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The role OTs play in AT for children and youth are to enable children to participate in activities that they like to do, want to do, and need to do. Specifically for children and youth engaging in play is essential in developing fine, gross, and visual motor skills that will implemented through adulthood. AT and OT can be helpful in helping children engage in play, school work, and other various activities of daily living (ADLs).

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The role OTs play in AT for the aging population are to enable these individuals to continue to engage in activities that they want to do, and need to do, and complete these activities safely and efficiently. For the aging population OTs can recommend AT that will keep individuals safe such as a GPS, alarm, or cell phone. Or they can recommend AT that will make daily activities easier such as a reacher, pill organizer, or a reacher.

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1) Reading Pens
2) Talking Calculators
3) Speech Generating Devices
4) FM Listening Systems
5) Screen Magnifiers

(What Role Does Assistive Technology Play in Special Education?, 2017)

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1) Pencil Grips
2) Adapted Pencils
3) Sensory Input Items --> Fidgets
4) Binder Clips --> Makes Turning Pages Easier
5) Slant boards

(Low Tech Assistive Technology | Examples | Communication | Ideas | Reading And Writing, 2021)

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What Role Does Assistive Technology Play in Special Education? (2017, September 1). Mississippi College Online. https://online.mc.edu/degrees/education/med/special-ed/assistive-technology-role-in-special-education/
Low Tech Assistive Technology | Examples | Communication | Ideas | Reading And Writing. (2021, March 22). A Day in Our Shoes. https://adayinourshoes.com/low-tech-assistive-technology/

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1) GPS Wrist Tracker
2) Personal Alarm --> in the form of a pendant
3) Cell Phone
4) Screen Reader
5) Digital Calendar/ Alarm Clock
(A Complete Guide to Assistive Technology for the Elderly, n.d.)

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1) Pill Organizer
2) Memo Reminders
3) Reachers
4) Grab Bars in the shower
5) Magnifier

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A Complete Guide to Assistive Technology for the Elderly. (n.d.). Age Space. Retrieved July 26, 2021, from https://www.agespace.org/tech/assistive-technology

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The role OTs play in AT for individuals with mental health diagnosis is to help them participate in ADLs with ease, and ensure that they are able to make it through the day without their specific diagnosis completely disabling them from participation in desired and necessary activities safely. OTs can recommend AT that can help them track their mood swings, teach them stress/coping techniques, or use the piece of AT as an outlet for their emotions.

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1) Breathe2Relax --> Mobile App for Anxiety
2) WhatsMyM3 --> Mobile App for tracking Mood Disorders
3) Moodlytics --> Mobile App for Tracking Mood Disorders (more in depth with pictures )
4) Depression CBT --> Mobile App for tracking moods, cognitive thought diary, provides articles about depression & cognitive behavioral therapy
5) Headspace --> Mobile App that teaches users meditation & mindfulness exercises
(Social Sciences, n.d.)

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1) Stress Ball
2) Writing Emotions/Feelings in a Journal
3) Weighted Blanket
4) Spa Neck Warmer
5) Air Freshening Plug In Sprayer --> certain smells improve mood & reduce stress

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Social Sciences, H. (n.d.). LibGuides: Depression: Common Assistive Technologies. Guides.library.illinois.edu. Retrieved July 26, 2021, from https://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=515363&p=3522696

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Download a printable copy of this fact sheet here.
The origins of occupational therapy are rooted in mental health, as the creation of the profession dovetailed with the early 20th century's mental hygiene movement. With the call for deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental illness, which culminated in the 1963 Community Mental Health Act, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants began working in community mental health (Scheinholtz, 2010). Today, occupational therapy practitioners provide services in community settings including, but not limited to:

Community mental health centers

Assertiveness community treatment (ACT) teams

Psychosocial clubhouses

Homeless and women's shelters

Correctional facilities

Senior centers

Consumer-operated programs

After-school programs

Homes

Worksites (Brown & Stoffel, 2011)

