History of Occupational Therapy
Final Paper Assignment
OTA 101
April 22, 2013
Reggie Thompson
Abstract
This paper is entitled “What is Occupational Therapy?” This paper will include an in depth definition and meaning of occupational therapy and over view of the profession. Where it began and who helped mold it into the current practice. Also the paper will discuss the various employment settings, the education requirements and the appropriate accreditations as well as the numerous organizations affiliated with the practice of occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy (OT) takes holistic approach rather than a reductionistic view. This allows the therapist to treat the client as a whole and not person comprised of several separate parts. This can help in the therapeutic process. During this process the therapist will utilize useful and creative activities to promote psychological or physical rehabilitation. OT is the use of treatments to develop, recover or maintain the daily living and work skills of clients with physical, cognitive or developmental conditions. It is a client-centered practice that places a high level of importance on progressing towards a client’s goals. Interventions focus on adapting the environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill and educating the client and family members. This will increase participation and the performance of the daily activities. Activities can be performed with individuals or in groups. Employment settings vary and categorized as biological (medical), sociological (social), psychological, all-inclusive, private practice and non-traditional. Hospitals, clinics, worksites (industry), home health, and skilled nursing facilities are examples of biological settings. Schools (public, special visual/hearing impairment, cerebral palsy), day treatment, hippotherapy centers, workshops, Special Olympics, summer camps make up the sociological settings. Institutions (psychiatric/mental
OTA 101
April 22, 2013
Reggie Thompson
Abstract
This paper is entitled “What is Occupational Therapy?” This paper will include an in depth definition and meaning of occupational therapy and over view of the profession. Where it began and who helped mold it into the current practice. Also the paper will discuss the various employment settings, the education requirements and the appropriate accreditations as well as the numerous organizations affiliated with the practice of occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy (OT) takes holistic approach rather than a reductionistic view. This allows the therapist to treat the client as a whole and not person comprised of several separate parts. This can help in the therapeutic process. During this process the therapist will utilize useful and creative activities to promote psychological or physical rehabilitation. OT is the use of treatments to develop, recover or maintain the daily living and work skills of clients with physical, cognitive or developmental conditions. It is a client-centered practice that places a high level of importance on progressing towards a client’s goals. Interventions focus on adapting the environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill and educating the client and family members. This will increase participation and the performance of the daily activities. Activities can be performed with individuals or in groups. Employment settings vary and categorized as biological (medical), sociological (social), psychological, all-inclusive, private practice and non-traditional. Hospitals, clinics, worksites (industry), home health, and skilled nursing facilities are examples of biological settings. Schools (public, special visual/hearing impairment, cerebral palsy), day treatment, hippotherapy centers, workshops, Special Olympics, summer camps make up the sociological settings. Institutions (psychiatric/mental