The Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado is 100% member-funded professional organization and it’s purpose is to advocate on behalf of CO OT practitioners. Occupational Therapy (OT) is a service provided by professionals who have successfully completed an extensive postsecondary OT education program AND who have passed a national certification examination. Occupational Therapists, Registere
d (OTRs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) work with people of all ages to enhance their performance of important everyday activities (occupations) despite the effects of illness, disability, or injury. These occupations may be as basic as caring for oneself (grooming, personal hygiene, eating) or as complex as learning to play with other children, participating in school activities, holding a job, caring for one's children, participating in sports, or maintaining meaningful relationships with others. When a person of any age is unable to satisfactorily perform needed or chosen occupations, the services of an occupational therapist (OT) may be needed. In Colorado, individuals may directly request OT services or the request may come from a family member, an employer, teacher, friend, physician, or other professionals. The occupational therapy practitioner then utilizes a variety of strategies to understand the extent of the "occupational problem." When OT services are warranted, the OT collaborates with the "client" to
* Identify compensatory or adaptive strategies that allow performance of needed or wanted activities
* Restore underlying skills that support the performance of everyday occupations
* Educate about how to develop or maintain everyday occupations in the areas of work, self-care, and leisure. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are skilled problem solvers who are committed to finding ways to reduce the negative impacts of a disability, illness, or injury on everyday functioning. For more information about occupational therapy, please visit the web site for the American Occupational Therapy Association at AOTA.org. OTAC supports CO's OTs and OTAs, and students enrolled in an accredited program, by being a resource for continuing education opportunities, regulatory matters, and other issues impacting the profession. OTAC is a state association affiliated with the national association, with volunteer board members that lead a member-driven organization. To learn more, visit the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado's website at otacco.org.