As services for individuals with mental illness have shifted from the hospital to the community, there has also been a shift in the philosophy of service delivery. In the past, there was an adherence to the medical model; now the focus is on incorporating the recovery model. This model acknowledges that recovery is a long-term process, with the ultimate goal being full participation in community activities. These activities may include obtaining and maintaining employment, going to school, and living independently. The philosophical base of the recovery model is a good fit with occupational therapy because the purpose of occupational therapy in community mental health is to increase an individual's ability to live as independently as possible in the community while engaging in meaningful and productive life roles. Because occupational therapy facilitates participation and is client-centered, it plays an important role in the success of those recovering in the community (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2010; Scheinholtz, 2010).

Both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are educated to provide services that support mental and physical health and wellness, rehabilitation, habilitation, and recovery-oriented approaches. Such education includes at least one clinical fieldwork experience in a setting focused on psychosocial issues (AOTA, 2010).

There is evidence that occupational therapy interventions improve outcomes for those living in the community with serious mental illness (AOTA, 2012). Such interventions can be found in the areas of education, work, skills training, health and wellness, and cognitive remediation and adaptation. Examples of occupational therapy interventions in community mental health include:

Evaluating and adapting the environment at home, work, school, and other environments to promote an individual's optimal functioning

Providing educational programs, experiential learning, and treatment groups or classes to address assertiveness, self-awareness, interpersonal and social skills, stress management, and role development (e.g., parenting)

Working with clients to develop leisure or avocational interests and pursuits

Facilitating the development of skills needed for independent living such as using community resources, managing one's home, managing time, managing medication, and being safe at home and in the community

Providing training in activities of daily living (e.g., hygiene and grooming)

Consulting with employers regarding appropriate accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act

Conducting functional evaluations and ongoing monitoring for successful job placement

Providing guidance and consultation to persons in all employment settings, including supportive employment

Providing evaluation and treatment for sensory processing deficits

Individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with a mental illness can benefit from occupational therapy. Furthermore, friends and family members can also benefit from these services to learn ways to deal with the stress of caregiving and how to balance their daily responsibilities to allow them to continue to lead productive and meaningful lives.
Addressing Barriers to Mental Health in the Community
Occupational therapy practitioners address barriers to optimal functioning through interventions that focus on enhancing existing skills, creating opportunities, promoting wellness, remediating or restoring skills, modifying or adapting the environment or activity, and preventing relapse. The following is a list of typical community barriers and occupational therapy interventions.

Stigma: Occupational therapy addresses self-efficacy by providing opportunities for mastery and promoting advocacy in civic arenas as well as individual interpersonal relationships.

Safety: Occupational therapy interventions include self-care, accessing services and supports, and preventing victimization through healthy and meaningful daily activity.

Low socioeconomic status: Occupational therapy interventions address educational, prevocational, and vocational performance. Occupational therapy practitioners collaborate with clients, educators, employers, and other agencies to help the person achieve success in the working world.

Lack of long-term housing: Occupational therapy practitioners can analyze performance skills and needs for living in the community (e.g., identifying the benefits of supported housing and developing routines and habits to maintain one's living space effectively) (Brown & Stoffel, 2011).

Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the world (Scheinholtz, 2010). It can significantly impact an individual's ability to engage in daily life activities that are meaningful and lead to productive daily routines. Occupational therapy is a profession vital to helping individuals with mental illness develop the skills needed to live life to its fullest.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2010). Specialized knowledge and skills in mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention in occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(Suppl.), S30-S43. doi:10.5014/ajot.2010.64S30

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2012). Occupational therapy practice guidelines for adults with serious mental illness. Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.

Brown, C., & Stoffel, V. (2011). Occupational therapy in mental health: A vision for participation. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.

Scheinholtz, M. (2010). Occupational therapy in mental health: Considerations for advanced practice. Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.

