People of all ages with various physical and mental disorders are helped to overcome barriers to occupational performance. OTs help individuals to adapt to environments and they also adapt environments to individuals. The work of occupational therapists focuses on decreasing the impact of disability and enhancing quality of life. We are guided by the belief that quality of life, which includes health, is affected by the nature and pattern of activities in which persons engage. The goal of occupational therapy is to facilitate occupational performance through engagement in activities or occupations that are meaningful to the individual.
Intervention is focused on the person, the environment and interaction between the two.
This person-environment interaction occurs within the context of the lifespan and changing life roles. PT is a professional health discipline that is directed towards the prevention or alleviation of movement dysfunction, and towards the enhancement of physical capacity. Exercise, therapeutic modalities and consultative strategies are used to maximize function. The job market continues to be quite good. With the shift in health care from hospital to community, OTs are well placed to work in many different settings.