Sometimes we don’t give a second thought about our ability to complete simple tasks: walking to the mailbox, reading a magazine, organizing our calendars and important files, enjoying social interactions with friends and loved ones, etc. Next thing you know, suddenly things change and the abilities we once took for granted may not be counted on anymore.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists help people of all ages identify and improve skills that help them perform daily tasks at home, work, school, and play. The goal of Occupational Therapy is to help clients live more productive, independent, and satisfying lives.
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy services typically include
• an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
• customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
• an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.
National Occupational Therapy Month
Occupational therapists provide integral services to our community and enhance the lives of people each and every day. It is a vitally important profession that helps people across their lifespans complete things they want and need to do on a daily basis. Each year in April, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students in practice, education, research, and science host a month long celebration showcasing the importance of Occupational Therapy.
How will you promote National Occupational Therapy Month? If you need some ideas to get you started, the National Association of Occupational Therapists has simple and awesome tools to get you started!