Debra Young, OT-RL, ATP, SCEM

Environmental Modification Occupational Therapist

Ms. Debra Young is an Environmental Modification Occupational Therapist in Newark, DE with special training and skill in environmental modification beyond that of a general occupational therapist. As an Environmental Modification Occupational Therapist, Debra Young, OT-RL, ATP, SCEM, MEd performs modification of a patient's home, work, or school environment. Environmental Modification Occupational Therapy is the change or adaptation of a patient's environment to ensure their safety and independence in performing daily activities. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Environmental Modification Occupational Therapists include impaired senses, arthritis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Environmental Modification Occupational Therapists include analyzing a patient's environmental needs and disruptors, strengthening a patient's skills, providing patients with devices and assistive technology, and consulting during new construction or building rehab projects.

Occupational therapy practitioners are experts at identifying the cause of difficulties in performance of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Occupational therapy practitioners evaluate the client, their environment, and their occupational performance in that environment, as well as make recommendations for products to improve the fit between the client, place, and activity. Occupational therapists can evaluate both the skills of the client and the environmental features that support or limit the performance of meaningful or necessary activities, thereby enhancing health, safety and well-being. Based on this assessment, they recommend modification and intervention strategies that improve the fit between the person and his or her environment.