What is

Occupational
Therapy?
O.T. is…
the therapeutic use of everyday life activities (occupations) with
individuals or groups for the purpose of participation roles and situations
in home, school workplace, community and other settings. OT services are
provided for the purpose of promoting health and wellness and to those
who have or are at risk for developing an illness, injury, disease, disorder,
condition, impairment, disability, activity limitation or participation
restriction. OT addresses the physical cognitive psychosocial and other
aspects of performance in a variety of contexts to support engagement in
everyday life activities that affect health well-being and quality of life.
Occupation
Goal-directed pursuits which extend over time, have meaning
to the performer, and involve multiple tasks

The ordinary and familiar things that people do every day

Therapy
Treatment of an illness or disability
Client-centered practice
Approach to service that incorporates respect for and
partnership with clients as active participants in the therapy
process

Evidence-based practice
Basing practice on best available research
What does an OT do?
Goal? increase ability of clients to
participate in everyday activities
How? Assessment, setting goals,
developing a plan, implementing
The OT may
Advocate for clients
Make equipment
Provide experiences
Do OTs help people
get jobs?
What are the people served
and what kinds of problems
or disabilities are addressed
by OT?
Genetic, neurological, orthopedic,
musculoskeletal, immunological,
cardiac dysfunctions;

emotional, psychological, social,

behavioral and emotional disorders
Where do OTs work?
Hospitals Schools
Clinics Community settings
Prisons
 What
Purposeful activities activities are
used during
• Preparatory activities
Prepares clients for occupational

intervention?
performance. Examples include sensory
input to promote optimal response,
modalities (ultrasound, electrical
stimulation, etc), orthotics, splinting, and
exercise.

• Contrived activities Made-up activities that may include some of the

same skills required for the occupation.

• Occupation-centered
activities The performance of occupation-related activies
by the client, including activities of daily living,
instrumental activities of daily living, work and
school tasks, and play or leisure tasks.