Occupational Therapy
The David Lewis Centre has a paediatric Occupational Therapy service based in the school. The service comprises a part-time Occupational Therapist and a full-time Technical Assistant.
The team work at the school, on the houses, and with the parents to help our students develop skills to become more independent. Areas of need are also identified so that specific difficulties can be addressed. The team does this by assessing, treating and reviewing students on an ongoing basis.
Some of the areas of need include:
- Seating and positioning
- Wheelchairs
- Functional independence, such as eating, dressing and personal hygiene
- Equipment, such as utensils, splints, writing implements
- Perceptual and sensory support
- Social and community skills
- Support and information for teachers, care staff, other professionals and families.
The aim is to provide aids and advice to promote the students functional independence and improve quality of life in school and at home.
Individual treatment plans are compiled from information taken from the assessments and observations, and also family and care staff. The treatments plans are reviewed on an ongoing basis, advice and guidance is given to staff, carers and family members.
The OT team regularly liaise and network with many other organisations and professionals.
