Supporting Independence Through Sensory Strategies: Tracy Deutch’s Journey with Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services
Erika Eustaquio, OTD, OTR/L
For nearly three decades, Tracy Deutch has made Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) her professional home. Beginning her career in the adult day programs in 1997 and now serving as a consultant on the Behavior Support Team, she has built a path of helping individuals with developmental disabilities thrive through the power of occupational therapy (OT) and sensory supports.
A Career Rooted in Family and Service
Tracy’s OT journey began later in life, after raising her three children. Once her youngest started kindergarten, she returned to school and earned her OT degree. A friend at HCDDS told her about an opening in the adult day programs, and after interviewing and visiting, she knew it was the right fit. “I originally thought I would work with kids or seniors,” she recalled, “but when I visited the adult day programs, I enjoyed it so much and knew it was a good fit for me.” The timing worked well for her family too; HCDDS offered benefits, insurance, and flexible hours, which made balancing work and home life possible. What began as an opportunity soon became a lifelong calling.
An Evolving Role
Today, her work looks very different from when she started. As a consultant on the Behavior Support Team, her focus is on sensory self-regulation strategies and supports rather than direct treatment. “I don’t have a typical day. Each day is unique, which makes this job so interesting.” Her responsibilities range widely: conducting evaluations, writing Letters of Medical Necessity for equipment, training families and staff, and following up until recommendations are successfully in place. She supports individuals spanning ages from six to seventy across settings such as homes, day programs, schools, and the community.
Her expertise also extends beyond individual consultations. She has helped design sensory spaces in libraries and women’s shelters, collaborated with police and fire personnel on calming strategies, and trained staff on using sensory supports for themselves as well as those they serve. “I am only as successful as what the family member, caregiver, or staff person can implement.”
This practical focus has guided her from the very beginning. Early in her career, she concentrated on sensory supports to increase attention to task, job completion, and mealtime participation. She quickly realized that OT did not need to be “perfect” to make an impact.
“I realized I could not do perfect OT but functional OT, meaning I was only as successful as what the Direct Staff Person would implement.”
This philosophy led her to simplify strategies into easy-to-follow steps and provide clear training for staff and caregivers. Whether it was a built-up spoon, a bean bag, a smell kit, or a calming kit, she focused on making recommendations that could be realistically carried out. Back in 1997, sensory strategies were not well understood, so watching staff begin to embrace them was especially powerful.
“When I saw the Direct Staff asking questions and implementing successfully, especially the sensory ones…I knew I was making a difference in people’s lives.”
The Power of Sensory Supports
Tracy’s work has transformed the daily experiences of countless individuals. One recent example involved a young adult who transitioned from school to an adult day program with significantly reduced support. The shift led to increased behaviors that put the individual at risk of losing their placement. After completing her evaluation, she developed a structured sensory schedule that included wearing a compression vest at key times of day. With training for staff and a simple charting system to track supports, the strategies were implemented consistently and effectively. The results were striking. “The person is now doing great. It really showed how purposeful sensory strategies can improve participation and self-regulation.”
Collaboration and Advocacy
Teamwork has always been central to her practice. Most referrals come from Behavior Support Specialists, and she prioritizes meeting with them, reviewing records, and involving families and staff in every step. She also reaches out to school-based OTs when supporting children and collaborates with HCDDS colleagues for specialized equipment such as swings or home modifications. Advocacy is woven into everything she does. Her sensory assessments, summary documents, and Letters of Medical Necessity serve as formal advocacy tools. She also creates visual supports to empower caregivers and individuals to follow through with strategies.
Challenges and Rewards
Working as the only therapist on her team comes with challenges. Without colleagues to consult daily, she leans on research, continuing education, and collaboration with other OTs across the agency. Despite these challenges, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. “The individuals I support are amazing! They are happy, positive, and just want to make their own choices in life like we all do.”
Shaping a Philosophy of Practice
Over the years, her role has deepened her understanding of OT’s potential. She believes in looking at the total picture: functional status, psychosocial needs, natural supports, and the individual’s own goals, rather than focusing narrowly on any one element. Her advice for students and new graduates considering developmental disability services is heartfelt, “Use an inclusive approach, communicate with the whole team, and always recognize what the individual wants. The goal is to help people be as independent, safe, and happy as possible.” Looking back on her 28 years at HCDDS, she still feels affirmed in her choice.
“First and foremost, the individuals I support are the best! They help me more than I help them.”
Since joining the Behavior Support Team in 2017, she has also enjoyed the flexibility of shaping her schedule and working from home, which has improved her own quality of life.
A Lasting Impact
From her early years in adult day programs to her current role on the Behavior Support Team, her career reflects the core of OT: enabling people to live their lives with greater independence, dignity, and joy. Her journey is also a testament to what happens when functional, practical strategies meet compassion and advocacy. For the countless individuals and families she has supported since 1997, her work has left an enduring impact, one that continues to ripple through the lives of those she serves.
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