We’re delighted to feature a post by Carol Parker, the founder and owner of Neuro-development Therapy Services (NTS) on our Daily Shred blog. Carol has been James’ occupational therapist since 1995 and played a critical role in helping our staff members develop and hone their shredding skills. Below, she shares her experience as part of the SOTG team.
When I was first asked to be a part of the Person Center Planning team for James Parker, I knew little about what to expect and what was expected of me. I have been James’ occupational therapist since he was 3 years old. We started by working on the typical self-help skills: eating, movement coordination, hand activities, and helping James learn to drive his wheelchair. But over the years our focus together evolved to where we are today, which is centered around James and his love for shredding!
As a part of the PCP team from the beginning I have participated in the process of developing an employment plan that centers around James’ strengths and abilities, what satisfies him, and what brings him joy. As a an occupational therapist, I led the process of teaching James and his fellow shredders at Shredding on the Go how to shred safely and perform the other tasks needed to accomplish their work as independently as possible.
Working with James and his infectious laugh and his parents, who work so hard to develop and promote Shredding on the Go, inspires me to believe that all people with disabilities with their strengths and talents are fully capable of performing in the workplace.
