Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession focused on enabling people to participate fully in all areas of life, from self-care and education to work, leisure, and community engagement. Occupational therapists support individuals of all ages and abilities, including those with chronic conditions, injuries, developmental delays, or disabilities.

While many occupational therapists support people with disabilities, some therapists themselves live with disabilities — and this lived experience can be a unique and powerful asset in clinical practice.

What Occupational Therapists Do

Occupational therapists assess and support a person’s ability to participate in meaningful activities (“occupations”) by addressing physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental barriers. They provide strategies, education, adaptive equipment, and environment modifications to help clients achieve independence and quality of life goals.

These services apply across the lifespan and occur in many settings including hospitals, clinics, community spaces, schools, and in clients’ homes.