World Occupational Therapy Day Celebrated

World Occupational Therapy Day was marked yesterday [Oct 27] with a theme of “Opportunity + Choice = Justice.”

A spokesperson said, “‘Occupational Therapy Day was first launched on 27th October 2010. Since then, it has become an important date in the occupational therapy calendar to promote and celebrate the profession internationally, according to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists [WFOT].

“The Bermuda Occupational Therapy Association [BOTA], an associate member of WFOT, is the international voice of the occupational therapy profession which globally comprises 107 national occupational therapy professional organizations. Our local association has joined other professional organizations internationally in the opportunity to heighten the visibility of the profession’s development work and to promote the activities of WFOT on World Occupational Therapy Day.

“The theme for this year is ‘Opportunity + Choice = Justice.’

What is Occupational Therapy?

“Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement, according to the WFOT.

Where Do They Work?

“Occupational therapists work with all ages and in a variety of areas and environments. We may be employed at hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, schools, in the community and in the private sector. In Bermuda, many occupational therapists offer their services at:

• The Bermuda Hospitals Board at both KEMH and MWI

• The Department of Health Community Rehabilitation Services providing intervention through early intervention [birth to 3], school-aged students, as well as seniors in the community

• Private practice offering a variety of much needed service to Bermuda.

What To Expect?

“When you meet with an occupational therapist it may be because you are experiencing illness or disability or recovering from a medical event. They will work closely with you evaluating and helping you to understand your abilities and goals. You will receive therapy based on this evaluation which outlines methods and recommendations in order for you to carry out your personal goals and your daily activities.

“This may include adapting your home environment to ensure you can move around safely, providing assistance to a student in the classroom that has difficulty managing their class work, working with you to regain your ability to get out of bed and to dress yourself and they may even help with performing risk assessments for driving!

“In summary, occupational therapy is everywhere and can help anyone who needs us. We are healthcare professionals that help to enable you do what you want and need to do in your everyday life.

“Bermuda please join us in celebrating our 34 registered occupational therapists this year.”

#Health

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