Occupational Therapy

Treating the Whole Person

The Occupational Therapists (OT) focuses on activities of Daily Living Skills (ADLs) and developing strategies for safer and more successful independent living skills. OT’s are often thought of as working on the more functional skill sets while Physical Therapy colleagues often practice more within a “body movement and pain treatment” frame of reference. OT’s utilize many modalities and media, including fine motor activities, educationally-related practical life-tasks, music and rhythm therapy, therapeutic listening, crafts, movement therapy, games, therapeutic exercises and activities, sensory integration techniques, social skills and anxiety reduction strategies, therapeutic visual-perceptual training and many more.

Meaningful age-related and or functional level appropriate activities motivate participation more fully and functionally within the environment.

Sharon Barnick, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Director, Therapeutic Enthusiasm, LLC

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Who we are

At JSDD, the expectations for quality extend beyond what services and supports may be available to what life fulfilling experiences are possible. Our philosophy supports the notion that there are no limits to those possibilities. We have developed opportunities over time through a dynamic process of establishing relationships with the agency’s residents and WAE Center members. Unexplored interests, ideas, prospects for learning, continuing education and creativity are constantly evolving and emerge as our remarkable staff and the people we support get to know each other and share experiences.

What we do

Ability is the focus of all efforts in supporting the men and women we serve. We are delighted and inspired each and every day by the insights, revelations and creative energy that emerges when respectful relationships for the gifts and talent of every individual are considered. Learning and creativity occur organically as people share themselves and develop friendships and help each other to grow.