The occupational therapy profession fosters goal-directed activity and purposeful use of time in daily life.

Patients referred for occupational therapy are evaluated to determine their interests, daily routines, goals, sense of competency, and level of skill in achieving daily activities. Therapy is then designed to maintain or restore daily life tasks and minimize the effects of disability through adaptation. Therapists work both in the areas of research and clinical care.

Occupational therapy is indicated for people with:

• a delay in developmental milestones

• difficulties in performing self-care, household or job-related roles due to pain, decreased range of motion, fatigue, weakness, problems with sensation, coordination, perception, or thought/memory

• limitations in meaningful activity due to architectural barriers in the home or community

• mental health difficulties and/or problems with community living skills

• a need for information regarding wheelchairs, motorized scooters, or other adaptive equipment to improve quality of life and enhance abilities

• a need for upper extremity orthotics (braces) or prosthetics