Knowledge Check February 12

In listening to the Era Projects presented in class, I observed that the core values and goals of occupational therapy have remained the same since the profession began. Throughout history, the education, target areas of practice, and innovations have changed for occupational therapists. However, the core of occupational therapy lies in the desire to motivate and assist individuals be the best version of themselves. Occupational therapy, throughout the ages has met each client where they are and walked them through the journey to independence. Beginning in the 1940's the role of occupational therapists was to assist the wounded and mentally traumatized soldiers to function independently and integrate back into society. In the 1980's, occupational therapists focused on using assistive technology to help individuals. Today, occupational therapists goal is to increase individuals abilities to function independently. With changes in education requirements, doctorate mandates, OTA's, Centennial Visions, and legislation, the core values and client centered approach of occupational therapy has remained the same.