Like physical therapists, occupational therapists are concerned with improving motor abilities. They help survivors relearn motor skills needed for performing self-directed activities or occupations such as housecleaning, gardening, and practicing arts and crafts. They can teach some survivors how to adapt to driving and provide on-road training. They often teach people to divide a complex activity into its component parts, practice each part, and then perform the whole sequence of actions. This strategy can improve coordination and may help people with apraxia (impaired movement) relearn how to carry out planned actions.
Occupational therapists also teach people how to develop compensatory strategies and how to change elements of their environment that limit goal-directed activities. For example, people with the use of only one hand can substitute Velcro closures for buttons on clothing. Occupational therapists also help stroke survivors learn how to use assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. Finally, many occupational therapists teach people how to make changes in their homes to increase safety, remove barriers, and facilitate physical functioning, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms.
Recreational therapists help people with a variety of disabilities develop and use their leisure time to enhance their health, independence, and quality of life.
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