Hi- I admit I lurk but I DO appreciate this Listserv and I find the discussions more meaningful than some discussions on the AOTA liserv.
I'll try to participate more but time is an issue for me. I can relate to a lot of the therapists on this Listserv. I have to share this...I find it difficult to call a majority of occupational therapists my colleagues since I don't think some OTs grasp the meaning of occupational therapy. For some- its a job that pays the bills and they do whatever treatment acitivity to get the job done- that annoys me. I have other opinions but I am afraid that some may take it the wrong way. I haven't heard comments yet on this Listserv that would get a rise out of me..yet! ;-) A little bit about myself, I have been an OT for over 10 years. I worked in pediatrics, inpatient rehab in physical disabilities, and now, I am currently working in mental health. I do have to warn you, I may get on my soapbox sometimes. I am deaf and have a strong interest in advocacy. I am very involved in the disability community. I was involved with the disability pride parade from the beginning and consider it an accomplishment since it's still going! I do get frustrated with OTs/PTs who "poo-poo" (excuse my French- I couldnt think of a better term at the moment) the idea that disabled people can actually live in the community and that nursing homes are the only option. I agree that there are some cases that some individuals need to live in the nursing home. I strongly believe there are many people who do NOT belong in a nursing home but they are forced to live in one. I could write a novel about this subject. Anyway- I am a supporter of the Olmstead Act. It is never my intention to offend anyone. BTW- I have used balloon volleyball as a treatment acitivty because it had a meaningful purpose. For example, years ago, I had a older client with poor tolerance for ADLS. One of the client's goal was be able to stand to shave. He felt it was not right to sit while shaving. We can't shave 2-3 times a day. I have used balloon volleyball to work on his standing endurance and he was open to the activity (I would never imposed iton him if he didnt want to play). It was fun and he eventually relaxed and stop being pre-occupied and expecting that he will become too tired to participate. Laura Laura Obara, OTR/L Occupational Therapy Chicago Read Mental Health Center 4200 North Oak Park Avenue Chicago, IL 60634 773.794.3759 TTY 773.794.3760voice/tty 773.794.3772 Fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1/18/2007 9:36 PM >>> Hello All: I really hope there's a way to increase particpation on the OTlist. I'm prompted to write this message because I just realized that I'm a member on severl different e-mail lists but ther are a copule in which I only "lurk". Thinking about this leads me to some possible reason why I don't post messages on certain forums/lists: 1. I don't feel that my input is valued 2. I don't feel competent in the subject matter 3. Afraid of being mocked or made fun of 4. Afraid of being disregarded With this in mind, I can't help wonder if OTnow list members don't have some of these same feelings/concerns. And most importantly, if so what can be done to help lessen these feelings? I know that in the past (maybe even present) I've been pretty "intense" in some of my arguments. I hope that my "tone" has not scared away would be posters. If so, I'm sorry. I also know that I keep bringing this issue up but it's important. We are a relatively small group of people with a common interest. I would like to see us share our interests and most imporant to me, our concerns. Thanks, Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ************************************************************************************** -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
