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----Dear OT group,
I'm a new OTA graduate and I presently work at a local hospital. I would
like to share this article with other newly OTA graduates that may have
difficulty with defining what OT is to our patients and family. I know I've been
trying to find the wright definition for my patients as
well.
Here are some ideas for defining what OT is from the
AOTA article.
Best Regards,
Lucia M. Humphrey, OTA
10 Ways to Define OT in 15 Words or Less
As occupational therapy students and practitioners (OTs and OTAs),
it is our
responsibility to promote our profession every day. However, many
of us
flounder when put on the spot with the question, "What is
occupational
therapy?" It is essential that each individual be properly
prepared for this
all-important inquiry. It is important that we answer this
inquiry
thoroughly, yet succinctly, while correctly informing our audience
and
keeping their attention.
To facilitate this goal, the ASCOTA OT
Promotion Task Force has comprised the
following list of responses as a
reference point to aid you in answering the
question, "What is
occupational therapy?" in 15 words or less! This list is
not
all-inclusive. It is simply a foundation. You should develop your own
message to convey the essence and value of occupational therapy in your
communities.
To begin, AOTA's President, Karen Jacobs, EdD, OTR/L,
FAOTA, suggests asking
the individual to name an activity that is important
to them. Then ask them
to imagine life without the ability to perform that
activity. Now that
occupational therapy has been made personal to your
audience, use one of the
following responses to help clarify how
occupational therapy can help
individuals regain function and independence
in every day activities.
1. Occupational therapy is working
collaboratively with people to facilitate
independence and wellness in an
individual's life.
2. Occupational therapy is a "client
centered" approach to achieve everyday
health through functional
activities.
3. Occupational therapy assists people of all ages with
disabilities to
become independent in their daily activities.
4.
Occupational therapy promotes health and well being of individuals in
society through participation in meaningful occupation.
5.
Occupational therapy is the promotion of life long health and well being
to facilitate productive living.
6. Occupational therapy means
improving the quality of life through
impacting everyday activities.
7.
Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals develop skills
necessary to perform daily activities.
8. Occupational therapy
provides the tools to break down barriers to an
individual's independence.
9. Occupational therapy provides you with a balance of independence at
home,
at work, and at play.
10. Occupational Therapy is…
"Skills for the Job of Living."
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