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Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people improve their ability to perform tasks
in their daily living and working environments. They work with individuals who
have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally
disabling. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and
work skills. Occupational therapists help clients not only to improve their
basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for
permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help clients have independent,
productive, and satisfying lives.
Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types,
ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs such as dressing,
cooking, and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and
dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the
ability to discern patterns. For example, a client with short-term memory loss
might be encouraged to make lists to aid recall, and a person with coordination
problems might be assigned exercises to improve hand-eye coordination.
Occupational therapists also use computer programs to help clients improve
decision-making, abstract-reasoning, problem-solving, and perceptual skills, as
well as memory, sequencing, and coordination—all of which are important for
independent living.
Therapists instruct those with permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord
injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, in the use of adaptive
equipment, including wheelchairs, splints, and aids for eating and dressing.
They also design or make special equipment needed at home or at work. Therapists
develop computer-aided adaptive equipment and teach clients with severe
limitations how to use that equipment in order to communicate better and control
various aspects of their environment.
Some occupational therapists treat individuals whose ability to function in a
work environment has been impaired. These practitioners arrange employment,
evaluate the work environment, plan work activities, and assess the client’s
progress. Therapists also may collaborate with the client and the employer to
modify the work environment so that the work can be successfully completed.
Occupational therapists may work exclusively with individuals in a particular
age group or with particular disabilities. In schools, for example, they
evaluate children’s abilities, recommend and provide therapy, modify classroom
equipment, and help children participate as fully as possible in school programs
and activities. Occupational therapy also is beneficial to the elderly
population. Therapists help the elderly lead more productive, active, and
independent lives through a variety of methods, including the use of adaptive
equipment.
Occupational therapists in mental-health settings treat individuals who are
mentally ill, mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed. To treat these
problems, therapists choose activities that help people learn to engage in and
cope with daily life. Activities include time management skills, budgeting,
shopping, homemaking, and the use of public transportation. Occupational
therapists also may work with individuals who are dealing with alcoholism, drug
abuse, depression, eating disorders, or stress-related disorders.
Assessing and recording a client’s activities and progress is an important part
of an occupational therapist’s job. Accurate records are essential for
evaluating clients, for billing, and for reporting to physicians and other
healthcare providers. |
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