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Occupation-Based Final Reflection

In the beginning of the program I didnt have an understanding of what occupation-based


practice was. When observing occupational therapists (OT) I rarely saw occupations
incorporated into a persons treatment sessions. I understood that occupational therapists were
the ones to shower and dress patient but I hardly understood why.
This program has not only taught me the importance of occupation-based practice but, it
has also supplied copious amounts of evidence to prove its effectiveness in achieving desired
outcomes. I know the importance of helping people continue to live independent and meaningful
lives, and OTs can help do that by adapting, modifying or providing them the skillset to continue
to do the things that are meaningful to them. In order to assure they can continue to do their day
to day tasks the OT should fixate treatment on those meaningful occupations of the client.
The first artifact I would like to highlight from my portfolio is the occupation-based
papers completed in OCCT 630 & 651. In which, I focused on one particular client from my
fieldwork to develop an individualized occupational profile and intervention plan. This
assignment was probably one of the most difficult, time consuming, longest papers I have written
and yet, it is some of the required work that helped me to grow and bring all of my skill sets
together. I was required to write short and long term goals that incorporated what was important
to the client. It was my goal in writing these papers to make the intervention plan client-centered
and occupation-based. Through this, I learned how to apply individualized occupation-based
interventions that were also backed by evidence.
Another meaningful artifact from my portfolio was my assistive device that I created for
my cousin, Aden, with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Since his bones are so fragile he is constantly in
and out of casts (typically around his lower extremities) which greatly inhibit his mobility and
play capabilities. I wanted to create something that would allow him to move around and play

independently when he is in a cast. I was able to create a scooter that he can move by pulling
himself with his arms, permitting him to continue to move about independently and play with
toys on the floor. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to witness Aden regaining his mobility
with something I created!
Through the program I have developed skills and increased my creativity to be able to
integrate occupation-based activities into the therapy interventions or develop ways to help
clients continue to participate in everyday activities.
As I venture out into the real world I hope to stick to the roots of occupational therapy
and continue to provide occupation-based interventions. It is my personal goal not to lose the
most important identifier of this career and continue to advocate for the continued use of
occupation-based practice in the field.

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