What is Occupational Therapy?

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping promote health, and prevent- or live better with- injury, illness, or disability.

Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recover from injury to regain skills, providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes, and so much more!

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the client is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.

                    Adapted from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), www.aota.org