What is OT

What is OT?



Occupational therapy is a profession concerned with
promoting health and well being through
occupation.
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to
enable people to participate in the activities of
everyday life.
Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by
enabling people to do things that will enhance their
ability to participate or by modifying the
environment to better support participation.
Occupational therapists have a broad education
that equips them with skills and knowledge to work
collaboratively with individuals or groups of people
who have an impairment of body structure or
function due to a health condition, and who
experience barriers to participation.
Occupational therapists believe that participation
can be supported or restricted by physical, social,
attitudinal and legislative environments. Therefore,
occupational therapy practice may be directed to
changing aspects of the environment to enhance
participation.



What Do Occupational Therapists Do?

Occupational therapists are health professionals
who are trained to assist people to overcome
limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological
or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the
effects of aging.
Their goal is to assist each individual to move from
dependence to independence, maximizing personal
productivity, well being and quality of life.

What Kinds of People Use OT Services?

Occupational therapists work with people from all
walks of life.
An OT may specialise in a particular field of activity,
such as:
• Paediatrics
• Individuals with physical disabilities
• Mental health
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Aged Care
• Independent living skills


How Do Occupational Therapists Work?

Occupational therapists take a holistic approach to
the needs of their clients which usually involves
three stages of care.
The abilities of each client are assessed in the
context of work, school, home, leisure, general
lifestyle and family situation.
Having made an assessment, the occupational
therapist will talk with the client, other
professionals and family members who may be
closely involved, in order to develop a treatment
program.
Depending on the nature and length of the
program, treatment may take place in a clinic,
hospital ward, residential care centre or at the
client's home, school or workplace.
The goal is to maximize the client's skills for living.