Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals with physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling conditions to recover and improve daily living and work skills. They help patients to enhance basic motor functions and reasoning abilities. They also help patients to compensate for permanent loss of function. Their goal is to enable patients to achieve independent, productive and satisfying lives. When ability is diminished or impaired, OTs work to restore performance in everyday life activities including self-care, leisure and work. For those with permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, occupational therapists develop ways for patients to accomplish tasks through compensation and modified actions. They provide adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, splints, and aids for eating and dressing. They also design special equipment to help the patient function at home or work.