What’s OT?

October 4, 2012
by Ricky

Let’s face it. Occupational Therapy can be challenging to define. OT does so much for so many people, and it’s tough to describe it all in just a few words. Although it retains some key elements, my definition seems to be influenced almost every time I hear a fresh rendition (and that happens quite often). It’s almost like an unfinished work art . . . well not really; maybe I’m just a perfectionist, hehe. Anyhow, since I do hear some really good ones quite often, I have decided that I will be sharing them with ya’ll, going forward. Here’s the standard, to get us started.

In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations) — aota.org/consumers.aspx

Occupational Therapy is a health care profession aimed at improving performance, preventing illness and disability, and promoting adaptation to life changes — chan.usc.edu/about-us/occupational-therapy

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