Physical Disabilities - Adults and Pediatrics
The Occupational Therapy team evaluates and treats adult patients with diagnoses and symptoms associated with infectious disease, neurology, oncology, musculoskeletal disorders and cardiopulmonary disorders as well as those with rare or undiagnosed diseases. Pediatric evaluation and treatment are also performed involving an expertise in the areas of sensory integrative function, visual perception, seating/positioning/adaptive equipment options, pediatric hand function, school placement/performance management and developmental motor/cognitive skills.
Upper Extremity Orthotics and Prosthetics
The Occupational Therapy team designs and fabricates custom-molded orthotics (splints) and slings for upper extremity problems and constructs custom-molded cosmetic shoulder prostheses and spleen guards to restore body image and for thoracic/abdominal cavity protection.
Consultation
The Occupational Therapy team assists patients by making recommendations for universal design concepts, removal of architectural barriers from home or work environments, wheelchair and motorized scooter selection, and assistive device technology for computer access.
Evaluation of Self-Care Needs: (Dressing, Bathing, Feeding, and Toileting)
The Occupational Therapy team evaluates patients for use and provision of adaptive equipment and devices and training in techniques to ensure maximum functional independence, and/or support for caregivers.
Mental Health for Children
The Pediatric Occupational Therapy team provides individual and group services to promote wellness through listening to the child’s story and assessing what factors impact the child’s ability to participate in meaningful roles and daily activities (i.e., play, self-cares, studies, and clubs/teams). We help the child strengthen their resiliency, health, and wellness by understanding how their brain and body work, learning and using strategies to reduce barriers, and building skills and confidence to fully participate in their community.
Mental Health for Adults
The Occupational Therapy team provides individual, community, and unit-based programming for people with mental illnesses and their caregivers to explore, test and evaluate self-regulatory approaches that foster participation in society. Facilitating adjustment to social, emotional, information processing, and physical symptoms enables greater involvement in work, self-care, and leisure interests.
Simulated Work Experience
The Occupational Therapy team evaluates individuals to help maintain work skills or foster accommodations for disabling conditions. Vocational readiness placements are arranged in a variety of settings on the NIH campus to match individual goals.
Low Vision Rehabilitation
The Occupational Therapy team evaluates and treats adults and children with diagnoses and symptoms associated with chronic and rare visual impairments and disorders. Rehabilitation standards and clinical care are provided to enable people with visual impairments and disabilities to learn and use compensatory and adaptive strategies to cope with vision loss.