How do occupational therapists help people

Some occupational therapists assist in cases where people are pursuing a civil claim for personal injury resulting from an accident or negligence. Occupational therapists who undertake this work are known as medico-legal practitioners. Their role is to assist the Court by undertaking an objective assessment of how the person making the claim has been affected. The occupational therapist will advise - and often give evidence as an expert witnesses in Court - on the rehabilitation and life-long special arrangements, care and equipment needed and associated costs.

This helps the Court decide the compensation award. Occupational therapists may be instructed by either the claimant's or defendant's lawyers; or jointly instructed by both. Occupational therapists are often appointed as case managers for people who need help with managing their lives after sustaining a serious injury e. The case manager co-ordinates all the different services and expert help the person needs.

This can involve helping them find a new home or adapt their existing one, access education or find new employment opportunities. Some occupational therapists help people whose ability to function at work has been affected by illness or disability. Occupational therapists can help elderly people lead active and independent lives.

Occupational therapists may support people with mental health conditions or learning difficulties by helping them cope with daily life. They may help people with learning difficulties to develop life skills e. Or they may help people living with a mental illness to develop strategies to help them manage their condition.

For kids, therapy at school might focus on school-related tasks like writing. Private OT might focus more on self-care routines. When kids see improvement it can boost their self-esteem. Learn about some of the ways occupational therapists work with kids. Some kids may qualify for free OT services at school. That usually happens through a special education plan called an IEP. The evaluation looks at strengths and challenges in many areas.

Occupational therapists do the part that looks at motor skills. Learn how to request an evaluation. Watch an occupational therapist describe the OT evaluation process. At first, he would just sit there quietly, taking things in.

But by middle school, he began to be more vocal about his needs. Share What is occupational therapy? Podcast Wunder community app. Main menu Our work Blog Surveys and research.

Join our team Privacy policy Terms of use Fundraising disclosure Sitemap. At a Glance Occupational therapy OT is a treatment to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination.

It helps kids and adults who struggle with everyday tasks like writing or getting dressed. Occupational therapists work in many different settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, private practices.

Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Occupational Therapy? With OT, kids can: Develop fine motor skills so they can grasp and release toys and develop good handwriting or computer skills. Improve eye—hand coordination so they can play and do needed school skills such as bat a ball and copy from a blackboard. Master basic life skills such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and self-feeding. Learn positive behaviors and social skills by practicing how they manage frustration and anger.

Get special equipment to help build their independence. These include wheelchairs, splints, bathing equipment, dressing devices, and communication aids.

Who Might Need Occupational Therapy?