OT explained

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists provides the following definition of Occupational Therapy:

"Occupational therapy is as 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."

Definitions of Occupational Therapy from BAOT.

“ Helping people to live life their way.”

“ Occupational therapy enables people to achieve as much as they can for themselves and get the most out of life. Occupational therapy staff help people of all ages who have physical, mental or social problems as a result of accident, illness or ageing, to do the things they want to do. These could be daily activities that many of us take for granted, from grocery shopping or brushing your teeth, to more complex activities such as caring for children, succeeding in studies or work, or maintaining a healthy social life.”

Essentially an OT’s work can be in a variety of locations with a variety of client groups, but the aim is the same in all areas, that is: to improve a client’s situation where possible, minimise the effect of conditions/impairments on an individual’s life and improve quality of life for individuals, family and carers, by removing barriers to independence.

The following videos demonstrate just some of the ways Occupational Therapy can help individuals to be more independent in their lives.

YouTube link OT and brain injury
YouTube link OT and stroke
YouTube link OT and multiple sclerosis
YouTube link OT and rheumatoid arthritis
YouTube link OT and disability
YouTube link OT and independence
YouTube link OT and Coordination problems
YouTube link How Occupational Therapy can help people