Introduction
Occupational Therapy addresses the needs and desires of individuals to participate in occupations and activities that are meaningful to their lives. The focus is to enable individuals and groups to participate in every day occupations that:
- are meaningful to them
- provide fulfillment
- engage them in everyday life with others
Occupation forms the cornerstone of Occupational Therapy evaluation and intervention. Occupational therapists help their clients to develop or adapt their abilities to allow for meaningful participation in occupations and activities across all life settings including home, school, workplace, and community.
Occupational therapy is based on the premise that participation in everyday occupations:
- Is vital for all human beings
- Has a positive impact on health and well-being
- Assists acquisition of skills and competencies throughout a lifetime
- Allows for connection with others and the community
- Gives meaning to our lives
How Occupational Therapy Works
Children and adults have or develop health conditions that significantly
affect their ability to manage their daily lives. With the help of occupational
therapy many of these individuals can achieve or regain a higher level of
independence. When skill can not be developed or improved occupational therapy
offers creative solutions and alternatives for carrying our daily activities.
NOTE: UW LEND Long-Term Trainees: Fill out Survey of Completion for each training module viewed.
Center on Human Development and Disability,
Clinical Training Unit, University of Washington,
Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195-7920 lend@uw.edu