Modalities I
Students study wheelchair use, adaptations, seating safety. Basic ADL and IADL adapted devices and occupational roles. Activity analysis, architectural accessibility and changes. Assistive technology and OT treatment covered.
Civic Engagement
For one of our Civic Engagement Projects in Modalities, we went to the Diesel Mechanics Program and did a presentation on proper body mechanics. This was at the Meadowbrook Campus in SLC. The whole presentation took about 2 ½ hours including driving time.
Before we arrived, I prepared myself for what would happen, because I knew that just by the nature of the job, most of the things that we would teach, would not be relevant. There is a lot of heavy lifting, bending and working above your head. We were prepared for this, and we just wanted to inform them on a few things that would be feasible for them to do, such as takes breaks and stretch out. We did go through all of the information, but I especially tried to be understanding of their job at the same time. They were semi receptive to our group of 6, but I did learn how to tailor information and consider who you are presenting to. All in all, it was a good experience.
The Great Wheelchair Adventure
This was a really fun assignment and ended up being quite an eye opening experience for me personally. I have a new understanding about the importance of making places accessible for the disabled. I am a kinesthetic learner, so being out there and physically wheeling myself around helped me learn, in a small way, through the eyes of a wheelchair user. Not only can it be physically demanding, you need to allow more time to get where you need to go. It takes some preparation to get the wheelchair ready, and time to put it away. Finding elevators. doors and pathways require a little extra effort also.
We both had a hard time entering buildings that did not have automatic door openers, and trying to grab the door, pulling it open and wedging your wheel in between so it wouldn't slam shut again. It would be a learning experience for sure.