Occupational Therapy Month 2020

April showers may bring May flowers, but it also brings Occupational Therapy Month! Every year during the month of April people all over the United States celebrate National Occupational Therapy Month. During this month the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) wants to spread awareness about the importance of the Occupational Therapy profession.

For those of you who are not aware, Occupational Therapy is a form of therapy for those recovering from physical or mental illness. Once a patient is evaluated, a plan of care for rehabilitation is created. Within this therapy patients are rehabilitated through activities that simulate everyday activities. For example, a patient may be told to twist a tool through hand putty to simulate turning a key. Each activity is specifically designed to help patients live their lives to their fullest ability regardless of disability, injury, or illness.

Occupational Therapists are often found working in schools, prisons, work programs as well as private industries and organizations. Occupational therapy services typically include individualized evaluation, customized intervention and outcomes evaluation. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school. It is also common in social situations because it helps people recovering from injury regain their social skills. This therapy also provides support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Occupational Therapists focus on adapting their patient’s environment or task to fit the patient they are working with. This amazing therapy is great for people for all ages as is can allow people to live their life to their fullest.

For more information on Occupational Therapy Month, click here.

Article written by William Graves.