VOTC Newsletter - Summer 2020 Demonstrate Professionalism - Command Respect In the Indian context of practice, one of the challenges faced by occupational therapists (OTs) is gaining respect from other professionals and stakeholders. Many professionals either experience a sense of inferiority or feel that they have not been given the respect they deserve. Respect stems from the way others perceive a professional. This article highlights the ways in which OTs in India can demonstrate professionalism to command respect from others.  Comment on Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice   Indian Occupational Therapists Think Tank (IOTTT), a voluntary group of likeminded, experienced, and expert occupational therapists, drafted a Scope of Practice document pertaining to the Indian context of practice. The IOTTT is seeking public comments on the draft. The deadline to comment is July 20, 2020. COVID-19 Resources IOTTT Publishes COVID-19 Secure Guidelines for Rehabilitation Professionals in India Indian Occupational Therapists Think Tank published COVID-19 secure guidelines to assist rehabilitation professionals in India reopen their practice/re-enter the workforce safely and protect the service recipients of occupational therapy. The guidelines are available free of cost and will soon be posted here.  World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control & Prevention John Hopkins Coronovirus Dashboard Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Health & Family Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu   Disability News No. of disabled students sees sharp fall in Rajasthan schools Lockdown blues: Persons with disabilities face abuse, neglect & uncertainty Grocery kits distributed to disabled Madurai: Lockdown a double challenge for disabled Coronavirus lockdown – In the pandemic, the disabled remain an invisible minority How Revival aims to ‘un-hide’ stories of disability in India

Evidence Corner (Links to Research that Support OT Practice/Profession)   Awareness of Occupational Therapy among Medical Practitioners in South India Utilization of Assistive Devices in Occupational Therapy Practice in Tamil Nadu Evidence Based Practice

Awareness of Occupational Therapy among Medical Practitioners in South India

Medical practitioners are often the primary referral source for OTs. To make timely and appropriate referrals to OT, it is imperative that the referral sources demonstrate a broader level of understanding of the OT profession. This study determined the level of awareness about OT among medical practitioners in South India. The results revealed that 82% of the respondents reported either being familiar with or having heard about OT. Respondents who are specialists, work in the private sector, and practice their profession in a foreign country were more familiar with the OT profession and referred patients to OT. Although many respondents have heard about OT and recognize it as a profession aligned with the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities, their responses indicate that they have a limited understanding of the profession's scope of practice, OTs' role in some practice areas, and practice settings in which OT services are delivered. 

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Spring 2020 Points of Interest for Occupational Therapists in India The Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on December 31, 2018. This bill seeks to regulate and standardize the education of 53 allied and healthcare professions, including occupational therapy (OT). The bill was referred to the Standing Committee on January 2, 2019. The Standing Committee submitted its report (Report No 117) to Rajya Sabha on January 31, 2020. This summary highlights some notable excerpts from Report 117 that have implications for the OT profession in India with related comments, thoughts, and arguments. PS: The All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) reported that the bill (National Commission on Allied & Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020) was approved by the cabinet on March 20, 2020. Awareness of Occupational Therapy among Medical Practitioners in South India Look for the research article in the forthcoming issue of Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy that reports the survey that was conducted among medical practitioners (anyone with a MBBS degree or above) in South India to determine their level of awareness about OT.  Utilization of Assistive Devices in Occupational Therapy Practice in Tamil Nadu Look for the research article in the forthcoming issue of Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy that reports the survey that was conducted among occupational therapists in Tamil Nadu regarding the utilization of assistive devices in their practice.  COVID-19 World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control & Prevention John Hopkins Coronovirus Dashboard Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Health & Family Welfare Department, Tamil Nadu Disability News BCCI rewards Indian disability team Chennai: After Santhome, 2 more parks for disabled kids to c .. 2,000 disabled people to receive motorised wheelchairs in Tamil Nadu Teachers to be trained to help disabled kids perform better Goa’s beaches accessible, but not disabled-friendly Disabled and extremely poor Data: How disabilities make life difficult for the affected

Evidence Corner (Links to Research that Support OT Practice) Effectiveness of School-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Handwriting Stroke Epidemiology and Stroke Care Services in India INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (INDT-ADHD): Development and Validation   Evidence Based Practice

Copyright © 2020 Vijaya Occupational Therapy Centre, All rights reserved.

Occupational Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

How can occupational therapists help a patient with knee osteoarthritis in the Indian context of practice? Dr. Mani has recently published a case study. To access the full-text of the case study, click here.

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Issue 125

In a diverse and well-populated country like India, repeated and ongoing awareness promotion efforts may be essential to promote occupational therapy awareness. Publishing case studies may bolster Indian OT community’s awareness promotion efforts as they assist easy assimilation of the information. When publishing case studies... Read More Intellectual Disability in Autism Spectrum Disorders Read More Disability News Disabled protesters detained outside railway minister's house West Bengal: Twice humiliated, activist returns to teach soft skills Disability card has meagre 25% coverage in Chandigarh Toilet for persons with disabilities built, but platforms at Nungambakkam station continue to be inaccessible A question of inclusivity: Looking at the challenges faced by those with special needs

Important Announcement Beginning 2020, VOTC Therapy Newsletters will be published on a quarterly basis. Spring Issue - March Summer Issue - June Fall Issue - September Winter Issue - December

Copyright © 2019 Vijaya Occupational Therapy Centre, All rights reserved.

