What is the OTPF?

The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, or OTPF, is a client-centered care document that helps occupational therapy practitioners, students, educators, and other health care professionals to use language and constructs of occupation to serve clients as well as educate consumers. The OTPF includes occupations, client factors, performance skills, performance patterns, and context and environment. It's purpose is to have a common knowledge and understanding of the basic principles or beliefs of occupational therapy and be able to assist clients in the most appropriate and effective way possible.

OT's from Different Eras

Today while listening to the class presentations about the different era's from the 1940's all the way up til today, I never knew there was such a need for occupational therapists. From World War II, to 9-11, and even today, occupational therapy is needed in every aspect. One thing I learned today that will shape my experience about OT is that there will always be a need for occupational therapists. In schools, in the workplace, in hospitals, and everywhere. Occupational therapists can be someone's light when they feel in the dark. Occupational therapists are the reason that their clients have confidence in themselves when they feel like they have none. I saw this in the 2010's group presentation and that will forever stick with me because it made me realize how fortunate I am to be working towards a profession where I can be that positive, caring, and empathetic person in someone else's life and that's what drives me towards my ultimate goal of becoming an occupational therapist.

"What Matters to You?"

31 days into OT school and to say it has been a whirlwind of emotions would be an understatement. In the short 31 days, I have learned so much about what OT really is, although I thought I already knew exactly what it was. Every time someone asked me what I was going to school for, I would respond with "Occupational therapy" where they would reply with, "How is that related to physical therapy?" and I am ashamed to say that it was difficult for me to describe it. I knew what it was because it was obviously it was a profession that I had fallen in love with through many hours of observation and internships. Many people assume that occupational therapists "only work with old people" or "play with kids all day." Although geriatrics and pediatrics are both groups of people that occupational therapists work with, OT's work with people all across the lifespan. Occupational therapists find a need a fill it. Instead of asking "What's the matter with you?" OT's ask "What matters to you?" Something I think is important for people to know about occupational therapy is that it is a client-centered practice. An occupational therapist's goal for the client is to understand what is important to them and they help them to set and reach goals that are meaningful to their everyday life. I am so excited to continue my education and I look forward to being able to help individuals regain their independence and be able to engage in the things they love.