Over the last month I have been trying a new movement prop with several of my groups and I have found that the octaband is successful with all different individuals and different functioning levels. Every time I take it out my clients, staff and people just walking by the room do a double-take and have to ask, “what is it, an octopus?”

The octaband comes in two sizes and really does look something like an octopus. For my groups of 8-10 clients I have been using the larger size that allows up to 16 individuals to participate at one time. At the end of each arm/leg the fabric is folded over and sewn to allow for a handle to hold on to. This allows even individuals with minimal hand movement to hold on to the prop.

With most large groups many each client functions at a different level which can make some movement activities and props difficult to make successful for each person. One thing I have really appreciated about the Octaband is that each individual can participate at their own level. If it is enough to just have Jimmy hold onto one strip then he can do that while Susie who is sitting next to him can hold on with both hands and participate in upper extremity movements.

How can it be used?

The octaband can be used in as many different ways as your imagination can come up with. Many of the movements which are used with a parachute can also be used with the octaband. Mirroring, circle dance and more complicated synchronized movement activities may also be an option but get creative and see what you can figure-out.

Octaband OCT8 8-Leg Octaband

Octaband OCT16 16-Leg Octaband