Specialisms
- Cerebral Palsy.
- Brachial Plexus Lesions including Erb’s Palsy.
- Global Developmental Delay.
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
- Life-limiting conditions and syndromes.
- Orthopaedic conditions – both elective and trauma.
- Muscular Dystrophy.
- Sensory Integration.
- Posture Management with complex conditions.
- Childhood trauma and anxiety.
Clinical Currency Statement
As at August 2020, I am engaged in the role of Independent Occupational Therapist for an average of 40 hours per month. I also work as a Case Manager for an average of 8 hours per month.
Signed
Employment Profile
Since qualifying as an Occupational Therapist in 1990, Deborah has worked across a number of settings within the NHS, Social Services, and in the private industry, both with children and adults. From October 2001 until July 2015 she worked for the Children’s Services Directorate of a Local Authority as a Senior Practitioner Occupational Therapist within Children’s Services, supporting a number of families.
Deborah’s work included assessing for provision of equipment, working with architects and environmental health professionals to carry out property adaptations via a Disabled Facilities Grant, reviews under Child in Need and Child Protection criteria, and working collaboratively with health and education professionals.
Deborah now works as an independent practitioner and have extensive experience working with families and deputies to implement equipment and adaptation packages required, carry out treatment to outline goals, and work on independent living skills both at home and in the community. As a qualified Manual Handling Trainer, she has carried out training for support staff and carried out risk assessments to meet CQC requirements. Further to this, Deborah also have a caseload of children with a diagnosis of Development Co-ordination Disorder and handwriting difficulties, and visit schools and homes to carry out therapy programmes to improve fine and gross motor skills.
Deborah is a qualified Transformational Life Coach, which is an essential skill in goal-setting for both clients, and parents and carers. This can assist parents in setting new goals in the light of changes at home caused by disability or by the implementation of a professional care package.
She has extensive training and experience in working with children who present with autism-type behaviours, including those who have been subject to trauma in their early years including lengthy periods of hospitalisation or abuse. Deborah is able to offer several standardised and non-standardised assessments (Movement ABC, Beery’s Visual Motor Integration, Sensory Processing Measure, Ayres Clinical Observations, Sensory Integration and Praxis Test). She works in client’s homes, respite units, mainstream and special schools and nurseries. Deborah uses a blend of sensory-integration based therapeutic interventions and relaxation techniques when carrying out treatment, and regularly provide home and school programmes to be carried out between appointments. She also provides training to parents and carers on how to manage autism-linked behaviours. Deborah is also a qualified trainer for manual handling.
Deborah has worked as an independent expert witness since 2007, having attended court, numerous case conferences and meetings of experts. She has worked on many complex cases, including those which have required 24-hour nursing care, rehousing, equipment, and large care packages.
Qualifications and Membership
- Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists (DipCOT).
- British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT).
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Sensory Integration Network of UK and Ireland.
Career History
Present
Care Expert
Jacqueline Webb & Co Ltd
2016-Present
Independent Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist
2001-2016
Senior Practitioner Occupational Therapist – Disabled Children’s Team
Wokingham Borough Council
1998-2001
Occupational Therapist/Care Manager – Adult Team
Wokingham Social Services
1995-1998
Senior 1 Occupational Therapist – Elective Orthopaedics
North Hampshire Hospital
1993-1994
Area Sales Manager (for provision of stair and through-floor lift products)
Grorud Lifts
1992-1993
Senior 2 Occupational Therapist – In-patient Services
Heatherwood Hospital, Berkshire
1990-1992
Basic Grade Occupational Therapist – Rotation
Salford, Lancashire