Related Experiment Videos
Community-based and college-based needs assessment of physically disabled persons
Summary
Physically disabled individuals reported lower confidence in daily living, school, and mobility skills compared to their non-disabled peers. Occupational therapy can leverage interests in arts and recreation to boost independent living confidence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Therapy
- Disability Studies
- Community Health
Background:
- Understanding the specific needs of physically disabled individuals is crucial for effective occupational therapy intervention.
- Previous research has not fully explored the self-perceived needs and confidence levels of disabled persons in community college settings.
- A knowledge base for occupational therapy requires data on skill confidence and interests of the target population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the self-perceived needs of physically disabled individuals in a community college.
- To compare the confidence levels in various life skills between disabled and non-disabled college students.
- To identify areas of interest for developing targeted occupational therapy programs.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey design was employed to collect data from physically disabled persons.
- Demographic and needs data were statistically compared with a sample of non-disabled college students.
- Confidence levels in cognitive/problem-solving, social/recreational, school/vocational, home/community mobility, and basic activities of daily living skills were assessed.
Main Results:
- Physically disabled individuals reported significantly lower confidence in cognitive/problem-solving, social/recreational, school/vocational, and home/community mobility skills.
- No significant difference in confidence was found for basic activities of daily living.
- Disabled individuals showed less interest in sports but high interest in crafts/fine arts and social/recreational activities.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapy interventions should focus on enhancing confidence in independent living skills for disabled individuals.
- Leveraging interests in crafts, fine arts, and social/recreational activities can be an effective strategy for program design.
- Tailored occupational therapy programs can address the specific confidence deficits identified in physically disabled students.