Although it shocks me to say so, I have been an occupational therapist for thirty-one years.
Due to a severe hearing impairment, I have worked in partnership with Rolo, my hearing dog, for the last eight years. Rolo is a chocolate Labrador who with his handsome and patient eyes keeps me grounded to reality and brings a smile to even the hardest face we encounter in our work in Paediatrics.
I lost my hearing when I was five years old and I was given Streptomycin, the wonder drug that had just arrived to Colombia, South America, the country of my birth. I remember my parents telling me in a loving and firm way that in the real world there would be no concessions for me and that I would have to work harder than anyone else, if I wanted to be part of the mainstream of life.
Since then, my desire to help people with any kind of impairment, mental or physical, to live life to the full has been the driving and stabilising force of my career.
I say this because on many occasions I have felt the desire to give up, not as a result of difficulties I have experienced with people I work with as a therapist, but due to the narrow-mindedness of a minority of fellow professionals who cannot cope well with a person who doesn't fit into their mould. However, throughout my career I have met many inspiring and excellent therapists who have encouraged me to reach heights I had never dreamed of.
My long career is a rich tapestry of experiences, some very fulfilling and growth promoting, others hard and confusing. Looking back, I have realised that the latter ones made me stronger because I had to marshal and develop my capacities to overcome them.
When I was invited to join the Forum for OTs with disabilities, I thought that if I could provide a contribution to facilitate the professional journey of occupational therapists who are experiencing the extra difficulties that an impairment brings, I would feel privileged and honoured to do so.
