Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists (OT's) & Occupational Therapy Assistants work with people with disabilities to help them reach their full potential in all facets of life. Services and treatment are intended to teach or improve the skills and abilities that are required for daily living and performing their occupation.

Therapists will generally start with an assessment of one's capabilities and skills and develop a treatment plan. Treatment can include anything from the daily skills required for eating, drinking, dressing, balance and coordination development to driving and doing their job.

The types of health conditions that people may have that can benefit from Occupational Therapy are mental and behavior, vision, hearing, cognitive, motor skills, paralysis, broken bones, missing limbs, chronic diseases and conditions and any type of limitation.

Many times OT's will evaluate the patient's home and/or jobsite and make recommendations for modifications to these environments and the use of assistive living devices (ADL's). Some OT's are professional Home Evaluators and are knowledgeable in building modifications. They work with family members and caregivers to train them to care for those with disabilities.

The goal in OT treatment is for safe independent living for individuals and helping them achieve their true potential in life and their profession. For more information please contact the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. , 1-800-377-8555. It can be quite challenging locating an Occupational Therapist. Try the following:

• Ask your health care provider
• Ask your doctor
  
• Click on just click local, type in your city and state and scroll down to "local listings"
  
• Check beliefnet and type in your zip code
  
• Contact your State Directory of Occupational Therapists