Occupational therapists are regulated health professionals who enable people to participate in everyday activities, at home and in the community. These activities may include self-care, leisure, education, home management, volunteering and work. Barriers to participation may be due to a change in function because of an illness or disability, or they may be due to the social, institutional or physical environment.

Occupational therapists assess and evaluate ‘occupational performance’ which is the individual’s ability to choose, organize, and effectively and safely perform everyday activities.

Together with the client, they develop a plan to enhance, maintain or restore occupational performance and health. This may include:

• training, education and counseling;
• obtaining aids and specialized equipment; and/or
• evaluating and modifying the home, school or work environments.

In addition to direct care to individuals of all ages, occupational therapists may also work with groups and communities assuming the role of researcher, educator, manager, consultant, advocate and/or program planner.

Occupational therapists may provide services where clients live, play or work. People may also receive occupational therapy in settings such as hospitals, schools, care facilities, community care centres, mental health facilities, clinics, employment and training centres, and private practice offices.