About Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is the health and rehabilitation profession that focuses on maximizing a person's ability to participate in life independently. With Occupational Therapy, children and adults facing physical, cognitive, or psychosocial challenges can improve skills that help them perform daily tasks at home, at school, at work, and at play.
Occupational Therapy doesn't just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges.
Occupational Therapists do this by helping people surmount their disabilities or medical conditions to do everyday things and to maximize the client's function. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment; Occupational Therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan. Occupational Therapists collaborate with the client, the physicians and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach. Work settings include hospitals, schools, clinics, business and industry, and clients' homes.
For millions of people, the service of Occupational Therapy is a lifeline. People of all ages receive it to help them participate in the activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need Occupational Therapy to do things others take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, even socializing.
Children, for instance, sometimes have behavioral or developmental problems that limit their educational progress. Lawmakers believe occupational therapy is so important to the well being of children, federal law mandates that schools must offer Occupational Therapy to children who need it.
Occupational Therapy is "outcome-oriented," which means therapists help clients work toward achievable performance goals.
In rehabilitation clinics or hospitals, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help adults learn or regain skills that allow them to do meaningful things like working, driving, shopping, or even preparing a meal. All types of people need this kind of help everyday, from a worker injured on the job to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a stroke.
Occupational Therapy helps avoid health problems, and makes it easier to live with them.
Consider our growing senior population: Healthier people are living longer lives. Occupational Therapy research proves that keeping people active and healthy as they age will not only improve their quality of life, it will lower their health care costs as well. That is why there are Occupational Therapy programs focusing on wellness and prevention - to help seniors stay healthier and remain active in their homes and communities. Trained therapists can make homes safer for people with reduced mobility and failing vision. Occupational Therapists can also teach seniors new driving techniques that will keep them behind the wheel longer, as safe drivers.
Occupational Therapy addresses one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery - the return to a normal life.
Occupational Therapy has its roots, a century ago, in helping war veterans return to life at home. These days, Occupational Therapists work in rehabilitation hospitals and on the front lines of combat. Some Occupational Therapy programs help soldiers recognize and relieve stress. In addition, Occupational Therapy helps soldiers learn to care for themselves after an injury, including helping them use artificial limbs.
For the person with a physical disability, the first focus is on performing critical daily activities, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and functional mobility. Once these skills are mastered, the Occupational Therapy program is built around the skills needed to perform a person's daily responsibilities, such as participating in education, caring for a home and family, or seeking and maintaining employment. Goals for a client with mental illness are based on the ability to function independently in the community. Occupational Therapy intervention may often include practice in managing time, working productively with others, and enjoying leisure.
Our program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). ACOTE may be contacted at: 4720 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-3425; PO Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; (301)652- AOTA(2682); Fax(301)652-7711; TDD (800)377-8555; http://www.aota.org; e-mail: accred@aota.org
Information provided by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) retrieved 5/2005 from www.promoteot.org/AI_OTM-link03.html and www.aota.org/featured/area2/links/link09.asp.
For more information on Occupational Therapy, visit AOTA.
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