Neuro Note 2 OT 537
Advocacy is SUCH an integral part of occupational therapy and let me tell you, pop culture is beginning to advocate for special populations in ways that make my OT/s advocation heart SING.
The show "Queer Eye" by Netflix is a show about transforming 5 aspects of a persons life; eating habits, personal style, appearance, home/interior design, and lifestyle and culture. I have enjoyed this show for a little over a year now. Queer Eye is such a happy, uplifting show and delivers message about self acceptance and advocacy. The second episode of the fourth season profiles a man named Wesley Hamilton, he is in his early 30s and is 7 years post spinal cord injury.
A little about Wesley and his injury. At the age of 24 Wesley was shot multiple times in the and thus sustained a lower level spinal cord injury, specifically a T11-T12 incomplete SCI. He still has mobility and function in his upper extremities and values spending time with his daughter and family, working out, running his nonprofit, and motivational speaking. His spinal cord injury has CHANGED HIS LIFE and he has the most amazing attitude however it did not start this way. He initially struggled with depression, self image issues and debilitating decubitus ulcers (bedsores) that led him to hospitalization and surgery. Wesley began transforming his life through diet and exercise.
After the transformation in his life Wesley began the "Disabled, but Not Really" nonprofit organization to spread awareness about nutrition and healthy living for people of all abilities. There mission is as follows;
The DBNR website profiles seven athletes who are currently working and training with the non-profit. Of these seven athletes six has sustained spine cord injuries at varying levels mostly in the thoracic region. This organization is bring awareness to the athletic community about the ABILITIES of individuals with SCI and other "disabilities" that are typically misunderstood. I think moving forward I will use Wesley's story to inspire others; both individuals I meet in a therapy settings and in causal settings.
Another thing I have taken from this research and the episode of QE was the amazing remodel that was done of Wesley's home. The Fab Five restructured Wesley's bathroom to make it more accessible to him and give in quite a bit more independence. To do this remodel, Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski, and Karamo Brown met with Wes and essentially did and occupational profile to determine what barriers he was facing and ways to adapt areas of his life for improvement. The laundry room was moved to an accessible location with a front loading washing that Wesley is easily able to reach, all cabinets in the kitchen are now low enough for easy access, the bathroom mirror has been slanted downward so he can see himself to get ready, and so many other subtle but life changing modifications.
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| Wesley Hamilton Image retrieved from: disabledbutnotreally.org |
After the transformation in his life Wesley began the "Disabled, but Not Really" nonprofit organization to spread awareness about nutrition and healthy living for people of all abilities. There mission is as follows;
"Our mission is to instill in those with disabilities, a physically limitless mindset that breeds courage, confidence, and competence. Our core beliefs are in promoting fitness, providing the opportunity to become productive and self-serving while gaining the knowledge necessary for a living a nutritional lifestyle.
At Disabled But Not Really, we believe that our horizon is only as far as we accept it to be. Our vision is to create an environment where anyone with a disability can find a safe place for growth. We intend to develop facilities where not only our adaptive athletes can learn, grow, and thrive, but their families, spouses, and caregivers can as well."
The DBNR website profiles seven athletes who are currently working and training with the non-profit. Of these seven athletes six has sustained spine cord injuries at varying levels mostly in the thoracic region. This organization is bring awareness to the athletic community about the ABILITIES of individuals with SCI and other "disabilities" that are typically misunderstood. I think moving forward I will use Wesley's story to inspire others; both individuals I meet in a therapy settings and in causal settings.
Another thing I have taken from this research and the episode of QE was the amazing remodel that was done of Wesley's home. The Fab Five restructured Wesley's bathroom to make it more accessible to him and give in quite a bit more independence. To do this remodel, Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski, and Karamo Brown met with Wes and essentially did and occupational profile to determine what barriers he was facing and ways to adapt areas of his life for improvement. The laundry room was moved to an accessible location with a front loading washing that Wesley is easily able to reach, all cabinets in the kitchen are now low enough for easy access, the bathroom mirror has been slanted downward so he can see himself to get ready, and so many other subtle but life changing modifications.
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| Image retrieved from: google images |
Reference:
Bio. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.iamwesleyhamilton.com/bio
Lewis, A. (2019, March 15). Queer Eye is back! So here's everything you need to know about the Fab Five. Retrieved from https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a18283218/queer-eye-netflix-fab-5/
SCI Superstar: Wesley Hamilton. (2018, February 26). Retrieved from https://spinalpedia.com/blog/2018/02/sci-superstar-wesley-hamilton/
We have a vision to inspire and empower the global disabled community through fitness, nutrition, and wellness. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://disabledbutnotreally.org/our-team/
Yang, S. (n.d.). Wesley Hamilton thanks the man who shot and paralyzed him on 'Queer Eye' Season 4. Retrieved from https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article232753482.html
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