Every year on October 27th, World Occupational Therapy Day promotes the mission and goals of occupational therapy. The day also increases awareness of occupational therapists and their global impact.
Occupational therapists provide treatment to injured or disabled patients. They also work with children who have special needs or need help in acquiring certain skills. Occupational therapists make recommendations on types of equipment and home modifications necessary for seniors or those with disabilities.
One of the primary goals of occupational therapy is to help patients improve their fine motor skills. Improving these skills helps them to either attain or regain skills necessary for everyday life. Some of these skills might include dressing, brushing their teeth, writing notes, and working on the computer. Occupational therapists also help patients to react appropriately to sensory input. This skill is known as self-regulation. One more goal of an occupational therapist is to improve safety in their patient’s home or primary living space.