LIVED EXPERIENCES AND OCCUPATIONAL NEEDS OF VISUALLY CHALLENGED ADULTS LIVING IN MALAYSIA

Teoh Jou Yin , Saraswathy Venkataraman, Siti Arbi Kamso (National University of Malaysia), Michael K. Iwama

(University of Toronto, Canada). Corresponding author: teoh.jouyin@gmail.com (Teoh Jou Yin)

Background Little is known about the lived experiences of visually challenged Malaysian adults. The role of occupational therapy in Malaysian visual rehabilitation has yet to be defined. The lived experiences and occupational needs of Malaysian adults with visual challenges are identified in order to determine areas where occupational therapy can potentially contribute.

Methodology Methods: Qualitative research based on narrative inquiry influenced by approaches in phenomenology and ethnography. Subjects: Five (5) visually impaired Malaysian adults of various age, race and religious backgrounds who have already been through the current system for visual rehabilitation. Location: Brickfields, Malaysia. Instrumentation: - The Kawa Model - The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance / Canadian Occupational Performance Measure

Discussion

Occupational therapy practitioners should consider influence of:

•Life processes • Activity Performance & Participation • Contexts • Internal & External Influencing Factors • Concerns about obstacles & challenges • Past, present & future experiences

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