Occupational therapists (OTs) all over the world assist patients by helping them participate in the activities of everyday life. According to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, these healthcare professionals use client-centered therapy that modifies environments so the patient is able to do the things they want and therefore live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
An OT might work with a patient who is unable to do things due to a health condition or impairment. By working with these individuals, OTs help a person take part in the occupations they want or need to do, therefore improving their physical, social and cognitive abilities. They make excellent contributions to the community by helping disabled children participate in school programs and social activities, assist older adults in dealing with the changes that come with aging and helping injured people regain skills.
Because occupational therapy plays such an essential role in the healthcare profession and in the lives of so many patients, April has been named Occupational Therapy Month. It is a time to celebrate and appreciate occupational therapists working to improve the lives of patients and to promote the occupational therapy profession.
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) provides a variety of ways a person can promote occupational therapy this month. An OT can take pictures of him or herself caring for patients and make a bulletin board for the local hospital or school, or could post the pictures on a social media website for all to enjoy. Social media is a great way to get the word out about the profession and encourage others to become an occupational therapist or travel occupational therapist. The source suggests people also use the hashtag #OTMonth on Twitter and link the tweet to a blog about OT.
Anyone who has ever worked with, for or as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant should consider ways they can celebrate the profession this month and all year long. For example, the AOTA offers a catalog of OT Month gifts that could be given out at special events and to patients.