Occupational Therapy is a healthcare field that works with people with disabilities resulting from birth, injury, illness or aging. It is a holistic, person centered intervention process that focuses on strategies to improve a person’s ability to participate in any activity that is meaningful to them.  Individuals may have compromised musculoskeletal functioning, nervous system disorders, developmental disorders, sensory disorders, cognitive or perceptual disorders, mental disorders, systemic disorders or immunologic diseases which impair their ability to perform daily life activities. 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) use a knowledge base of neurology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, [human] development, psychology, psychosocial development, task [and biomechanical] analysis and [use a variety of] therapeutic techniques to work with people of all ages (Williams and Shellenberger, 1996, 1994). 

What do occupational therapists do?

• Occupational Therapists teach self-help skills to people of all ages and abilities so they may engage in areas of life that they find purposeful and meaningful, such as activities of daily living, education, work, leisure, play, and social participation. OT’s may facilitate skill development within the person, modify the environment or recommend choices for adapted equipment and assistive technology.

Who do occupational therapists serve?

• All ages including neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adults, and geriatrics.

• Anyone who has difficulty participating in daily life activities secondary to complications stemming from birth, illness, injury or aging. Examples include:

• Pediatrics (Developmental Delay, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder…)
  
  
• Adolescents and adults (Developmental Disabilities, Mental Retardation, Sensory Concerns, Autism, Down Syndrome....)
  
  
• Geriatrics (Alzheimer’s, Strokes, Hip/knee Replacements...)
  
  
• Physical disability (Spinal Cord Injury, Hip Replacements, Traumatic Brain Injury)
  
  
• Mental Health  (Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depressions, Bipolar)
  
  
• Cognitive (Memory, Impulsivity, Orientation, Problem Solving…)
  
  
• Work related injuries (Carpal tunnel, Equipment Injuries, Organization)
  
  
• Vocational rehab (Life Coach, Job Exploration and Acquisition…)


• Ergonomics (Workplace Injury Prevention)
  
  
• Assistive Technology (wheelchairs, adaptations to home & work, assistance animals)
  
  
• Driving evaluations/screenings/referrals for car modifications
  
  
• People who are going through a disease process (Lou Gehrig’s, AIDS, Huntington’s Disease…)

Where do OTs work?

Private practice School settings Hospitals Rehabilitation facilities Day programs Detention centers Treatment centers

Mental Health Facilities Homes Daycares Community settings Clinical settings Work settings

Anywhere a client wishes to participate in
activities that they find meaningful!