World OT Day is October 27th
Occupational therapy is a health care profession that works with individuals across the lifespan to enable participation in life’s “occupations.” Occupational Therapists (OTs) enhance children and adults abilities to engage in daily roles and activities that are both important and necessary to each individual.
In celebration of World Occupational Therapy Day here are a few fun facts about OT:
Did you know …
– “Occupation” does not just mean formal employment. Occupations include any and all meaningful and necessary activities of daily life, for example: dressing, eating, playing, learning, writing, socializing, shopping, driving, cooking etc!
– OTs work in many settings, including but not limited to: assisted living centers, mental health facilities, schools, hospitals, clinics, communities, and even homes. OTs can specialize in their area of interest and determine which setting is a best fit for them (Ms. Jen’s is pediatrics of course ).
– Occupational Therapy developed in the 20th century surrounding the need for mental health reform. OTs showed the world that through the use of purposeful occupations, individuals were increasingly able to recover from mental illness and lead productive, fulfilling lives. The first “occupation” they did this with was basket weaving!
– OT was officially founded in 1917 by three men and three women… three years before women could even vote #Equality
