Introduction: This presentation details a humanitarian occupational therapy trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) worked with families of children with cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders during a 2-day workshop. The goal was to address unique challenges faced by families in rural areas in accessing therapy services.
Objectives:
- Increased understanding of the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in Indonesia.
- Explore barriers and strategies to support the UN's sustainable development goal #3: “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” for persons living in Indonesia.
Methods: OTPs conducted workshops focused on skills for feeding, dressing, play, safe transfers, and other daily activities. They provided hands-on training for home exercise programs tailored to children with cerebral palsy. The team also collaborated with a local therapy school to develop a mobile therapy program, equipping a van with supplies and trained personnel to provide mobile therapy services in rural areas.
Results: The workshops have promising results which led to improved skills and confidence among families in better managing their children’s needs. The mobile therapy program shows promise as a sustainable model for delivering continued therapy services to underserved regions.
Conclusion: The project highlighted the impact of targeted OT interventions in underserved areas. Collaboration with local institutions to develop sustainable solutions can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Indonesia. Future implications for OT practice include a focus on culturally sensitive approaches and innovative, sustainable service delivery models to reach underserved populations.