Dayna Halls

CURRENT ROLE:

As an Occupational Therapist, I am dedicated to enhancing clients’ independence and supporting them in achieving their personal goals. My responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments and recommending tailored equipment or strategies that promote safety, wellbeing, and quality of life.

I focus on delivering community-based services in clients’ homes, ensuring meaningful outcomes. My experience includes conducting functional capacity assessments, recommending home modifications, and prescribing a wide range of assistive technologies. The most fulfilling aspect of my work is empowering individuals to engage in activities they value. My role requires critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving to develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges.

Following my studies, I worked in a community-based role supporting individuals with low vision and blindness, collaborating with a diverse team of professionals to assist the vision-impaired community in South Australia. I also have extensive experience working with various funding bodies, including My Aged Care, DVA, and NDIS, and hold registration with the National Panel of Assessors for workplace assessments.

Outside of work, I enjoy attending live music shows, exploring the Adelaide Hills, and visiting the wonderful restaurants and sites our state has to offer with my partner and great friends. I also love reading, cooking, and unwinding with a good book in the company of my beloved pet cats.

EXPERIENCE:

I graduated with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy with Research Honours from the University of South Australia in 2020. Since then, I have published research in the Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation, focusing on stroke rehabilitation and policy analysis.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Activities of daily living (ADL) assessment and therapy
• Functional capacity assessments
• Supported independent living (SIL) assessment and report writing
• Assistive technology (AT) and equipment prescription, including specialised vision technology
• Home modifications
• Workplace assessments to support sustained economic participation
• Use of standardised assessment tools, including WHODAS 2.0, Barthel Index, Care and Needs Scale, ABAS, functional vision assessment, and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire
• High-quality report writing and documentation