What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy focuses on helping individuals to be able to complete their meaningful occupations. An occupation can be any activity that occupies one’s time, including things one wants to, needs to or is expected to do. Occupational Therapy is provided by registered health professionals, occupational therapists (OT), who have completed additional training in the study of occupational therapy, often a Master’s of Science degree in Ontario. OT’s look to create an improved “fit” between the person, occupation and environment to improve participation in daily activities. This can range from:

• Components of the “Person”, where skill building and teaching can continue to happen. Looking holistically can include addressing physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual components of the person.

• Components of the “Occupation”, where adaptation and compensation may be made to create a better fit for the individual. Occupations can range from self care, productivity or leisure activities

• Components of the “Environment”, where adaptation and compensation may be made to create a better fit. OT’s can look at the physical, social, cultural and institutional environment.