CENTENNIAL VISION
The AOTA states that by the year 2017, it is envisioned that occupational therapy is a "powerful, widely-recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally-connected and diverse workforce meeting society's occupational needs." From my personal experiences, I have seen that occupational therapy is not very widely-recognized. Nearly everyone I know--family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors--have such a limited understanding of what occupational therapy is that it is mind-blowing. I was even asked by one relative before starting this program if I would be taping ankles for Ohio State football players on the sidelines of games. Clearly, I had to give an explanation of what occupational therapy is. Although I myself did not fully understand what OT was at this time, I knew it was not being an athletic trainer for the OSU football team. Because so many people are unfamiliar with occupational therapy, I would love to play a role in the AOTA's vision to have a widespread understanding of OT. If given the opportunity, I would enjoy going to local schools and giving talks to kids, teachers, and community members about what OT is. If education about OT started at an early age, I believe this would be the key for future generations to understand and appreciate the profession. I could also help make OT more widely-recognized by taking the time to clearly and effectively explain what is it when asked by someone I know. I believe that if all OTs take a little extra time to educate others on the profession, then this aspect of the Centennial Vision will come true. I look forward to seeing what the future holds concerning how widely-recognized OT becomes.
The AOTA states that by the year 2017, it is envisioned that occupational therapy is a "powerful, widely-recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally-connected and diverse workforce meeting society's occupational needs." From my personal experiences, I have seen that occupational therapy is not very widely-recognized. Nearly everyone I know--family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors--have such a limited understanding of what occupational therapy is that it is mind-blowing. I was even asked by one relative before starting this program if I would be taping ankles for Ohio State football players on the sidelines of games. Clearly, I had to give an explanation of what occupational therapy is. Although I myself did not fully understand what OT was at this time, I knew it was not being an athletic trainer for the OSU football team. Because so many people are unfamiliar with occupational therapy, I would love to play a role in the AOTA's vision to have a widespread understanding of OT. If given the opportunity, I would enjoy going to local schools and giving talks to kids, teachers, and community members about what OT is. If education about OT started at an early age, I believe this would be the key for future generations to understand and appreciate the profession. I could also help make OT more widely-recognized by taking the time to clearly and effectively explain what is it when asked by someone I know. I believe that if all OTs take a little extra time to educate others on the profession, then this aspect of the Centennial Vision will come true. I look forward to seeing what the future holds concerning how widely-recognized OT becomes.