Occupational Therapy Workforce in India

What's the average salary range of full-time OT practitioners in India? Does gender, job title, level of OT education, practice area, years of experience, and geographical region influence compensation received by OT practitioners in India?

http://www.ijotonweb.org/article.asp?issn=0445-7706;year=2019;volume=51;issue=2;spage=45;epage=51;aulast=Mani

VOTC Therapy Newsletter 117

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Issue 117

Outcome measures help OTs communicate objectively the clients’ strengths and deficits, clients’ progress, and value of therapy to other stakeholders. Indian OTs must use valid outcome measures in practice to communicate the value to OT to other stakeholders. Read More

Autism Corner: What are the economic impacts of autism spectrum disorders? Read More

Disability News Efforts on to make Thane polling booths more disabled friendly Coimbatore airport staff given training in handling disabled passengers Calcutta HC fines state for denying MBBS admission to disabled candidate No wheelchairs or ramps, a tough walk for disabled voters  Two held for travelling in train on fake disability certificate

VOTC Newsletter - February 2019 (Issue 115)

This issue of our newsletter highlights the factors that need attention when choosing standardardized scales in occupational therapy practice and/or research. 

To support OT practitioners in India, since January 2019, VOTC publishes Evidence Bytes on its blog and Facebook page. The Evidence Bytes highlight research findings that have implications for occupational therapy practice in India.  Learn more about Evidence Bytes by clicking the link on the newsletter. 

Learn why early identification of autism is important in the Autism Corner section.

Check out the links under Disability News to stay abreast of what's happening in the disability sector of India! 

Outcome Measures Used in Stroke Rehabilitation in India: A Scoping Review

This paper examines the literature on outcome measures used in stroke rehab in India.

What outcome measures have been used in stroke rehabilitation in India?

How many of them were developed in India?

How many were culturally and linguistically validated?

http://www.ijotonweb.org/article.asp?issn=0445-7706;year=2018;volume=50;issue=4;spage=111;epage=118;aulast=Mani

Occupational Therapists Diagnose ASD in India

Occupational therapists are involved in the final diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in India.

In a recent study, Mahapatra et al. (2019) identified that OTs were the second largest group of professionals who made the diagnosis of ASD, next to Psychiatrists. Of 76 parents interviewed for the study conducted in Odisha, 16 parents (21.2%) reported that OTs made the diagnosis of ASD.

VOTC Therapy Newsletter 111

This issue of the VOTC Therapy Newsletter discusses the benefits of workforce studies for the OT profession in India through simulated real life practice scenarios. The Autism Corner lists some strategies for Toilet Training in Autism. 

VOTC Therapy Newsletter 109

The article in this issue examines the influence of politics on disability rehabilitation in India and its implications for occupational therapy. The Autism Corner section lists the benefits of transdisciplinary approach of intervention in autism care.

VOTC Newsletter Issue 108

The article in this issue presents a discourse on the professionalization journey of occupational therapy in India to determine where the field lies in the continuum of occupation to profession. The Facts section presents some information about the Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) Scheme of University Grants Commission, India. The Autism Corner section highlights the Multi-tiered Screening Strategy for Autism in schools. 

VOTC Newsletter Issue 107

This issue of VOTC Therapy Newsletter analyzes the Indian discrepant mindsets described in the literature to explore the implications for occupational therapy practice and growth in India. The Facts section presents some findings of HelpAge India's study on 'youth perception of elderly abuse in India'. The Autism Corner section answers the question "why is it critical to obtain an official diagnosis for a child with ASD?".

VOTC Newsletter - Issue 105

This issue offers an overview of Social Skill Training for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to support and encourage OT practitioners to use it in their practice. The Facts section presents the highlights of World Autism Awareness Day 2018. The Autism Corner section offers brief information about VOTC's Autism Arinthukolvom project.

VOTC Therapy Newsletter Issue 104

This issue explores the competencies required to successfully engage in school-based occupational therapy practice. The Facts section highlights the National Leprosy Eradication Programme. The Autism Corner section lists a few structured teaching approach strategies that could help children with ASD.

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Issue 103

This issue reviews the constructs of occupational therapy (OT) home programs and offers insights to OT practitioners on designing effective home programs. The Facts section provides some information about NIMHANS -ECHO. The Autism Corner section highlights the Integrated Play Groups model to facilitate play in children with ASD. 

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Issue 102

This issue explores CMCHISTN's coverage of autism and its implications for occupational therapy practitioners in India. The Facts section provides some information about the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017. The Autism Corner section lists a few classroom environment strategies that could help children with ASD.

VOTC Newsletter - Issue 101

This issue explores the scientific literature on awareness promotion strategies employed by occupational therapists to promote OT to identify effective and proven strategies. The Facts section lists the health care legislations enacted in Kerala. The Autism Corner section lists the names of some genetic tests conducted in children with autism. 

VOTC Therapy Newsletter - Centennial Issue

We are excited and proud to publish the centennial issue of the VOTC Therapy Newsletter.  We extend our sincere gratitude to you for your continued support and interest.  We would not be here without you!

This issue examines the status of occupational therapy private practice in Tamil Nadu through a survey research.  The Autism Corner section reports the findings of a longitudinal study that investigated the long term outcomes of children with ASD in India.  The Facts section highlights the findings in the literature related to health professional emigration and its impact on source country.