World Occupational Therapy Day

To mark World Occupational Therapy Day (27 October), Visibility Scotland’s very own occupational therapist, Heather Hewitson, shares details of what an occupational therapist does and the support available from Visibility Scotland:

“Occupational therapy (OT) helps people live their best lives by improving independence and well-being. OT supports people to tackle any challenges they may have due to their impairment, disability or injury. These challenges may impact the person’s ability to participate in activities they need or want to do. OT offers practical, realistic and person-centred interventions to help people reach their goals.

At Visibility Scotland, we emphasise finding an optimal level for people living with sight loss. That often involves looking at how an activity, or the physical or social environment it takes place in, can be modified or adapted to make things easier for the person. The activities we help people with include food preparation, shopping, and personal care. We provide education, strategies, tools and equipment to help each person complete the activities they want to do as independently as possible.”

Heather coordinates our EyeCan! self-management programme. The programme is open to anyone living with sight loss in Glasgow and the surrounding areas (Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire). The programme promotes positive life habits and teaches participants coping strategies to live well with sight loss.

EyeCan! sessions cover:

• healthier eating habits and practical kitchen skills
• movement and exercise
• strategies to support mental well-being.

EyeCan! is delivered by a range of experts. As well as OT, participants are able to access support from dieticians, a movement specialist and transformational coaches.

To find out more about EyeCan!, or to book your place, contact us on 0141 332 4632 or info@nullvisibilityscotland.org.uk