Improve Quality of Life Client with Visual Impairment

Abstract

Introduction: Blindness is considered one of the most serious diseases. Blindness causes mental and emotional problems in a person and is one of the most complex health problems in the world. Rehabilitation of blind clients focuses on independent performance of daily activities. The Kawa model in occupational therapy is a model that promotes better interaction between the client and the therapist and makes it possible to guide the client taking into account cultural factors. The model is used in different areas of occupational therapy and brings positive results. The purpose of this research is to learn about the Kawa model and apply it to blind clients. Methods: a qualitative research, a singular diachronic single case study was conducted. One case, which lasted 4 months, included a client who has been blind since birth. The occupational therapy process was conducted using Kawa’s step-by-step models. A tactile picture and a tactile magnetic board were made to represent the models, which are an innovative occupational therapy medium. Results: The Kawa model is interesting due to a different way of handling and at the same time very easy for the client to understand. The tactile aids made also contributed to this. The use of the Kawa model is also interesting from the point of view of how the client applies the theoretical knowledge in practice. The client expressed satisfaction with the ease of use of the model itself. Conclusion: The used modified media magnetic board and tactile picture represent an important contribution to the treatment. The occupational therapist in the rehabilitation of blind clients contributes with her knowledge to the independence and quality of life of these clients. It would be useful to conduct further studies on a larger sample and to include more other occupational therapy assessments in the occupational therapy process.