Occupational Therapy

Hi all,

First week of school has been great. I must say that it’s pretty slacked. Not many readings to do as yet. In addition, assignments have not been touched yet. The bookshop was then the shop that I went the most number of times to check out the necessary manuals and textbooks. Gosh! They are so expensive. A thin manual that would cost $16 in Singapore costs me $26 here! I nearly spent $200 on 3 manuals and a textbook. I have yet to buy another 2 as they have not print them yet!

All the modules that I have taken are interesting. The lecturers are engaging and the topics are relevant to my future practice area. I went to Yooralla Independent Living Centre for a practical lesson on last Wednesday. I was exposed to the different gadgets to ease communication for individuals with speech difficulties. The fun part was that we also get to try different types of powered wheelchair. For example, the chin control, sip and puff etc. I must say that the sip and puff was the most difficult to handle. I wonder how Superman did it efficiently.

Different types of powered scooters were also taught. We managed to get hands-on on the many available scooters. These scooters are for individuals who cannot manage long distances of ambulation. I’m glad that I see many elderly here used them in the community. So different from the elderly in Singapore. Ok… that’s for the lesson in the independent living centre. The next lesson will be in Week 3 on seats and the use of hoists.

Ok… So far all the modules are good. Well, except for one pretty daunting module, Illness and Spirituality. This module is pretty deep. I mean, requires deep thinking and varied life experiences. However, it’s interesting to see how the mature students analyse the situations. Probably I can start by talking more to them to develop my analytical skills further.

yup, that’s for the first week. More updates coming up while I ride on the journey.