Student Blog
Patient Care

Small Wins, Big Impact: Everyday Success Stories in Occupational Therapy ⟩
April 22, 2026, by Angel

Beginnings and Endings Patient Care School/Life Balance What are OS/OT?

Progress does not always look like big milestones. Sometimes, it looks like a child tying her hair for the first time.

During my pediatric OT work in the Philippines, I’ve learned that progress often shows up in the smallest, most meaningful ways.

I once worked with a young girl who wanted to tie her own hair at school. What seemed like a simple routine was actually a complex task that challenged her fine motor skills, executive functioning, motor planning, and visual perceptual abilities. Each attempt required coordination, sequencing, and persistence, but also patience, resilience, and courage to keep trying.

At school, this was not just about her appearance. It was about independence. There were times when she did not have a caregiver or teacher available to help her, and something as routine as tying her hair became a barrier to her participation and confidence.

So we practiced again and again. We broke the task down into manageable steps, used repetition, and built strategies that worked for her. Progress was not immediate, and there were moments of frustration. But then one day, she did it. She tied her hair on her own.

That moment may seem small to others, but it was everything to her. It meant she could take care of herself at school. It meant confidence, autonomy, and a sense of accomplishment she could carry into other parts of her day.

Experiences like this remind me that occupational therapy is not just about teaching skills. It is about creating access to everyday life. In my journey from practicing internationally to continuing my training in the United States, I have come to appreciate small wins in my own life. As a student, it may look like understanding a challenging concept, communicating with classmates despite language barriers, or building confidence in clinical reasoning. As a person, it can be as simple as adapting to a new environment, finding my voice, or continuing to grow through change.

This Occupational Therapy Month, I invite you to look closer at the small wins. Whether it is tying hair, buttoning a shirt, returning to work, or simply getting through a difficult day, these moments build toward something bigger.

Because in occupational therapy, small wins create lasting impact.

⋯

A Day in the Life of an Occupational Therapist ⟩
April 14, 2026, by Cindy

Patient Care

At 7:30 AM, the hospital is already in motion. Nurses have just finished their shift transition and move quickly down the hallways—checking blood pressure, administering medications, and preparing patients for the day. Breakfast trays arrive, and the hallways gradually fill with activity—machines beeping, phones ringing, and care teams moving from room to room as patients begin their day.

I begin my day as an occupational therapist in an inpatient hospital setting in the rehabilitation office, where magnets with patient names shape my caseload of the day. I see patients who have just been admitted from a range of specialties—orthopedic surgeries, neurological conditions, and acute medical events. Before seeing anyone, I review medical charts to piece together each patient’s story—who they were before hospitalization and what independence looked like for them. At the same time, I assess their current condition—vital signs, precautions, and risks—to ensure therapy is safe.

There is no fixed schedule—the expectation is to meet visit targets while maintaining strong clinical care. Planning the day feels like solving a constantly changing puzzle. Some patients need pain medication before I arrive, while others are preparing for discharge and require urgent evaluation. Even with a plan, things shift. A patient marked “ready” may not be in their room, and I adjust in real time. Balancing in-person therapy with documentation is essential to stay on track with productivity while ensuring safe and effective care.

Once the nurse confirms the patient is stable and the patient consents, I enter the room to begin therapy. Each session is tailored to the patient’s condition and needs. For instance, a patient recovering from lumbar spinal surgery is often in significant discomfort, even with pain medication, and surrounded by IV lines and drains. Together, we work through the basics—learning how to log roll out of bed, wear a back brace correctly, stand at the sink without bending, and use adaptive tools to get dressed. I remind patients of spinal precautions—no bending, lifting, or twisting (BLT)—guiding each movement carefully to protect the healing spine. What seems simple—brushing teeth or using the restroom—becomes a meaningful step toward independence.

