Occupational therapists believe that occupations are essential to who you are and how you feel
about yourself. If you are unable to do the things you enjoy, or need to do, to
live your life, then your general well-being may be affected. Occupational therapists
work with people of all ages to encourage health, avoid disability, and develop
or maintain abilities.
Occupational
therapists help develop the skills for the job of living and solve the problems
that interfere with an individual’s ability to do the activities or occupations
that are significant to them. Whether it be from injury, disease, social
disadvantage, or the environment, occupational therapists help their clients to
live a more fulfilling life.
Occupation refers to the activities and tasks of
daily life that have value and meaning to a person. Occupations can include
self-care (i.e. personal care, mobility), leisure (i.e. social activities,
sports) and productivity (play, school, employment, home making).
Occupational
therapists are specialists in the analysis, adaptation and therapeutic use of
occupations, to achieve goals jointly determined by the therapist and the
client, in the context of their own home and community. In simple terms, as an
occupational therapist you may assist a client to:
- Learn new ways of doing things; for example, dress or
cook with one arm after a stroke.
- Adapt materials or equipment they use; for example,
built up pencils and special seating for a child to attend school.
- Make changes to their environment; for example,
negotiate with an employer for a gradual return-to-work plan following a
motor vehicle accident.