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. 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 in 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 Occupational Therapy team provides individual and group services designed to improve the ability of individuals to participate as members of the community by assisting individuals to develop self-regulation, fine and gross motor skills, process skills, and skills for activity of daily living and community living.

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. Volunteer work placements for individuals are secured in a wide variety of settings on the NIH campus, including the patient library, landscaping department and various clerical sites.