PLAN OF OTAC
Stuart Barrow is a dedicated Occupational Therapist with a passion for promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, through his work with his company Promoting Independence Ltd., and his OTAC roadshows.
Stuart Barrow is not your average Occupational Therapist (OT)! With over twenty years of experience in the field, Stuart has dedicated his career to promoting independence and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. His journey began with a simple yet profound desire to make a diference in the lives of others - a desire that has since blossomed into a lifelong commitment and a thriving consultancy.
"…ADAPTATIONS CAN REMOVE THE BARRIERS TO LIVING INDEPENDENTLY…”
STUART BARROW
"THROUGH OTAC, I’M PROUD TO HAVE CREATED A PLATFORM FOR CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND COLLABORATION WITHIN THE OT COMMUNITY”
STUART BARROW
Right: Stuart takes to the stage at OTAC Glasgow Below: In 2023 a range of training courses were launched
In 2012, Stuart founded Promoting Independence Ltd, an Occupational Therapy consultancy aimed at providing comprehensive assessments, interventions, and solutions to support individuals in achieving their maximum potential in daily activities. Under Stuart's guidance, the company has grown into a trusted resource for individuals, families, healthcare professionals, and organisations seeking expert OT services.
“In 2023 a range of training courses was launched,” explained Stuart, "devised and run by myself and my expert team of Occupational Therapy associates around equipment and adaptations to complement the OTAC events based upon more specific adaptations, ie stairlifts and home-lifts.”
Promoting Independence’s assessment services benefit from speedy access to expert recommendations tailored to an individual and their home environment.
“We have years of expertise in the housing and care sector and our strong links to the industry means we have upto-date knowledge of the latest and best technologies,” said Stuart. “We will provide you with a clear quotation and fast access to our assessors.”
As a thought leader and advocate for inclusive and accessible environments,
Stuart continues to inspire others through his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to live life to the fullest.
They also arrange Independent Living Assessments for older and disabled people looking to stay in their current home or move to a new one, ofering clear and specific advice about adaptations that can remove the barriers to living independently.
EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS
For older and disabled people looking to stay in their current home or move to a new one, clear and specific advice about adaptations can remove the barriers to living independently. Housing Associations, providers of Sheltered Housing and other housing and care providers using
COLLABORATE AND CONNECT
But Stuart's impact extends far beyond the walls of his consultancy. He is also the driving force behind OTAC (Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference) events, which bring together OT professionals, suppliers, and exhibitors to exchange knowledge and ideas, showcase the latest innovations, network with peers and foster meaningful connections.
“Through OTAC, I’m proud to have created a platform for continuous learning and collaboration within the OT community, furthering the advancement of the profession,” he said.
The OTAC events are a year-round programme designed for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy assistants and support staf, commissioners, people working within housing (surveyors, architects and technicians), Occupational Therapy students, charities and charitable organisations, and all other healthcare and housing professionals involved in assessing for home adaptations.
For more than five years the events have featured talks by a range of industry experts
alongside a hands-on exhibition of the latest equipment solutions. A one-stop shop of solutions for accessible homes, the latest thinking in home adaptations, specialist talks, speak to a range of product specialists all in one place; designed to bring together CPDaccredited talks and the opportunity to try out the latest products in convenient locations.
Set in central venues such as Weetwood Hall Estate in Leeds, The Queen Hotel in Chester, Golden Jubilee Hotel in Glasgow, Hilton Southampton, and St.David’s Hotel in Cardif, they are easy to reach, free to attend, and include lunch.
“And the advantages of OTAC events to the exhibitors are clear,” Stuart told us. “Get face-to-face with OTs in their home region, in a relaxed atmosphere”
At the heart of Stuart's work is a deepseated belief in the power of inclusion and accessibility. Whether through his consultancy services, his involvement in OTAC events, or his advocacy work within the community, Stuart is constantly striving to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live life to the fullest, regardless of their abilities.
As a pioneer in the field of Occupational Therapy, Stuart Barrow continues to inspire and empower others through his unwavering dedication, innovative approaches, and boundless passion for promoting independence. With Promoting Independence Ltd and OTAC events leading the way, Stuart's impact on the OT community - and the lives of those it serveswill undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Get the next Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) dates in your diary! Visit: otac.org.uk
For more information please visit: promoting-independence.co.uk
Above: OTAC events are a one-stop shop of solutions for accessible homes
Independent Living Assessments Commissioners
Independent Living Assessments
Commissioners enjoy a range of benefits which together improve independence and efciency of service delivery:
• The assessment fee for major adaptations can often be reclaimed via the Physical Adaptations Grant meaning there is no direct cost to the care and housing provider
• Assessments are typically completed within three days of referral, reducing waiting times and reducing the risk of injury and loss of independence
• Timely adaptations can help extend tenancies reducing void periods, re-housing costs and unnecessary administration costs and for tenants this often saves on the costs of renting
• Complex cases can be handled more efectively, reducing the risk of unsuitability and ensuring overall wellbeing
• Assessments are designed to identify cost-efective solutions that meet the needs of the individual considering all suitable options
• Our strong links to the manufacturers of aids and adaptations ensures we have up-to-date knowledge of the latest solutions
• Our no-cost follow-up and review service ensures that the solutions are working and that any issues are addressed
• Our comprehensive occupational therapy approach is person-centred and empowers the individual to optimise their own health and wellbeing
"…THE ADVANTAGES OF OTAC EVENTS TO THE EXHIBITORS ARE CLEAR; GET FACE-TOFACE WITH OTS IN THEIR HOME REGION, IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE” STUART BARROW
Below: Independent Living Assessments assist older or disabled people to stay in their own home
