AOTA’s Post

What is ‘independence’ and is it relevant to occupational therapy in practice? In this blog we discuss why 'independence' might not always be the priority and can in some instances be a negative. https://hubs.li/Q02dFrX-0

Occupational therapists specialize in rehabilitation and adapting activities of daily life based on each person’s specific needs. Click below to discover the role occupational therapy plays in concussion recovery. #occupationaltherapists #occupationaltherapy #concussion #concussionrecovery

What is Occupational Therapy (OT)? As many of you may know, I am currently working toward receiving my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) at Sacred Heart University. As of this week, I have commenced my level II fieldwork experience at a pediatric outpatient clinic in San Diego, California. As I pursue a future career in this incredible profession, I often receive the following question 一 what is occupational therapy? The reason I struggle to provide a short and concise definition of this profession is because occupational therapy integrates itself into all aspects of daily life in ways that many may not realize. Occupational therapy focuses on the occupations that bring people meaning. These occupations include activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), rest and sleep, health management, work, education, play, social participation, and leisure. Occupational therapists are rehabilitation professionals that prioritize health and well-being in order to promote optimal participation across each of these nine occupations. Occupational therapy is an extremely valuable and meaningful profession in that it makes the values, aspirations, and passions of each client a top priority. Our number one goal is promote participation in the occupations each client needs to do and loves to do in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling. This is exactly why I have chosen to pursue a career in this profession! I encourage every one of you to take the time to educate yourselves on the wonderful world of occupational therapy, and all that this profession has to offer! #SHUOT2024 

Did you know there is much more to consider than accessibility for living safely and comfortably in your own home? 🏠 Occupational therapists can help! To learn more, this article written by OT Catharine Eckersley (Valley to Peak OT Consulting Ltd.) is a great place to start- #OT365

Unlock the world of Occupational Therapy with our latest blog post! Dive deep into understanding the crucial role of Occupational Therapists and how they enhance lives every day. #occupationaltherapy #WellTechPartners #healthcareheroes https://lnkd.in/dqdK4u_t

Has anyone in occupational therapy pondered on or thought about the following questions: What would an examination reveal about the relationship between occupational therapy and Indigenous people? If an examination occurred, how might the occupational therapy profession respond to it? I am growing increasingly concerned that the relationship between Indigenous people and the occupational therapy profession is taking a backward step. Some of these concerns are observed in: 1) the actions, or lack there of, taken by national occupational therapy organisations. In part, some of these issues lie in a process whereby listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has become a substitute for transformative action that is of benefits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 2) deliberately excluding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander OT leaders and/or including them in processes that do not align with Indigenous human rights.  3) the lack of proper Indigenous protocols being observed, honoured and reported in research & scholarly papers. 4) the lack of critique relating to the influence of invasion and colonialism in relation to the concept of occupations and the practice of occupational therapy. I am doing some work in psychology, which is a profession that is actively decolonising itself. And it is via those transformative processes that I am able to make comparisons about what is happening in each of the disciplines. My final questions for my profession include: Are we doing enough in our profession to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel a sense of belonging in our profession, and/or participate in cultural occupations that have meaning ? And if not, what actions will you take to rectify the problem?

Occupational therapy is just one of many services offered by the LIFE program. Abby Riessen, Occupational Therapist at LIFE Villa, discusses how the program can help promote healthy aging in your elderly loved one. #NationalOccupationalTherapyMonth #OccupationalTherapy #HealthyAging

Physical or Occupational Therapy Self-Regulation Activities - https://lnkd.in/gZK3t3bQ #CommunitySTARS #CSTARs4therapy #PediatricTherapy #MakingEverydayDifferences #Love #Life #CulpeperVA

🔵 April is National Occupational Therapy Month 🔵 CNOS Occupational Therapist, Angie Reinhardt, recently sat down with KTIV News 4 for this week's HeathBeat4 segment! “My favorite thing about working in occupational therapy is we get to help people get back to their normal daily activities,” said Reinhardt. “After an injury after severe trauma, disease process, any of those things, people can be very limited on being able to just do their normal things like dressing and bathing and doing their work tasks.” Click the photo below for the full story! #CNOS #ImprovingHealth #OccupationalTherapyMonth #OccupationalTherapy #Therapy #Hand #Wrist #Elbow

Expanding Horizons in Occupational Therapy: Bronwyn Paynter's Journey In our latest Member's Stories, we spotlight Bronwyn Paynter, the Nature OT, whose journey exemplifies the vast potential within occupational therapy. Bronwyn's story is one of transformation - from feeling like she wasn't a 'proper OT' in traditional roles, to pioneering nature-based interventions and advocating for OT in non-traditional settings. Her experience reminds us that occupational therapy is not about doing what we've always done, but about maintaining an occupational focus in innovative ways. Key insights from Bronwyn's journey: - Embracing OT's broad scope of practice: "We actually can work with anyone, anywhere." - Finding confidence in unique approaches: "I've learned to celebrate the kind of OT that I am." - Integrating personal passions into professional practice - Advocating for OT in diverse settings Bronwyn shares, "It's not about doing what we've always done, it's about having an occupational focus on what we're doing." This perspective challenges us to rethink the boundaries of our profession and to celebrate the diverse paths we can take as occupational therapists. Our Member's Stories series, a growing collection of vulnerable, honest and inspiring stories of OTs, illuminates these varied paths within occupational therapy, revealing the profession's expansive potential. These narratives inspire practitioners to embrace their unique journeys, challenge traditional boundaries, and innovate within the field. Have you had moments of wondering if you are a #ProperOT? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Our Stories are usually inspiring and vulnerable stories that live inside the community but in her generosity, Bronwyn has agreed to share her story to you all too. Follow the link [https://lnkd.in/gJ92cTsb] to listen along. #OccupationalTherapy #NatureOT #OTJourney #InnovationInOT #OTCommunity