What is the role of an Occupational Therapist (OT)?

The role of an Occupational Therapist (OT) primarily involves helping individuals who are experiencing difficulties due to disabilities or other health conditions to adapt and engage in daily activities. This includes assessing the individual's needs and creating tailored strategies and interventions that enable them to improve their functional abilities and enhance their quality of life.

Occupational therapists focus on promoting independence through various approaches, such as recommending adaptive equipment, modifying environments, and teaching skills that allow for better participation in work, self-care, and leisure activities. Their goal is often to empower individuals to lead more fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by their disabilities.

In contrast, roles such as administering medications, diagnosing medical conditions, and coordinating care plans fall outside the scope of practice for occupational therapists. These responsibilities are typically associated with nursing and medical professionals. The focus of an OT distinctly centers on rehabilitation and skill enhancement, making adaptation to disabilities their central role.