According to the AOTA, Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent (or live better with) illness, injury or disability. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with people of all ages who, because of physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems, need specialized assistance to lead productive and satisfying lives. Occupational Therapy differs from physical therapy, because OT deals not just with muscles and bones and injuries. OT deals in the practice of teaching patients how to live their own life to the fullest capacity!
Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Delaware, like most other states, also regulates occupational therapy practice. In today's health care and social landscape, occupational therapy practitioners work in the following six broad areas of practice.
- Children and Youth
- Health and Wellness
- Mental Health
- Productive Aging
- Rehabilitation, Disability and Participation
- Work and Industry
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