SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Occupational Therapy Program

Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of self-care, work/productive activities, and play/leisure activities designed to achieve functional outcomes that increase independent function, enhance development, promote health, and prevent injury or disability. It includes adapting tasks and the environment to maximize independence and quality of life.
The term "occupation" refers to activities that are meaningful to the individual within the environments in which he or she lives and functions.
Occupational Therapists work with individuals whose abilities to cope with the tasks of daily living are threatened or impaired by developmental deficits, injury, illness, or disability.