October is Occupational Therapy Month, with World Occupational Therapy Day falling on the 27th. During this time, we take time to recognize the important contributions that these healthcare workers have made not only on our work at CMHA York Region and South Simcoe (YR/SS), but around the world, in helping people continue to participate in the activities that mean the most to them.
In honour of Occupational Therapists everywhere, we thought we’d take the time to explain what Occupational Therapists do, as well as introduce you to two amazing members of our Occupational Therapy Team here at CMHA YR/SS.
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
According to Occupational Therapy Ontario, these healthcare professionals help others perform the skills necessary to live fully, when abilities have been lost as a result of injury, chronic disease, developmental delays, learning problems, aging, or in the case of our work here at CMHA mental illness.
Occupational Therapists can work in a wide range of locations, including home and community care, institutions, businesses and at the governmental level. Although the role that Occupational Therapists play varies greatly upon position, they often work to:
- Help people maintain function so they can continue to live independently or with minimal support.
- Assist individuals in regaining skills that can help them reintegrate back into their personal lives, work or the community.
- Teach others new ways of doing things.
- Come up with therapy solutions and help people develop new skills that will meet the needs of the individual that they are serving.
Check out this video, Because of Occupational Therapy I Can, to learn more about how Occupational Therapists make a huge difference in the lives of people they assist.
