Supporting Independence,
Maximizing Potential!
Occupational Therapy empowers people to overcome functional challenges, unlocking their potential to do more and live better.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession dedicated to helping people of all ages participate in activities that are important to them. It helps people overcome challenges and maximize independence through everyday activities to improve health and well-being. Everyday examples like:
How can occupational therapy help?
An occupational therapist (OT) will work with you to understand why you’re having difficulty with some activities that are important to you. They will help you find solutions and strategies do the things you want and need to do. The OT’s goal is to help you engage in the activities you enjoy and to ultimately improve your quality of life.
An OT may check:
Depending on what the problem is, an occupational therapist can help you solve it by:
- Focus on your strengths and build on your past experiences to figure out what works for you.
- Grow your knowledge and skills on how to do things differently – e.g. getting around your community in a wheelchair.
- Help you improve or maintain the abilities you have – e.g. improving your coping strategies.
- Adapt how you do things with tools or devices. OTs may recommend changes:
– Around the house – e.g. a special key holder to make turning keys easier.
– In sports or leisure activities – e.g. a playing cards holder to reduce strain on arthritic hands.
– At work or school – e.g. ergonomic chair and rest breaks to prevent back injury.
– To take care of yourself – e.g. a shower seat to manage fatigue and prevent falls.
– To get from place to place – e.g. a modified steering wheel for someone with the use of only one arm to drive.
- Change the physical layout of your workplace, home or school – e.g. lowering/raising desktops, countertops or cupboards.
- Help you access the supports in your community – e.g. specialized public transportation.
- Work with the people in your community – e.g. share recommendations and strategies with your teacher or employer.
- Work with the government to encourage healthy living – e.g. request funding for special equipment.
- Reduce risk of falls, slips or trips at home.
- Reduce risk of work injuries.
- Manage personal and everyday tasks safely and independently.
- Support students to overcome challenges and help them participate in school.
- Assist people living with learning or mental challenges to find and maintain meaningful work.
Occupational therapists, or OTs, are:
