Affiliations: Division of Occupational Therapy, The College of
Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA | University of Utah Inpatient Rehabilitation, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA | Cardon Children's Medical Center and Horizon Pediatric
Therapy, Mesa, AZ, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Yda J. Smith, Division of Occupational
Therapy, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. Tel.: +1 801 585 9589;
Fax: +1 801 585 1001; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: This case study sought to understand the meaning of restoring
traditional weaving as an occupation among Karen women from Burma who now live
in an urban city in the United States and to examine the impact of weaving on
their daily lives in terms of identity, empowerment, social support, and
opportunities for entrepreneurship. The story of one Karen woman, Paw Law Eh,
is described. Her story exemplifies the negative consequences of restricted
access to familiar and meaningful daily activities, or "occupations", the
relationship between occupation and self-identity, how participation in valued
occupations can enhance social networks, and the restorative effects that are
possible when engagement in meaningful occupations are maintained or restored.
Her story demonstrates that occupational therapists have the skills and
opportunity to contribute significantly to the well-being of Karen women by
supporting the restoration of the occupation of weaving.