I often notice how meaningful these small moments are for patients. Some have not been able to brush their teeth for days, and even a clean, warm towel to wipe their face can bring a sense of relief. Moments like these are a reminder that the small, everyday activities we often overlook can mean everything when someone is trying to regain their independence.

By 4:30 PM, the day winds down, but what stays with me are these small moments. Occupational therapy is not just about recovery—it’s about helping people return to living their lives, one everyday activity at a time, and ultimately supporting a meaningful and healthy life.

⋯

Abilities Expo 2026! ⟩
April 7, 2026, by Trinity

Getting Involved Living in LA Patient Care

On March 29th, I had the opportunity to go to the annual Abilities Expo held in Long Beach, California with two of my good friends from the program. This is a huge event where vendors, advocates, and presenters come together to share products, events, and opportunities.

As an occupational therapy student, this event taught me a lot about what kinds of adaptive equipment are out there. I learned about organizations that focus on adaptive sports and activities. That will be important for me to know so I can make good recommendations to my future clients and patients, both about devices and resources. I also got to interact with many individuals who are disabled and learn about them and their stories, another OT essential.

Some of the coolest equipment I saw included a portable bathtub, an adaptive rock climbing wall, a bowel program support, a standing frame, and adaptive grips for tool use. Most of the equipment was designed or endorsed by a disabled person.

Not only were they showing equipment, but they let us demo some equipment as well. I got to trial an independent lift system and a power chair. In short, it was an occupational therapist’s dream come true!

There was a performance by the Rollettes, a famous dance group known for empowering people with disabilities. Their performance was off the charts! Check their website here for more info!

At USC Chan, we have an assistive tech class specifically designed to help students become familiar with the equipment and devices commonly used by clients. In this class, you learn how to measure someone for a wheelchair, use different modalities for turning electronics on and off, complete a case study and a letter of medical necessity for a client who needs equipment, and learn how to 3-D print. The Abilities Expo was a great addition to that class and a reminder that technology is always changing and becoming better. We need to stay in the know so we can provide the best care and give the best resources.

If you are interested in attending the Expo next year, good news! The dates have been announced: January 14-16, 2027 in Long Beach, California. Check their website for more information and to stay informed!

The next part of the blog is by Cara, another ambassador, who attended the Expo with me!
–
Until recently, I didn’t even know events like the Abilities Expo existed. I’m thankful to Trinity for inviting me, as it was a great opportunity to expand my understanding of how I can better support and advocate for my future patients.
In the Adult Rehab Immersion, I’ve learned a lot about mobile devices and adaptive equipment and how those both can improve patients’ independence, autonomy, and participation in their daily routine. It was cool getting to see many of the wheelchairs, arm supports, and accessible transportation services that I learned in class at the Expo. I, too, drove the power wheelchair and felt like I was in a Fast and Furious movie.

The Expo also featured the latest gadgets and innovations in assistive technology, from portable bathtubs and robotic feeding devices to specialized phone cases for carpal tunnel and smart beds for children with special needs. There were new fashion trends on display too such as fastening a shirt or jacket with magnets.

What stood out to me the most, though, was interacting with the exhibitors, many of whom live with a disability themselves. From cerebral palsy to spina bifida and spinal cord injuries, I was in awe of their resilience. Hearing their lived experiences redefined “disability”, a word that society often views negatively. Individuals with disabilities are not less capable. Rather they’ve just learned a new way of doing things, like anyone else adapting to life’s constant changes.

There was also an ally who wrote a comic book series about superheroes who have a disability, proving that anyone can be heroic. Selfless, empathetic individuals as such reminded me how important it is to provide services that are client-centered to more fully understand the patient’s needs while empowering them to take ownership of their lives.

Overall, the Abilities Expo was enlightening and I feel better equipped as I prepare to join the next generation of healthcare providers. Whether you live with a disability, are a caregiver, or a healthcare provider, I encourage you to attend to help move the needle towards understanding and kindness in society, so we can all thrive.

 

⋯