www.aota.org

The American OccupationalTherapy Association

TM

representsthe interests and concerns of morethan 140,000 occupational therapists,occupational therapy assistants, andstudents nationwide.As wemovetoward our centennial celebrationin 2017, AOTA remains focused onpromoting the professional develop-ment ofmembers and assuring thatconsumers have access to qualityservices so they can maximize theirindividual potential and live life toits fullest.

Your Role In ExpandingThe Potential Of Each DayWith Occupational Therapy

The aspirational goalbehind Living Life ToIts FullestTM speaksto who people are andwhat they want to do.It also sets the path forwhere our professionstands as we continueto grow and fulfill our potential.When occupational therapy saysthe impossible is possible, we arehelping people live life to itsfullest.When occupational therapysets goals for people who feltthose goals were beyond theirreach, we are helping them livelife to its fullest.

When SpeakingWithOTHER Professionals

Be sure to remind fellow professionalsthat occupational therapy:

� Is a science-driven, evidence-basedprofession.

� Hasas itsmissionto increaseaperson’sability to function at the highestpossible level.

� Is provided in amultitude of settingsand is customizedtopeopleofall ages.

� Is expected to grow significantlyover the coming years tomeetconsumer desire to be empoweredto live life to its fullest.

Living Life To Its FullestTM

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“Living Life To Its FullestTM

” IsAlso About Letting PeopleKnowYouWill HelpThemThrive

It may be helpful to tell clients andfamilies that OT:

� Takes into account the completeperson, including his or her psycho-logical, physical, emotional andsocialmakeup.

� Uses everyday activities as themeans to develop the skills thatwill enable a person to get beyondhis or her disabilityor limitations.

� Helps a person buildhealthy habits androutines.

Focusing on Goals

When you are making sure your clientunderstands what your role is as theiroccupational therapy provider, offerthe following examples of what“Living LifeTo Its FullestTM”may meanto them.This can include:

� Achieving their goals.

� Functioning at the highest possiblelevel.

� Maintaining or rebuilding theirindependence.

� Participating in the everydayactivities that they need to do or thatsimplymake life worth living.

Most of all, assure them that togetheryou will concentrate on what mattersmost to them.

Defining Occupational Therapy

In defining occupational therapy, letyour clients and their families knowthat most of us will need occupationaltherapy at some point in our lives.This means our friends, neighbors,parents, spouses or children.

� Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based professionthat enables people of all ages tolive life to its fullest by helping thempromote health and prevent – orlive better with – illness, injury ordisability.

Tell them thatworking together youwill:

� Design strategies for everyday livingand customize environments todevelopandmaximize their potential.

You are the mostimportant ambassadorfor explaining howoccupational therapyhelps people engagein Living LifeTo ItsFullest

TM

.This walletguide has been prepared to help youspread the meaning of that phrase andan understanding of our professionas you interact with your clients andtheir families.

It is critical to keep in mind that withinour profession there are variations inhow“what we do” is defined. Hence,this guide offers you a clear andprecise way to communicate clearlyto the public just “what occupationaltherapy is all about.”

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