OCCUPATION: MORE THAN A JOB!

When students tell family and friends they are going to study OT, they often hear, "Does it have to do with someones job?" Or worse, "Is it like physical therapy." 

The term occupation is often associated with one's profession or job. The term has had a limiting influence upon the profession since its inception. Unfortunately, the profession has not made an adequate commitment to letting the public know how unique it is. 

All OT practitioners must take this task to heart. We must each be able to clearly define the profession and the scope of its practice. We should also be able to do this without referencing other disciplines.

By now, you all know my simple definition: 

Occupational therapy can help a person do anything they need to do from the time they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed.

I want to revise that definition: 

Occupational therapy can help you do anything you need to do. 24/7. 

The older definition inadvertently left out sleep and rest, an occupation of significance identified in the OT Practice Framework III.

What is your role in promoting the profession? Think abut everyone you come in contact with throughout the day. Every interaction is a potential opportunity to promote the profession by being an "ambassador" representing OT. 

PromOTing Occupational Therapy: Words, Images, and Actions

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Give examples of how YOU have promoted the profession in the clinical setting you are in. 

How does the OT department you are working in educate others in that setting? You will likely see examples of this throughout the day but it may be worth asking your supervisor what "formal" activities they may do at other times which are focused on promoting OT.  

Describe an idea how you could effectively promote OT in your setting or to the public.