My name is Hannah Florence and I am in the process of studying to get my Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy through Saint Louis University located in Missouri. Everyone always asks why people choose to follow certain paths. I feel that I have to attribute my love of the Occupational Therapy (OT) field to my aunt, Chris. Chris is 54 years old and has Down Syndrome. At a young age I never really paid attention to how she was different from others and still do my best to treat her as I would any other family member. Chris is always open to jokes and she usually is the first one to come up with a witty reply. However old she may be, Chris will always be able to beat me (and probably my siblings) in a game of arm wrestling.
Getting into OT seemed like an easy choice for me since I have been able to see up close and personal some of the challenges that people with disabilities have to put up with. My aunt and I have an amazing relationship and in studying to be an Occupational Therapist, it is my hope to form connects, like I have with my aunt, with all of the potential clients I may have.
The photo provided is of my aunt Chris and myself at her 53rd birthday.
The video is of aunt Chris beating my now 16-year-old brother, Will, in our traditional arm wrestling match.
As you can see, Down Syndrome has a direct impact on my life which is why, through this blog, I hope to discuss topics revolving around the disability via an occupational therapy perspective. Through my posts I hope to provide readers with more information on Down Syndrome and related topics.
For more information about Down Syndrome visit the National Down Syndrome Society website at http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/
