Occupational Therapy Australia describes occupational therapists as qualified health professionals working with individuals of all ages and abilities to “do the things they need and want to in all aspects of life, such as taking care of oneself and others, working, volunteering, and participating in hobbies, interests and social events. Occupational therapists call these things occupations”. The main goal of occupational therapy is therefore to support and enable people to participate in the occupations of everyday life.

For people with physical disabilities, occupational therapists can assist you to determine what everyday tasks (occupations) are important to you, what difficulties you may have in completing these tasks and determine ways to support you to be as independent as possible – this can include recommending strategies to complete the task, e.g. dressing, bathing; prescribing equipment to assist you in completing the daily tasks; assessing and providing recommendations to allow you to access school, TAFE, employment.

For more information:

Online: https://www.otaus.com.au/ to find out more about how occupational therapists can help people.

Online: https://www.waota.com.au/ to find out more about occupational therapy and where to find an occupational therapist within Western Australia.