Sofia Nabasa
Kampala
Summary
A professional Occupational therapist with over 10 years of cumulative hands-on therapy experience in physical, mental, pediatric and intellectual disability; community-based rehabilitation, including prescription of assistive devices coupled with relevant trainings. I have worked with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), in Humanitarian and development settings, community and home-based rehabilitation, with partnerships and advocacy. I am highly dynamic, passionate, ambitious, analytical, self-motivated, problem solver, creative and adapt to different conditions with a high regard for diversity, equity and inclusion at workplace and communities. I have strong leadership and team management abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, a good team player and am empathetic.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Occupational Therapist
Imagination Children’s Learning Centre
12.2019
- Assessed 220 children and 84 adults with special needs including autism, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, Downs Syndrome and delayed speech
- Built capacity of 64 caregivers and parents in care and support of people with disabilities
- Advocated and lobbied for special needs sector from government, donor community, other CSOs and policy influencers for inclusive planning and increased budgetary allocation
- Administered treatment program, applying skilled techniques
- Conducted community outreaches sensitizing over 800 parents/guardians, teachers, on care and management of special needs children, in schools, churches and other gatherings
- Supported 120 caregivers and parents with Vocational skills and enhanced their life skills especially in crocheting, crafts, and creative designs
- Media engagement, both print, and audio-visual, sensitizing parents on care and management of children affected by disabilities
- Built and strengthened partnerships and collaborations with institutions like Mulago National referral hospital, Katalemwa Ceshire Home of Disabilities, CorSu Rehabilitation Centre among others
- Secured 28 sets of walking frames, 22 pairs of Sprints, 26 pairs AFOs and 18 pairs KAFOs, 22 volunteers through Uganda Allied Institute of Health and Management Services among others
- Organized and executed two community walks and worked in hand with the local churches for a cleanup exercise demonstrating abilities for those intellectually and physically challenged, raising awareness and fundraising.
Senior Occupational Therapist
Humanity and Inclusion (HI)
08.2016 - 03.2019
- Generally assessed 601 children with different disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
- Carried out Individual Occupational Therapy assessments for 208 children and drew their action plan
- Offered appropriate intervention and treatment plan including provision of assistive devices and referral to other service providers
- Wheelchair assessment, prescription, and fitting for 72 children
- Followed up on home instructions provided to beneficiaries and caregivers during initial assessment and treatment
- Conducted safeguarding assessments on children safe spaces and safety of equipment used during occupational therapy
- Monitored progress of beneficiaries in doing exercises and use of assistive devices
- Assessed and offered Occupational therapy services to 40 adults with stroke, dementia, and road traffic injuries
- Produced weekly activity and individual progress reports
- Participated in project review workshops
- Technically guided project assessments and evaluations at field level
- Ensured that field data collected was shared with the MEAL team and utilised to inform programming
- Participated in and obtained a certificate in basic and intermediate wheelchair service package training.
Occupational Therapist
Katalemwa Cheshire Home
12.2012 - 12.2014
- Assessed 160 children with special needs and referred them for rehabilitation especially intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities
- Provided occupational therapy rehabilitation services to 120 children
- Followed up 80 children in their homes, schools, and communities, evaluating progress, and providing further rehabilitation services
- Prepared and implemented individual treatment plans
- Carried out home environment modification to encourage independence in ADLs
- Compiled and submitted progress reports on children under rehabilitation with Centre manager, parents to enable them appreciate the services
- Trained other occupational therapists, students and interested parties into assessment, and rehabilitation of children with special needs
- Organized children’s events including play events, fundraising events aimed at raising awareness and lobbying for support from various stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Presbyterian University Of East Africa
Nairobi Kenya12.2024
Occupational Therapy
Uganda Institute of Allied Health And Management
Kampala Uganda07.2012
Community Based Rehabilitation
Karolinska Institute
Stockholm, Sweden04.2012
Skills
- Intervention Planning
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation
- Geriatric Care
- Group Therapy
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
- Assistive Technology
- Client-Centered Approach
Languages
English
References
References available upon request.
professional placements
- Handen Geriatric home, Stockholm, Sweden, Hand therapy techniques - Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including leisure activities (music, stories, games)
- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Assessment and therapy - Home visits and follow up
- Butabika National Referal Mental Hospital , Kampala Uganda
- Larche Uganda, Community, Assessment for different disabilities - Assisting in ADLs - Treatment planning and implementation
professional associations
- Uganda Association of Occupational Therapists (UAOT), Treasurer, 2019, Present
- Western Region, Uganda, CPD Coordinator, 2017, Present
- National Wheelchair Coordination Committee, Committee member, 2020, Todate
education and professional development
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Presbyterian University of East Africa, Kenya, On-going
- Advanced Diploma in Occupational therapy, Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management sciences, 2012
- Certificate in Community and Home-based Rehabilitation, Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden, 2012
- Certificate in Implementing Evidence Based Rehabilitation using Implementation Science, Physioplus – Online, 2022
- Certificate in Rehabilitation in Health systems and Infrastructure, Physioplus – Online, 2021
- Certificate in low vision impairment, Mengo Hospital, Uganda, 2021
- Certificates in Basic& Intermediate Wheelchair Service Provision, National Wheelchair Coordination Committee, Uganda, 2020
- Certificate in ePTOTECT Respiratory Infections, WHO: Health Emergencies Programme, 2020
references
1. Andrew Mubangizi, Assistant Commissioner ( Rehabilitation and Disability), Ministry of Health (MOH), +256772683961, mubangizitherapist@gmail.com
2. Bernadette Namujuzi, Director, Imagination Children’s Rehabilitation Centre (ICLC), +256779218215, imaginationclc@gmail.com
3. Lillain Asiimwe, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Manager, ReLAB-HS/USAID, +256776712167, lillianasiimwe2005@gmail.com
Timeline
Senior Occupational Therapist
Imagination Children’s Learning Centre
12.2019
Senior Occupational Therapist
Humanity and Inclusion (HI)
08.2016 - 03.2019
Occupational Therapist
Katalemwa Cheshire Home
12.2012 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy
Presbyterian University Of East Africa
Occupational Therapy
Uganda Institute of Allied Health And Management
Community Based Rehabilitation
Karolinska Institute
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