Being self-sufficient in everyday life contributes to a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Occupational therapists – also called OTs – help people develop…recover… and improve their self-sufficiency and the ability to enjoy work and daily activities…more fully. Patients typically seek out the help of OTs due to disability, illness, injury, or mental health issues. They help patients with daily life activities such as feeding themselves, getting ready for work without assistance, using public transportation, and participating in school. OTs work with their patients to identify goals for treatment, then create treatment plans to reach them. Occupational therapists evaluate patients’ homes and workplaces to find ways to better prepare the environment for their needs; for example, labeling cabinets or removing fall hazards. They often educate a patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate the person’s needs, and document patients’ progress throughout the treatment. These therapists work at hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes. They spend a lot of time on their feet, and may lift or move patients. Many travel to meet patients in different settings, and may work evenings and weekends. Being supportive and enthusiastic are important personal qualities for OTs. A master’s degree and a license are required to enter the field; though some positions require a doctoral-level degree. Occupational therapy is often a demanding career, but it’s one that offers a rich reward— helping people lead more active and independent lives.
What they do:
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
On the job, you would:
Teach cane skills including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, and two-point touches.
Train clients to use tactile, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and propioceptive information.
Assess clients' functioning in areas such as vision, orientation and mobility skills, social and emotional issues, cognition, physical abilities, and personal goals.
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
psychology
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
come up with lots of ideas
Attention
do two or more things at the same time
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include helping people, teaching, and talking.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Cooperation
Dependability
Concern for Others
Independence
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Device drivers or system software
Ai Squared ZoomText
American Printing House for the Blind Learn Keys
Computer based training software
American Printing House for the Blind Talking Typer
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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