Greyson and his Occupational Therapist, Ericka, have been working on eating independently in Occupational Therapy as meal time is a very important time for families and children. It is a time for families to practice social emotional interaction skills, conversational skills, and table manners. It allows families to address fine and gross motor skills, posture and positioning, as well as building routine and giving structure.
After months of hard work, Ericka finally got insurance to approve what is called the Obi feeding device. Getting the Obi approved included a very extensive process. Greyson and Ericka had to test out various adaptive feeding items, such as weighted utensils, built up handles, various positioning devices, etc. in order to prove Greyson needed the Obi, to allow Greyson to eat independently. Ericka then had to go through a trial period with the Obi device, answer 4 rounds of questioning with Obi, and talk about what she had previously tested. Lastly, she had to write a paper detailing research and other information stating the benefits of Obi and its ability to promote independence. Ericka says, “This was not a very easy process, nor a black and white process, but I wish that it was.”
Click here to view a video of Greyson and the Obi in action!!
As seen in the video, this machine allows users to customize it to exactly where they need the utensil, so they can eat independently. One button allows the user to identify which food they want to eat in the various bowls and the other button allows them to activate the spoon to retrieve the food. As the Obi website explains, “This allows users to be in control of what they eat and when.”
Because of Ericka’s dedication to getting the device funded, and the Obi device itself, Greyson is now able to eat independently, right alongside his parents and siblings–allowing mealtime to be less stressful and more independent for Greyson–so he and his family can focus more on socialization and bonding, over their food. This device will greatly improve the lives of both Greyson and his family, and we are so thankful we were able to get it approved in order to help Greyson!