TAP
Therapist Action Plan
TAP, short for “Therapist Action Plan,” is a group organized by 3 disabled occupational therapists, in collaboration with disability organizations and the American Occupational Therapy Association, to help meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and seniors/older adults in our communities, during disasters and beyond. TAP also provides a unique opportunity for Occupational Therapy professionals and students to experience self-directed services and to learn the lived experiences of people with disabilities as a partner in them thriving and surviving. The plan is to address these needs by mobilizing Occupational Therapy Professionals & Students.
We will build a network of interested individuals to participate in a variety of activities. TAP Partners (disability organizations, advocates, and other public and private organizations) will submit requests to the TAP Partners Facebook group or through the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Hotline (800) 626-4959. The team will then post needs on specific locations and communities across the country in the TAP Facebook group, and connect members to the proper organizations to act on those needs. However, first, we need to know who is interested in helping.
The team is currently recruiting for two initiatives. You can identify your area(s) of interest on the registration form. You do not need to register separately for different initiatives.
TAP Disaster Preparedness, Management & Response
Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Response is an overarching initiative of TAP. The team believes occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to provide expertise and support before, during, and after disasters, and other emergencies. The team is currently recruiting volunteers interested in engaging in efforts at national, state, and local levels, to ensure accessibility and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in processes, at shelters, and in community plans of action. The team also hopes to develop professional opportunities, once processes and other efforts are operationalized. If you are interested in supporting and working with Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Response initiative, please register on notpd.org and JOIN the TAP Facebook group.
TAP CPR (Therapist Action Plan for Care Partner Relief)
COVID-19 has changed our world more than we could ever have imagined. Social Distancing has created unfathomable changes to everyone’s lives. However, for those who require Personal Care Assistants for health and independence, the challenges are greater – in fact life threatening. A system already saddled with huge shortages, is unable to meet the needs of our neighbors with disabilities. TAP CPR is a solution to help meet these needs. We, therapy professionals and students, are the solution. The team is recruiting volunteers (and possibly paid opportunities) to support individuals who require Personal Care Assistant Services, Care Partner Training Support, and other independent living skills. Please register on notpd.org and JOIN the TAP Facebook group.
We hope TAP will continue to grow and connect the occupational therapy profession with disability organizations to ensure individuals with disabilities are safe during disasters and pandemics, and can maintain and improve their independence. We also hope the initiatives will ensure sustainable processes and increase professional and learning opportunities for Occupational Therapy Professionals and Students. Please register today. Thank you.
For more information contact: Sandy Hanebrink admin@touchthefuture.us, Jenn Wolff justjennot@gmail.com or Barbara Kornblau barbarakornblau@gmail.com