The CWAD OT team works with children up to the age of 18 who live in the Dorset Council area and who have:
- substantial and permanent physical disabilities
- severe autism
- learning difficulties
Our service aims to enable the child or young person and their family to thrive and fully participate in daily activities at home.
Your occupational therapist visits you at home. They will:
- carry out an assessment of your child's needs and those of your family
- agree a plan of action with you
We work closely with colleagues to support your child's safety in and around the home environment and to reach their maximum developmental potential. This includes colleagues in:
- social work
- early support
- health
- education
- housing
- grants
- equipment provision
What occupational therapy can provide
Our CWAD OT team provides a number of services to help your child and family.
Specialist equipment
We provide specialist equipment to use in the home to enable your child to meet their basic needs, for example:
- postural seating
- bathing
- toileting
- transfer equipment
Minor home adaptations
We provide assessments for minor adaptations to the home, for example:
- ramped access
- rails
- stable style doors
Major home adaptations
We provide assessments for major adaptations following the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) legislation to enable children to access the home and the essential facilities in and around it, for example:
- bathing facilities
- toileting facilities
- an appropriate place to sleep
- one family area
Housing application support
We support housing applications by making recommendations in relation to the environmental needs of the family, with specific reference to the needs of the child.
Assessments for significant risk of injury or harm
We undertake assessments where the child or young person has a diagnosis where their behaviours at home are significantly challenging, putting them and other family members at significant risk of injury or harm.
Moving and handling advice
We provide moving and handling advice associated with personal care tasks to families and carers to ensure the safe handling and care of your child.
Shared carer's home environment assessment
We carry out assessments of a shared carer's home environment to make sure the property is suitable to meet your child's needs.
Occupational therapist professional registration
Occupational therapists are registered with and work in accordance with the Health and Care Professions Council standards.
For more information about occupational therapy visit the Royal College of Occupational Therapists website.
Contact us to refer someone for occupational therapy in Dorset
We accept referrals from:
- parents
- carers
- health professionals
- education professionals
Contact the Dorset Children's Advice and Duty Service to find out how to refer someone for occupational therapy: