Media Project - Straw Weaving

 

For my media project, my materials included straws. I also added yarn/string to the project. 

 

My client is named Barbara, she has relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. She enjoys doing crafts as well as sewing. She is also a co-leader in her local Multiple Sclerosis support group. She was recently admitted to acute care in the hospital, due to a relapse/flare-up. My client has weakness in her lower and upper extremities preventing her from doing her daily tasks and occupations efficiently. I started off thinking, that I can create many activities or interventions with straws. The question was, did it serve Barbara’s purpose and center around her interests and values? I came up with straw weaving. It is exactly how it sounds. In the video above, I briefly show how this activity or intervention is done. So, check it out!

 

My “ah-ha” moment was when I found the idea of straw weaving. I knew I wanted to create an intervention for Barbara that would be valuable to her. As I stated above, she loves to sew and do crafts. I thought, for this intervention, you get the best of both worlds. Barbara can use as many straws as she likes to create something special along with the numerous colors of yarn that is provided. She is also able to do this at home and become more creative with materials. In doing this project, I was able to watch more videos on Multiple Sclerosis and learn more in depth details on symptoms and the everyday life of those who have this disease. This allowed me to brainstorm and come up with this project. My goal for this intervention, was to work on not only fine motor skills, but upper extremity strengthening. It helps work the fingers, hands, and the arms which are all weak for Barbara. She also has increased fatigue since relapsing, so I would have her sitting for this activity to save her energy. I wanted to focus on this goal, because I know how much she loves to do crafts and sew as well as be independent in her daily tasks. I feel that this intervention will allow her to work towards doing the things she loves and could potentially help increase her ability to do things like upper body dressing, which she needs moderate assistance with. Overall, after completing this assignment, I feel that it will help me with more projects that are to come. It helped me really think and use my knowledge on what is best for Barbara. I can also use this intervention for individuals that are having the same symptoms. It not only works the UE, but it also works the mind and allows the individual to be expressive and innovative.