1. What IS Occupational Therapy? That's a question any OT is
used to hearing!
Most people think occupational therapy is about getting
people back to work following an injury, or designing
functional work spaces and workstations because of the word
“occupation” in the term.
While this is an important part of what occupational therapists
do, their scope is actually much broader.
How To Provide Solutions For Living
An OT Knows...
Follow our guide to answer the question:
"What is Occupational Therapy" and learn the amazing
ways OT's help provide Solutions For Living.

2. What Is Occupational Therapy?
The Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists defines Occupational therapy as:
"the art and science of enabling engagement
in everyday living, through occupation; of
enabling people to perform the occupations
that foster health and well-being; and of
enabling a just and inclusive society so that
all people may participate to their potential
in the daily occupations of life.
Simply defined: Occupational Therapy
provides "Solutions For Living."

3. An Occupation Means More Than Your Career
Furthermore, CAOT defines an "occupation" as:
" ...much more than a chosen career.
Occupation refers to everything that people do
during the course of everyday life. Each of us
have many occupations that are essential to
our health and well-being. Occupational
therapists believe that occupations describe
who you are and how you feel about yourself.
A child, for example, might have occupations
as a student, a playmate, a dancer and a table-
setter."
In the following guide we will highlight some of
the key areas in which OT works to change lives
by providing solutions for living.

4. 1
Solutions For Seniors
Occupational Therapists assist Seniors
with:
- fall prevention education
- home modifications
- equipment and device prescription
- aging in place education
- home safety training and education
- memory and cognition training and
assistance
- safe driving and CarFit training and
education
- keeping senior's social and active
through diet and activity suggestions

5. Solutions For Children
2
Occupational Therapists assist children
and their families with:
- sensory processing disorders
- Autism Spectrum disorders
- learning disabilities
- handwriting and printing difficulties
- gross and fine motor development
- social skills
- community safety skills
- transitioning to adulthood
- nutrition, feeding and picky eating
difficulties

6. Solutions For the Workplace
3
Occupational Therapists assist employers
and employees with:
- ergonomic assessments and education
- workplace wellness education and
programs
- physical demands analysis
- cognitive demands analysis
- return to work planning and coordination

7. Solutions for Legal Professionals
4
Occupational Therapists assist lawyers and
legal professionals with:
- completing future cost of care assessments
- assisting the legal team in their processes
to achieve best outcomes
- providing objective and non-biased
assessments
- acting as "expert witnesses" as required
- providing treatment for maximum recovery
- coordinating return to work, school or
leisure activities

8. In the end remember that each person and each environment
requires a unique solution to any given situation. Seek the services
of an Occupational Therapist if you or someone you love has a
functional problem to solve.
Sources:
http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=1344