About Disability Services of the Southwest - Longview
Founded in 1993, Disability Services of the Southwest (DSSW) is one of the largest providers of support services to people with disabilities and the elderly in the State of Texas. Our services include personal attendant services, nursing and therapies, as well as assistance in home modification, adaptive aids, job coaching and supported employment.
DSSW is licensed by the state to provide a wide range of services to persons with disabilities including Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Consumer Directed Services (CDS), Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), as well as private pay care for the elderly and people with disabilities.
If you’re not sure where to start, this article lists 6 types of housing to be on the lookout for. Your child’s school and other parents are great resources to find out about potential options. Local groups, like your area’s Arc chapter, autism society, or special needs groups on social media, are good places to find resources as well. For additional help, consider working with a social worker and/or case manager.
The occupational therapy process includes an OT evaluation before care starts. Here are the four steps your family can expect when starting occupational therapy:
Complete OT evaluation. An occupational therapist first identifies your strengths and needs through a thorough OT evaluation, also known as an OT assessment or screening. You’ll answer questions about you your skills, and you will most likely demonstrate these skills via hands-on activities with the therapist. Evaluations can last 30 minutes to a couple hours.
Approve OT plan. The therapist develops a care plan with individualized goals and customized interventions based on your needs. You can also share any specific goals or concerns before approving the OT plan.
Start therapy sessions. The therapist works directly with you, using various strategies and exercises to systematically improve areas of limitations and to build upon your strengths. If there are others part of your care team, the therapist may teach strategies for supporting your individualized needs at home and may recommend tools and techniques to use at home, in the community, or in the classroom to help you thrive.
Monitor your progress. You can expect ongoing progress monitoring and communication to ensure you're achieving your short and long-term goals.
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