The Occupational Therapy Service demonstrates continued clinical value to AKW
AKW, the specialist accessible kitchen and bathroom manufacturer, is strengthening its service with clinical support from The Occupational Therapy Service.
AKW has partnered with The Occupational Therapy Service since 2015. By working closely together, this collaboration of industry leading companies has been able to enhance the AKW team’s clinical approach to product provision and service.
AKW is one of the UK’s market leaders in the design and manufacture of accessible kitchens and bathrooms, wet rooms and showers for people with disabilities. With over 28 years of experience in the industry, it is committed to enhancing independence and improving daily living through an extensive range of high-quality products. These solutions make bathrooms and kitchens safer, more convenient and easier to use for individuals with mobility challenges – all guided by The Occupational Therapy Service. This level of support has just been extended through the joint production of new media to advise professionals and consumers seeking the right designs for specific medical conditions.
Filming took place recently at the AKW centre in Middlewich, Cheshire. This location, which complements the AKW Droitwich showroom, provides unique simulated inclusive kitchens and bathrooms. These centres of excellence are also regularly used by healthcare professionals for meetings, CPD workshops and client assessments.
Videos featuring Adam Ferry, OT and Director at The Occupational Therapy Service, were shot within several of the AKW accessible environments to highlight considerations around aspects such as wheelchair accessibility and living with dementia. Visual impairment, arthritis and stroke were also explored in terms of what domestic spaces require for maximum safety and occupation.
Adam said: “This latest educational material aims to improve independence and dignity for end users whilst giving AKW a competitive edge. As a specialist provider, they have always taken pride in being thought leaders within their field. Our latest joint venture reaffirms this position and reinforces the value of our commercial relationship. This new material will be available soon so watch this space.”
Away from this latest specific project, The Occupational Therapy Service continues to deliver a range of other clinical services for AKW. Emma Taylor, OT for The Occupational Therapy Service, goes on to say: “We deliver on many levels for AKW. These include supporting R&D, offering general advice and managing focus groups. We also work with them when helping individual clients with disabilities. If a client come to them requiring an inclusive bathroom or kitchen, we help guide AKW so that their solution maximises occupation.”
In conclusion, Laura Walsh, AKW Business Development Manager, sums up by adding: “I think the collaboration between the two of us is so important. Having expertise from a different perspective is critical – we focus on product design but need to understand the clinical side as well. That’s where Emma and the rest of The Occupational Therapy Service team come in. So, we can continue to innovate whilst being able to meet individual client needs on a case-by-case basis. Our latest material will reflect this ethos.”
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