What is an "Occupation?"

When occupational therapists use the term "occupation" they are not just talking about a job/profession (for example: "what is your occupation?"). They
are also referring to the ordinary activities that people engage in as part of their daily lives. Occupations involve mental abilities as well as physical acts
and are purposeful and meaningful for the individual. Planning a picnic is as much an occupation as riding a bicycle.
Therapists use occupation as a therapeutic tool. For example, a person who participates in gardening and sees themselves as a gardener would find it
meaningful and goal-oriented to engage in this activity during therapy. This occupation of gardening could be utilized during therapy to work on skills
such as hand-coordination, sequencing skills, and also as a "means" for bringing about a change in performance.

 

Areas of occupation include:


• Activities of daily living
  
  • Example: bathing, dressing, eating, etc.
    Instrumental activities of daily living
    
  • Example: meal preparation, shopping, community mobility, caring for others, etc.
    
  • Education
    Example: participating in a learning environment
    
  • Work
    Example: employment seeking, job performance, volunteering, etc.
    
  • Play
    Example: exploration and participation in activities that provide enjoyment, etc.
    
  • Leisure
    Example: exploration and participation in activities that motivate and engage a person
    
  • Social participation
    Example: interacting with the community, family, friends, etc.

What is the DEFINITION OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy:
"is a client-centered approach to achieve everyday health through functional activities,"
"assists people of all ages with disabilities to become independent in their daily activities,"
"provides you with a balance of independence at home, at work, and at play," and
"teaches skills for the job of living."

Occupational Therapists can work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home care programs, day treatment facilities,
psychiatric centers, and more...