Opening Statement:
Occupational therapy was one of the many therapies I had early on in life and while I was attending kindergarten through the 6th grade. For those who are not familiar with OT, one of the many things it helps is your fine motor skills e.g., getting dressed, holding a pencil, picking up objects, etc. Putting it more simply, anything to do with an occupation and easy day to day things that all of us take for granted. During this month we honor and promote the importance of occupational therapy and pay a tribute to the superheroes who help individuals get back on their feet after anything catastrophic (accident, stroke, heart attack etc.) or to help and support premature babies and children to get started in life! Celebrated in the month of April, Occupational Therapy Month is all about celebrating the holistic approach that OT has brought to healthcare. Celebrating the importance of this profession, it is also about celebrating the incredible achievements of their clients/patients, and the small steps they take to achieve the things they want and need to do either in the workplace or at home.
History Of Occupational Therapy Month
· Occupational Therapy Month was initiated in 1980 in accordance with the annual conference and expo for the American Occupational Therapy Association. But the history of occupational therapy itself is about 100 years old.
· The first instance of occupational therapy dates back to 100 B.C. to treat patients with mental- or emotional disorders. Back then, there was no name for the practice, though. A Greek physician, Asclepiades used massages, exercises, baths, and music to heal stress and soothe patients’ minds. There was another Greek physician, Celsus, who used conversation, travel, and music to treat his patients.
· During the 1800s, the benefits of occupational therapy were becoming more and more acknowledged and understood, and the practice was encouraged. William Rush Dunton Jr. was a strong proponent of occupational therapy and, eventually, he founded the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, which is now called the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Dunton Jr. is known as ‘the father of OT’ as he published the first account of occupational therapy as a profession.
· Until then, although OT was a holistic approach and there was no evidence-based practice, treatments were provided to those with severe mental health issues by promoting engagement in meaningful tasks. In 1915, Eleanor Clarke Slagle, who later came to be known as ‘the mother of OT’, organized the first educational program for occupational therapists. This was a major turning point in OT’s development as a profession and it started to be recognized as a distinct medical field.
Occupational Therapy Month Timeline
1. 1915 - School for Occupational Therapists
a. The first school for occupational therapists is established in Chicago by Eleanor Clarke Slagle.
2. 1921 - OT as a Profession
a. The profession of occupational therapy is officially named.
3. 1945 - Exam to Register as OT Practitioner
a. Completion of an examination is required to register as an OT practitioner.
4. 1947 - Textbook on Occupational Therapy
a. The first edition of Willard and Spackman's “Occupational Therapy” textbook is published, which came to be known as the ‘Bible’ of occupational therapy.
How To Observe Occupational Therapy Month
1. Acknowledge the efforts of OT practitioners
a. Take this day as an opportunity to thank occupational therapists who are bringing light to people’s lives and helping them lead a normal life. You can write a brief letter of gratitude or thank you notes or, alternatively, you can turn to social media to acknowledge the OT practitioners. Either way, this will surely bring a smile to their faces!
2. Educate yourself about the profession
a. OT Month can be a perfect time to learn about the holistic benefits of occupational therapy. You can search for resources on what OT practitioners do, how they are trained, the scope of the profession, and the rationale behind their interventions. We are sure you’ll find lots of interesting information.
3. Spread the word
a. Promote occupational therapy and let more people know about the wonders of it. Share information with your friends and colleagues. Use the power of social media to spread the word and don’t forget to use the hashtag #OTMonth!
Occupational Therapy Month Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some examples of occupational therapy?
a. Occupational therapy entails our everyday basic routines like getting dressed, organizing a backpack, holding a pencil, writing, copying notes, throwing, and catching, etc.
2. What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
a. Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, mobility, and function, while occupational therapy focuses on helping a person perform daily tasks more easily.
3. When should I see an OT?
a. According to WebMD, “This type of treatment can help if you have pain, injury, illness, or a disability that makes it hard for you to do your job or schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, or take part in activities. Occupational therapy (OT) teaches you how to adapt.”
Closing Statement:
Currently, at the age of 25, I’m now in need of additional occupational therapy to help and support me with learning how to drive. In December of 2022, I passed my NJ knowledge test for my drivers permit. I had only two behind the wheel instruction lessons with a driving school but did not do so well behind the wheel. It was highly recommended for me to seek an occupational therapist to evaluate if I can truly drive safely and be road ready to drive. Honestly, I do not feel ashamed at all that I need additional OT because I truly want to learn how to drive and be independent. I probably will never be able to drive long distances but driving around locally to the store, meeting a friend at a restaurant, or driving myself to one of my art exhibit receptions would be great!
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Personal Experience
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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