|
Do you remember when you were a child and made your first paper airplane?
You took a flat blank piece of paper, folded it in the middle, and then folded it over several times to eventually form an airplane, which, if constructed properly could fly great distances. You may not have realized it but you were performing the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, otherwise known as Origami. The concept is simple… a flat, one-dimensional object is carefully constructed into a compiled, multi-dimensional form. Although the techniques used in Origami are similar, the artist can develop endless numbers of shapes in various forms; depending on the direction the paper is folded.
It is similar to what we do during the process of rehabilitation. An assessment is made to determine what the end result should be, and a plan is developed to outline the optimal and most efficient method for getting to that point. The art of rehabilitation rewires some basic ingredients but as in origami, the shape and form in which a person will take depends on the direction he or she is led. If only one method or direction is used in each instance the end result is the same object each and every time. But if various methods are used, various objects will take shape, the possibilities are endless.
In Japanese culture, the crane is often used to symbolize good fortune in the form of a long and productive life. We believe that all people should have this opportunity. Thus, our logo includes the crane in its origami form, which then takes flight on its own once completed. This is what we hope to accomplish with the Origami program, helping to reshape people’s lives after what is often a traumatic event; work with them until they are able to take flight on their own.
On their own, they will lead a lengthy and productive life.
~Created in 1997~
© 2006 University Rehabilitation Alliance, dba Origami | 
