which an individual has will affect the way in which they experience, perceive and responds to events."

Wilson, M. (1983) Occupational therapy in Long Term Psychiatry, p23.

Accessable/ Barrier free

2009-08-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Renovation Summary
In the past, designs for the physically challenged have been cumbersome, noticeable, and poorly planned. But a truly accessible space should be equally accessible to everyone, not just someone with a disability. It should look and feel natural to all, it should not be noticeable, and should be designed for every person. If something is designed well, it should be design beautifully for each person, regardless of their physical capabilities.

This bathroom now looks like a custom design that anyone would be happy with. Two levels of concrete counter-tops were designed for his and her sinks, one with an open base for easy access. Two different height mirrors were also designed.

The shower area was designed with a large curved seat made out of concrete. This was colour matched to the mosaic tiles used on the floor and walls

Floor pans

2009-08-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

This is an example of a smiple floor plan not the turning circles for wheel chair users. The widths and heights of the whole house are major considerations when planing a new home.

Case Study

2009-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Case Study
"Carol" a 22 year old female was involved in a car accident in January 2005 during which she sustained crush injuries and burns to her pelvis and lower limbs. This resulted in a bilateral amputation of her lower limbs above her knees.

Carol explains that she is a healthy person although the skin on her remaining lower limb has been a problem. Carol only wears her prostheses "for exercise and for show" and her skin integrity has improved. However she does have some pain in her hip on the right side especially after wearing her protheses. Carols's main method of mobility is predominately using her wheelchair.

Carol currently lives with her parents however she is due to get married in January 2010 to "Philip". Carol's parents have been given land on their farm to build a home of their own. Carol explains that her mother does most of the cooking and housework currently, however once Carol is married and living in her new home she plans to complete her own cooking of main meals.

Carol has recently completed a course of study (distance based) on accounting and has a position at the local bank. She hopes to continue with her study part- time so she can obtain her accountancy qualifications.

Inclusive Design

2009-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00