About
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that provides services to individuals of all ages whose lives have been disrupted by physical injury or illness, developmental problems, the aging process, or social or psychological difficulties.
Occupational therapists (OTs) evaluate people’s abilities to perform the everyday tasks they need to do (toileting, dressing); are required to do (data entry, tool and die machine repair, change diapers); or want to do (play cards). When task performance is too difficult, painful, or cannot be accomplished at all, occupational therapists modify or simplify the tasks; adapt tools, objects, or environments; or match technologies to people’s needs and preferences—enabling more independent, safe, and adequate task performance. OTs work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, schools, people’s homes, and work sites. They also work closely with families and caregivers to teach them the best methods to assist those for whom they care.