There’s no shortage of treatment and support options available for adults with developmental disabilities. However, one often overlooked option is occupational therapy, which focuses on building skills that adults may need to live happy, healthy lives. Let’s explore how occupational therapy may be used to support people with disabilities, including those in the Self-Determination Program (SDP).
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy covers a wide range of medical interventions designed to help people fulfill day-to-day tasks. California law defines it as a service that may be prescribed by a physician, podiatrist, or dentist to help those with developmental disabilities, among other health conditions.
Occupational therapy for disabilities is not the same thing as physical therapy. Physical therapy is often used to help regain abilities after an illness or accident, while occupational therapy can be used for a variety of people with a litany of chronic medical conditions. Occupational therapy often fills in the cracks after medically important and necessary treatments.
Occupational Therapy for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs)
Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities often find it challenging to participate in the community. They have a harder time holding down jobs, maintaining fulfilling relationships, or engaging in general leisure activities.
Occupational therapy helps by targeting these sorts of needs. It helps adults with disabilities practice the skills that they may need to achieve their goals. Some adults use occupational therapy to succeed at work, while others may primarily receive it to help them with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Examples of Occupational Therapy Skills & Benefits
There are countless ways occupational therapy can manifest for SDP participants. Your independent facilitator can help you secure effective occupational therapists, evaluate their results, and shift focus as needed.
Gross and fine motor skills
Many individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) have challenges with certain muscles or groups of muscles. This can lower the ability to climb stairs, sit upright for long periods, walk to and from the kitchen, or hold eating utensils.
To combat this, an occupational therapist might do light work with certain exercise equipment to help participants gain as much physical control as possible.
Sleep disturbances
Experiencing challenges with falling or staying asleep is a common hindrance for those with IDDs.
Insomnia may be due to a medical condition, but occupational therapists often help people with sleep challenges by suggesting calming bedtime routines. They can also observe participants for long periods of time to figure out the root causes of poor sleep so it can be properly addressed.
Choosing outfits and dressing
One of the hallmarks of independence is dressing oneself. Cognitive and physical challenges may prevent people from doing this task, but occupational therapists can often find creative solutions for these situations. They may suggest buttonless clothes, slip-on shoes, or an entire routine that conserves physical energy.
Is OT Covered by My SDP Budget?
Occupational therapy for adults may be covered in a participant’s individual budget if they include this service in their spending plan.
SDP occupational therapy may include “evaluation, treatment planning, treatment, instruction, and consultative services,” according to the official SDP service definitions document.
Participants younger than 21 may have any medically necessary OT covered by Medicaid, specifically the EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic Treatment) component.
Learn More About SDP Services
Occupational therapy may occupy an important place in your spending plan. Flexibility is nice, but using this responsibility effectively may require some help from an experienced independent facilitator.
NeuroNav’s team can help you transition into the Self-Determination Program, provide continual oversight of your plan, or both. Let us know how we can help you by signing up for a free consultation.
