Occupational therapists help people of all ages regain, develop, or master
everyday skills in order to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
Occupational therapists assess clients with physical and mental challenges in
order to develop activities of daily living (ADL) that work best for those
clients. For a client with a physical disability, the first focus is on
performing critical daily routines, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and
eating. Once these skills are mastered, a program is then built around the
skills needed to perform tasks such as participating in education, caring for a
home and family, or seeking and maintaining employment.
For a client with mental illness, the goals are also based on the ability to
function independently. In treating mental or emotional challenges, the
occupational therapy program focuses on areas such as managing time, working
productively with others, and enjoying leisure.
(American Occupational Therapy Association, 2007)