The Problem
In rural Morocco, poor health care and health literacy affect a family’s ability to understand the disabilities of
their children. Every summer, occupational therapy students at Jefferson University travel to some of these underserviced communities to advocate for the benefits of occupational therapy and provide their services at clinics. They work one on one with patients with various disabilities and provide education to mothers on how
to support their children.
their children. Every summer, occupational therapy students at Jefferson University travel to some of these underserviced communities to advocate for the benefits of occupational therapy and provide their services at clinics. They work one on one with patients with various disabilities and provide education to mothers on how
to support their children.
Users & Audience
I was tasked with creating a graphic novel to help children and teenagers with down syndrome. By working closely with an occupational therapy student, I learned about a patient who has low tone, poor fine motor coordination, and mild intellectual disabilities. I also learned about her supportive family and the things she loves. The main issue was that while she is physically capable of completing most self-care tasks herself, she requests the extra help of family for comfort. I wanted to create a book that could help patients with down syndrome or other disabilities complete daily routines on their own.
Design Process
Since everyone’s daily routine is a little different, the book is created to be taken apart and put back together like
a puzzle, so that each person can build their own routine in the order they chose. The act of putting the puzzle together also helps build the motor skills that people with down syndrome lack. The shape and thickness of the pages also makes it easier for those with fewer motor skills to turn the pages when together as a book.
a puzzle, so that each person can build their own routine in the order they chose. The act of putting the puzzle together also helps build the motor skills that people with down syndrome lack. The shape and thickness of the pages also makes it easier for those with fewer motor skills to turn the pages when together as a book.
Obstacles
Obstacles of this project included the cultural differences and literacy levels. Arabic is the official language of Morocco, so all text was translated and the book was illustrated and bound right to left. I also was educated
about their cultural norms in order to stay respectful. In addition, the typical reading level is at 6th grade or lower, so besides the instructions and title, the book contains no words and tells the story through illustration alone.
about their cultural norms in order to stay respectful. In addition, the typical reading level is at 6th grade or lower, so besides the instructions and title, the book contains no words and tells the story through illustration alone.
Future Implications
In June 2019, the book will be taken to Morocco by occupational therapy students and given to patients with down syndrome. It will also be left at various clinics for use by physiotherapists and teachers to help continue to educate parents on how to support their children.
morning routine with sun puzzle piece
night routine with moon puzzle piece
instructions translated to Arabic
illustrated panels also read right to left
the backs of each piece are patterns of Moroccan tiles
This book will be taken to Morocco by Occupational Therapy students Summer 2019
