Personal Joy and Purpose of working with Disabled Children: My personal Journey as an Occupational Therapist- By Joshua Hiire.
Every child has potential, every small achievement matters, and every day presents an opportunity to make a difference.
Working with children at the Centre every day has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences of my professional journey as an Occupational Therapist. It is a responsibility that goes beyond providing therapy sessions or helping children acquire functional skills. It is about touching lives, nurturing potential, restoring hope, and creating opportunities for every child to become as independent as possible.
Every morning, as I prepare to come to the Centre, I look forward to meeting the children, sharing in their experiences, and being part of their progress. I wake up knowing that, regardless of how challenging the previous day might have been, a new day brings another opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
The beauty of small achievements
One of the greatest sources of satisfaction in my work is witnessing progress, regardless of how small it may appear to someone else. Sometimes, it is a child learning to hold an object independently, improving their sitting balance, making eye contact, communicating a need, participating in an activity, or taking a step towards independence.
To another person, these achievements may seem ordinary. But to us as therapists, and especially to the families who have walked a long journey with these children, they are significant milestones worth celebrating.
I have come to appreciate that progress in occupational therapy is not always measured by how quickly a child achieves a particular milestone. Sometimes, it is found in the smallest improvements, the little smiles, increased participation, improved confidence, and the gradual development of skills that make everyday life more meaningful.
Personal motivation
Working with children, especially those with different developmental challenges and abilities, is not always easy. There are days when progress is slow, when a child struggles to engage, when an intervention does not produce the expected outcome, or when the challenges seem overwhelming.
However, I have learned that occupational therapy requires patience, resilience, creativity, compassion, and above all, a positive attitude.
What keeps me going is the knowledge that every soul was created by the almighty God thus these children deserve opportunities to thrive. I am motivated by the possibility that the skills we work on today may become the foundation for greater independence tomorrow.
The smiles of the children and their parents/care givers, the trust of their parents/caregivers, the dedication of fellow professionals, and the opportunity to contribute to someone’s life give me a reason to keep showing up.
I am particularly encouraged by the fact that we are not simply treating conditions; we are supporting children to participate more fully in their daily lives, discover their abilities, and reach their individual potential.
The importance of remaining positive
One thing I continue to remind myself is that positivity is not about pretending that everything is easy. It is about choosing hope even when the circumstances are difficult.
As an Occupational Therapist, my attitude can influence the atmosphere of a therapy session and the confidence of the child and their family. A positive approach creates room for encouragement, patience, creativity, and meaningful interaction.
I have learned to celebrate progress rather than focus on limitations, to see possibilities where others may see difficulties, and to appreciate every opportunity to help a child move one step forward.
Every child is different, and every journey is unique. Comparing one child’s progress with another’s can sometimes take away the joy of appreciating individual achievements. My responsibility is to recognize each child’s abilities, respect their pace, and provide the support they need with love to keep progressing.
What I look forward to every morning
When I wake up and prepare to go to the Centre, I look forward to the possibility of witnessing something new. Perhaps a child will accomplish a task they struggled with yesterday. Perhaps a previously withdrawn child will engage more actively. Perhaps a parent will share encouraging feedback about improvements noticed at home; this energises me to advance interventions intended to achieve more.
These moments keep me loving and being proud of this profession.
I look forward to the opportunity to learn from the children as much as I teach them. They continually remind me about patience, determination, resilience, and the beauty of celebrating life one achievement at a time.
I also look forward to becoming a better professional each day, learning new approaches, improving my skills, collaborating with colleagues, and finding better ways to support the children entrusted to our care.
Reflection
If there is one thing my daily experience has taught me, it is that meaningful change does not always happen overnight. Sometimes, the greatest victories are hidden in small steps that require patience and consistency to recognise.
To my fellow therapists, caregivers, parents, and everyone who plays a role in the lives of children with additional needs, let us remain encouraged. Let us continue to show up, remain compassionate, celebrate small victories, and never underestimate the impact of our contribution.
Our work may not always produce immediate results, and some days may be more challenging than others, but every effort made with love, knowledge, patience, and purpose counts.
I remain grateful for the privilege of working with these incredible children. Every day at the Centre reminds me that Occupational Therapy is more than a profession; it is an opportunity for me to manifest the love of Jesus Christ hence yielding a lasting difference in people’s lives.
I choose to remain positive, because behind every challenge is an opportunity, behind every small achievement is progress, and behind every child is a story of potential waiting to unfold.
One child at a time. One achievement at a time.
