Let's Go Back In Time

I thoroughly enjoyed watching everybody else's presentations. I personally kind of blacked out during mine, but we aren't here to talk about that. I believe that it is always important to look at the past and reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly, that way we learn from our mistakes. For example the good: Winifred Conrick Kahmann, the WASPS, Disability Rights in TN, the internet and exoskeletons; the bad: institutions, shaming parents for their children and not being respectful to those with disabilities; and the ugly: 80's hair and low rise jeans.

Let's talk about Winifred Conrick, now she's a cool lady. She helped find one of the first five occupational therapy schools in St Louis, MO. She did excellent work during World War II which is when most women had the option to step up their game and really show the world what amazing things we can do. There is no telling what Winifred had to endure during her time paving the road for the rest of us. Especially during such a period where women really weren't expected to leave the home nonetheless basically create an entire new field of healthcare. I'm sure she got laughed at and told "no" hundreds of times even though what she was creating was exactly what the soldiers, families and even the world needed. Just stop and think about how different things would be without her drive and perseverance, I'm sure somewhere along the timeline somebody would have thought of occupational therapy, but we wouldn't be where we are now, creating exoskeletons so people can walk again, or even the assisted standing wheelchair I saw of Facebook a few weeks ago. Occupational therapy changes lives forever and it started with Winifred. We have her to thank for our wonderful field.