The theme of this years’ Occupational Therapy Week is “What Does OT Mean To Me?”
So, what does Occupational Therapy mean to me? OT is very a multi-faceted profession and defining it in one sentence is not easy however to me it means – helping people “do” the activities they need and want to perform, and in doing so increasing their functional independence and sense of well-being.
As an OT, working in Hand Therapy is very rewarding. Our hands are our most functional tool and help us to engage with our environment – whether that be getting dressed, operating machinery, building a house, gardening or wielding a paint brush. Even with a permanent hand injury or loss of function, Hand Therapists can assist those to adapt to be able to perform tasks and activities independently and safely which is OT at its core.
I am a creative person by nature and working in Hand Therapy allows me to be creative not only in problem solving with clients to achieve their functional goals, but also in the practical sense in the making of customised splints whether that be with thermoplastic or with neoprene on the sewing machine.
It’s a bit of joke that in my spare time I am a weaver of natural fibres as historically “basket weaving” may have been one of the most useful therapeutic modalities in Occupational Therapy! I have recently had my natural fibre weaving works exhibited in the Walcha Gallery which was very exciting for me as an “emerging” artist.
I love being an OT and am very grateful for all the opportunities it has provided me with and also all the amazing people I have met along the way.
What does OT mean to me? Reflecting on this question for OT week this year, I am grateful that my career has allowed me the opportunity to make a difference in the life of others. OT’s have the ability to work in a variety of roles in which they use their skills to support others to meet their goals and engage in meaningful activities; helping people to achieve what they want and need to do in life.
Becoming an OT has allowed me to work in a field that I am so passionate about – Hand Therapy. As a Hand Therapist I have the joy of helping others every day. Our hands are our connection to the world around us, they are the tools with which we can explore and manipulate our environment. Helping people to recover from acute hand injuries or adapt to chronic/permanent injuries is OT at its core.
Hand Therapy is often described as a mix of art and science. I love that I get to be creative in both problem solving and creating custom supports to assist people to achieve their goals. It is a privilege to be both an OT and a Hand Therapist and to be a part of so many people’s journeys, helping them to live meaningful lives
Happy OT Week!!