In the second part of our series for Occupational Therapy Awareness Week, we turn our focus to one of our NDIS participants, Jamie, whose journey illustrates the real-world impact of occupational therapy. Born with Spina Bifida, Jamie’s story showcases the role that occupational therapy plays in overcoming daily challenges and reaching personal goals.
Jamie has faced a lifetime of challenges due to her condition, but her outlook remains positive. “Living with a disability has its difficulties, especially when society isn’t always accepting,” Jamie says. Despite these hurdles, Jamie continues to pursue her passion for travel and aims to visit more countries in the future.
“I’ve already been to England, Scotland, and the USA, but I want to go back to England to visit my brother and explore Europe, especially Paris. The accessible public transport in England makes travelling easier for me.”
For Jamie, occupational therapy has played a crucial role in maintaining her independence. “I really value my OT sessions,” Jamie explains. “I practice the hand therapy exercises recommended by my OT to keep the function in my right hand, which is vital for my day-to-day life. Even though I won’t return to my pre-surgery function, these exercises help me stay as independent as possible.”
Jamie has also embraced new assistive technologies and adaptive aids that help him manage daily tasks more efficiently. “Using these technologies makes things like dressing, showering, and cooking much easier and safer. It’s also helping me with long-distance travel, which is one of my biggest passions.”
One challenge Jamie faces is the misunderstanding and judgment around her condition. “I wish people understood that disability doesn’t look the same for everyone,” she says. “Just because someone can walk doesn’t mean they don’t have a disability. I often get questioned about why I need mobility parking, which can be frustrating.”
By sharing his story, Jamie hopes to encourage more understanding and empathy towards people with disabilities. She believes that awareness can challenge misconceptions and make the world a more inclusive place for everyone.
Jamie’s journey highlights the profound impact occupational therapy can have on a person’s life. Through the support of her OT team at Therapy Care, Jamie is able to live independently and continue pursuing her dreams.
As our OT, Steph, puts it: “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to build some really strong and meaningful connections with my participants and when they tell me how much of a difference the equipment or assistive technology I’ve recommended has made in their daily living. Jamie’s determination to travel and lead an independent life is an inspiring example of what occupational therapy can help people achieve.”
Jamie’s story is just one example of how occupational therapy empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals. At Therapy Care, we are proud to support participants like Jamie on their journey toward independence, helping them thrive through personalised care and adaptive solutions.
Want to learn more about how Therapy Care’s occupational therapists can help you or a loved one?
📧 Contact us at: info@therapycare.com.au
📞 Call us at: 1800 861 898
