About
Occupational therapy services on the West Coast
We’re here to offer a full range of Occupational Therapy Services on the West Coast, to enable independent living to our clients, however they wish to live their lives. When you’re looking for independent Occupational Therapy Services, NOT Limited is here to help you.
From Karamea to Haast we offer flexible Occupational Therapy Services, no matter where you live in the West Coast.
Joy Aiton
Trained in Northampton, England, Joy has over 30 years’ clinical experience working in the UK, USA and here in NZ. She has been living in the West Coast since 2014 and thrives on engaging with local communities.
She has a broad scope of experience within occupational therapy, including:
Paediatrics
My career in paediatrics began in 1994 working within the education system in Florida USA. In this role I worked with children with a range of conditions from mild and moderate sensory conditions to severe physical, intellectual and sensory issues.
In the early 2000’s I worked in the UK with the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Trust to facilitate the development of a multi-disciplinary service to children with DCD/Autism as well as assessment and treatment of children with neurological and developmental disorders in their homes and educational environments.
Rehabilitation
Throughout my OT career I have used a rehabilitative approach in the areas of: Mental health, Intellectual disability, ventilator dependent patients, paediatrics, health of older person, brain injury, orthopaedics, wheelchairs and seating, community health and assistive technology.
Assistive Technology
I began my career in Assistive Technology in 2000 as a specialist with the Assistive Technology Educational Network of Florida USA. In this role I was the OT on the team for assessments, interventions and provision of assistive devices throughout the state of Florida as well as facilitator for the Northern 21 Counties in Florida. Supporting teaching staff, children and families in the use of Assistive Technologies for independence, mobility and communication.
In 2002 I started my own business in Assistive Technology, providing assessment, intervention teaching and support as an OT and Assistive Technology specialist. I Completed the ATACP Certificate in Los Angeles in 2000.
Palliative care
Working in a rural area as an OT, we have to cover every aspect of health and well-being. End of life care – or palliative care, became a particular interest of mine. I worked closely with the palliative team and was the WCDHB allied health representative on the Transalpine Palliative Leadership Team from 2017.
Housing modifications
I have provided practical support and guidance to ensure that housing modifications or new builds meet current disability codes and standards and the needs of residents (owners or tenants) now and in the future. This has been a part of my OT role while working in New Zealand for the last 12 years.
Housing Modifications I have been involved in have included easy steps, ramps and handrails to access the home, bathroom and kitchen modifications. These have primarily been funded through the Ministry of Health Enable funding process.
Wheelchairs and seats
In 2005 I was appointed to the role of Head III Occupational Therapist at the Tayside Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Technology (TORT) Centre based in Dundee, Scotland UK.
This role included a leadership and managerial responsibility for OT staff within the TORT Centre and at Ninewells Hospital. The clinical aspect of the role included assessment for wheelchairs and specialist seating needs, environmental home assessments and wheelchair training (power and manual).
There was also a teaching element including annual lectures at Strathclyde University, in-service trainings to various groups of OT’s across the Tayside region and Rest home and Hospital staff.
Community
Much of my career in OT has been community based. I believe it is essential to see a person in their own environment to get a clear picture of their abilities and difficulties specific to their individual needs, values and occupations. Working in the community is about enabling people to be safe and well in their own homes and also access to their communities and activities of choice.
Supervision
Clinical or professional supervision is a Board requirement for Licensed Occupational Therapists. I have provided supervision to OT’s and other professionals, formally, informally, individually or in groups.
I received training in supervision, both as a supervisee and a supervisor and continue to offer supervision as part of my competencies as an experienced occupational therapist.
Leadership
In 2018 I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership through the University of Canterbury. I find the contemporary styles of leadership very interesting and look forward to seeing positive change in the future.
I have also been motivated to actively engage in the development of the profession of OT in New Zealand and have been a Council Member with OTNZ-WNA for the last 3 years, more recently Audit and Finance Chair.
Flexibility and accessibility
We understand that many of our clients throughout the West Coast live in remote areas, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that all our clients get the support they need, no matter where they live.
NOT Limited Occupational Therapy – independent OT that works around you!
All children’s workers must be safety checked according to the standards set out in the Children’s Act 2014. Joy has been vetted and meets the requirements under that Act for Core-worker status. Further information here
