fUTure OT2B

The OTPF is the occupational therapy practice framework which guides our profession. It includes domains, or areas of occupation such as ADLS, iADLS, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. It also includes client factors such as values, beliefs, spirituality, body functions, or body structures. It supports a top down approach, which basically means that the WHOLE client is looked at and they are not just a hip replacement or knee surgery patient. In the OTPF, occupations can be almost anything that the client finds meaningful and are shaped by client factors, performance skills,  and performance patterns. It is very client centered and takes into consideration the things that the client finds meaningful and important in their life. It defines the overall focus of OT as "achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupation". Engagement supports  health and well being in every aspect of life and helps client...

Learning about occupational therapy in each decade was a unique experience that gave me a different outlook on our profession. There was one common theme throughout all of these decades and that was service. Occupational therapists have always strived to help others and are focused on servant leadership, an aspect that is unique in our profession. One aspect I thought was interesting was that after the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers, OTs helped people impacted get back to work. I have always known that OT had strong ties to mental health but it is interesting that after a national crisis we served such an important role. I also liked that in the 1980s presentation, it was demonstrated that OTs can use just about anything for therapy..including a Mr. Potato Head. I love that the profession focuses so much on client's abilities and interests instead of what they cannot do. Each era was different but the presentations demonstrated that occupational therapists have always strived to h...

Since being about 15 years old, I have always wanted to work with children. I spent all of my extra time babysitting, continuing this through college to make extra money. When I got to college I decided to major in therapeutic recreation in hopes of eventually becoming an OT. As I was doing my TR internships I always gravitated towards pediatrics. I was lucky enough to be able to shadow an occupational therapist who worked in a pediatric setting for 120 hours and absolutely fell in love, and fell even deeper after attending camps for children with disabilities.  This being said, I would absolutely love to get board certified in pediatrics. After looking farther into this, I see that the prerequisites are five years of experience as an OT, 5,000 hours in certification area within the past five years, 500 hours of delivering OT services within the past 5 years, verification of employment, and an application process including a portfolio. I like that this process equips practitio...