At World Reduction Memphis, we’re frequently impressed by the unbelievable dedication and impression of our staff members. One such particular person who has made a major mark on our group and the broader neighborhood is Dr. Christian Thomas, our gifted Occupational Remedy (OT) intern and now Well being & Wellness Specialist. As an authorized occupational therapist, Dr. Thomas uniquely approaches refugee resettlement, highlighting OT’s position in serving to refugees regain independence and thrive of their new environments.
Ardour for Occupational Remedy
Christian knew she needed to be an occupational therapist after shadowing totally different medical practitioners and exploring totally different avenues within the healthcare subject. Nonetheless, after touring to Greece in 2019 on a mission to assist refugees, she realized her ardour for using her expertise in occupational remedy to serve refugee populations.
Christian describes occupational remedy as “a career the place people get to advertise therapeutic intervention, and assist folks take part and turn into extra unbiased of their significant, day by day occupations.” Within the phrases of Christian, “…occupations usually are not simply jobs, however it’s issues which are significant and take up time in on a regular basis life, like getting up and getting dressed or cooking your favourite meal.”
Throughout her doctoral program at The College of Tennessee – Chattanooga, Christian knew she needed to help refugee populations who’re experiencing occupational depravity. Occupation depravity refers to when a person can now not carry out their occupations, akin to going to the park or visiting with mates, as a result of a private, medical, or social barrier. She claims, “refugees are occupationally imbalanced or disadvantaged and so the objective of a resettlement company is to have the ability to assist them turn into self-sufficient and re-engage them in occupations.”
Christian’s specialization in occupational remedy alongside her ardour for refugee advocacy has geared up her with the talents to fight occupational depravity within the refugee resettlement course of.
“Occupations usually are not simply jobs, however it’s issues which are significant and take up time in on a regular basis life, like getting up and getting dressed or cooking your favourite meal… Refugees are occupationally imbalanced or disadvantaged and so the objective of a resettlement company is to have the ability to assist them turn into self-sufficient and re-engage them in occupations.”
Christian Thomas
Connecting with World Reduction
Christian’s curiosity in offering occupational remedy to refugees drew her to World Reduction, as she needed to work one-on-one with refugees and assist them regain autonomy. Christian acknowledges that “OT isn’t actually identified within the refugee resettlement realm, however its tremendous wanted.” After researching totally different resettlement businesses, she landed on World Reduction and joined our group as an instructional intern whereas finishing her doctoral program.
Revolutionary Initiatives & Analysis
As an intern, Christian needed to search out methods to assist refugees regain their occupations. She performed interviews and surveys to offer research-based options to prevalent difficulties within the resettlement course of.
To start, Christian performed an interview with ten contributors of 5 totally different nationalities to gauge what shoppers felt like they wanted and felt like they weren’t getting. Consequently, she compiled a neighborhood useful resource record primarily based off the wants mentioned. Christian defined that “connecting [refugees] to neighborhood assets will give them somewhat bit extra autonomy and talent to see what’s on the market and re-engage.”
As well as, Christian additionally researched accessibility points inside the resettlement course of. Extra particularly, she discovered extra in regards to the totally different insurance policies and protocols for guaranteeing that refugees with disabilities have entry to accessible and accommodating housing choices. Christian proposed creating significant, skilled relationships with property administration firms to safe accessible housing for contributors.
Lastly, Christian additionally researched the impression of trauma on contributors and their psychological well being. These research impressed Christian to steer workshops and coaching periods about trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing, that are staples of occupational remedy.
75% of refugees surveyed are occupationally disadvantaged.
Analysis by Christian Thomas
Christian’s dedication to offering research-based options has catalyzed significant change inside our workplace and neighborhood.
Way forward for Occupational Remedy & Resettlement
Christian emphasizes the significance of occupational remedy as part of the resettlement plan. In response to Christian’s analysis, 75% of refugees surveyed are occupationally disadvantaged. Occupational remedy helps sufferers obtain autonomy by giving them entry to their occupations. Christian says that occupational depravity is “a kind of issues that except you open your eyes, you gained’t see it.”
What’s Christian Doing Now?
After her internship and receiving her Doctorate, Christian joined World Reduction as soon as once more as a Well being & Wellness Specialist! On this place, she aids shoppers with medical navigation. By serving to arrange appointments, get to the physician’s workplace, and make well-informed medical decisions, she empowers her shoppers to take cost of their well being and wellbeing. Sooner or later, she plans to make the most of her OTD as a travelling occupational therapist.
How YOU Can Make an Influence
At World Reduction, we emphasize holistic wellness and the transformation of the entire particular person – thoughts, physique and spirit. Christian’s contributions to our group remind us why holistic help techniques are so essential within the resettlement course of.
There are lots of methods to serve others and occupational remedy is only one of them.
We provide many distinctive volunteer alternatives at World Reduction Memphis, and we encourage you to contribute what you may. When you’ve got a watch for design, we at all times want volunteers to assist with establishing flats for brand spanking new arrivals. In case you’re a very good driver, we additionally want street runners to move contributors to appointments and English courses. The chances are limitless!
Volunteer
Take a look at our numerous volunteer alternatives to see what matches your availability and expertise! Don’t see one thing you’re captivated with? Contact us and let’s make a brand new alternative!
Donate
Don’t have availability to donate your time? You’ll be able to nonetheless make a huge impact by donating monetarily or donating in-kind items!
Share Expertise
Are you want Christian and have particular {qualifications} or expertise you need to donate or share? Attain out to us to see how one can present like to the refugee and broader immigrant neighborhood.
For extra info on tips on how to get entangled, please contact us. Collectively we are able to make change that lasts.
Author: Camille Smith
Advertising and marketing & Communications Intern at World Reduction Memphis
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