Simple 5 minute Easil

I noticed a client bending over the table while painting this lovely spring picture. It took 5 minutes for me to cut a large box with 2 of the 4 sides overlapping to make a 3 sided figure. Then I pushed the flaps inside and added a bit of tape to hold in place. I cut a small opening on top to fit a large clip to hang up the art..... When it gets wrecked from art projects it will be easy and free to replace....

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Source: Make Your Own Paint Easel by RecyclingOT on Rumble

Bilateral Insertion Activity

I have been evaluating a woman who has arthritis and only grasps flat objects using her fingers. At the same time she has an obsession about keeping a smooth pebble fidget inside her fingers.
She is able to pull apart the Velcro pieces and with a little guidance insert  each half into a lid slot.

The person in the video enjoys repetitive insertion tasks but tends to avoid using his hands together. So pulling the Velcro pieces apart works nicely in promoting bilateral hand use.

 I made the slot narrow enough so that it is difficult to insert the green and red plastic pieces while they are connected.  Some individuals enjoy the sensory input of ripping apart Velcro . I also like how I was able to add a bit of challenge to an insertion task- requiring 2 steps- ripping apart before inserting.

I cut the green and red plastic from detergent and juice bottles.








 
 
 

Macrame Hanger Craft

One of the first crafts I learned in graduate school was to macramé around a hanger. This can be given as a gift with lots of color options. Clothing will stay on the cord better than on a slippery wire hanger. The plastic hangers are a bit too thick to use. I found this wire hanger but unfortunately the bottom is made with cardboard instead of wire, so we are doing the best we can and I will be looking for some better hangers......

The first part of the video shows a client learning how to do this. she is obviously quite high functioning and is interested in finding some leisure time crafts she can do at home and in the day program. I attached the hook of the hanger to a pulley that was on the wall so that she stands and reaches while working on this.
The second part of the video shows a staff person learning how to do this. She is sitting and this is an option if its easier to control the hanger by squeezing it between the knees while manipulating the cord.  She seems excited to learn some new crafts as well !

Velcro Activities with deaf and blind client

 
I've been making "Velcro Bottles" for many years out of detergent  and dishwasher soap bottles..

 I bought this sports bottle years ago to use with children since the handle would fit nicely into small hands.

I used it today with a client who is blind and deaf. The staff have been giving him a box with blocks attached with Velcro to the sides.

In the video you can see him removing the wooden blocks  followed by removing the shapes from the bottle. I think that the bottle made the task easier to understand since he could feel where the handle was, more easily orienting to its parts and more easily find the smaller opening on top for insertion. I think that it was also helpful that the objects were easier to grip and pull.

Infinity Walk Experiences

The first video shows Sensory Alex incorporating the  "The Infinity Walk"   moving in figure 8 pattern...... into therapy. Even though I don't think looking down at his feet to stay on the inner tubes is how it is meant to be used....  its still a fun, heavy duty sensory  proprioceptive and motor planning task.... while working on strength, balance and motor planning. Another great idea !!

The second video is just me goofing around in my living room...... Definitely, not how infinity walk is meant to be used.....

Oral Motor Sensory Modulation

Here is what Mr. Alex does with Ttheratube and Gak. Great for sensory modulation ....

Weighted lap bag Manipulation Activity

 

I know that my activities are motivating and beneficial when a client who struggles with motor planning and control seeks them out. this young man particularly likes the activities that vibrate. I am starting to add a new twist by attaching the activities to a weighted lap bag. In this photo you see a big bag of sand sewn inside a shopping bag with handles so that it is easier to carry around.  I think that some of my clients find the weight calming. The long white cord is cut from a plastic bottle and part of it is inside the bag. I cut a small hole in the bag for the cord to pop out of and sewed tightly around that hole. The electric toothbrush is duct taped to the end of the cord.

Many of my clients have behavioral problems- agitation, assaultive etc. but by giving them the sensory stimulation they need, a just right challenge, success and fun, the behavior problems are minimized. This young man has hemiplegia so he is doing a good job working on bilateral coordination, too.....