By Roxanne Castaneda, OTR/L; Linda M. Olson, PhD, OTR/L; and Laurel Cargill Radley, MS, OTR, for the American Occupational Therapy Association. Copyright © 2013 by the American Occupational Therapy Association. This material may be copied and distributed for personal or educational uses without written consent. For all other uses, contact copyright@aota.org.

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Occupational Therapy's Role in Community Mental Health

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Download a printable copy of this fact sheet here. The origins of occupational therapy are rooted in mental health, as the creation of the profession dovetailed with the early 20th century's mental hygiene movement.

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The role OTs play in AT in rehabilitation and disability is to enable them to participate safely with modifications in meaningful activities,  as well as activities that they want and need to do. OTs can also recommend AT that will enable a disabled individual to participate in an activity that they have previously never been able to participate in.

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Occupational therapy practitioners ensure that people recovering from illness or injury, or with a disability, can function in all their environments with the ability they have. They reduce health care costs by promoting independence and self-care.

Occupational therapists must have a master's degree for entry-level practice, and occupational therapy assistants must have an associate's degree. Both must pass an initial certification exam.

The Fact Sheets below provide information on occupational therapy's role with a variety of conditions related to rehabilitation and disability.

Brain Injury
Occupational Therapy and Community Reintegration of Persons With Brain Injury
Cancer
Occupational Therapy's Role in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Oncology - pdf, 573 kb

Chronic Diseases

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Chronic Disease Management - pdf, 3.1 mb

Occupational Therapy's Role in Managing Arthritis - pdf, 774 kb

Community Mobility and Driving
Driving and Transportation Alternatives for Older Adults Behind the Wheel: Occupational Therapy and Older Drivers The Role of Occupational Therapy in Providing Seating and Wheeled Mobility Services
Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
Supporting Community Integration and Participation for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Facilitating Employment of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities - pdf, 764 kb

Occupational Therapy's Role With Autism - pdf, 484 kb

Addressing Sensory Integration Across the Lifespan Through Occupational Therapy - pdf, 176 kb

Home Modifications
Home Modifications and Occupational Therapy Home Modifications Promote Independent Living
OT's Role in Facilities
Occupational Therapy in Acute Care
Occupational Therapy's Role in Skilled Nursing Facilities - pdf, 4 mb

Hands and Upper Extremity
The Unique Role of Occupational Therapy In Rehabilitation of the Hand The Occupational Therapy Role in Rehabilitation for the Person With an Upper-Limb Amputation
The Role of Occupational Therapy for Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity

Stroke
Recovering from Stroke with Occupational Therapy: Living Life To Its Fullest™ The Role of Occupational Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation
Other Topics
Occupational Therapy and the Care of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury The Role of Occupational Therapy in Providing Assistive Technology Devices and Services Occupational Therapy in Polytrauma Sexuality and the Role of Occupational Therapy Students With Disabilities in Postsecondary Education Settings: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational Therapy's Role in Sleep - pdf, 603 kb

Occupational Therapy's Role in Restraint Reduction or Elimination - pdf, 620 kb

Occupational Therapy's Role in Health Promotion - pdf, 3.1 mb

Occupational Therapy: A Vital Role in Dysphagia Care - pdf, 1.4 mb
Into the Swing of Things

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Occupational therapy practitioners ensure that people recovering from illness or injury, or with a disability, can function in all their environments with the ability they have. They reduce health care costs by promoting independence and self-care. Occupational therapists must have a master's degree for entry-level practice, and occupational therapy assistants must have an associate's degree.

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1) Sip & Puff
2) Motorized Wheelchair
3) Hearing Aids
4) Prosthetics & Orthotics
5) Splints & Braces
(Braces, Splints and Other Assistive Devices, n.d.)

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1) Walker
2) Cane
3) Crutches
4) Raised Toilet Seat
5) Shower Bench
(Braces, Splints and Other Assistive Devices, n.d.)

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Braces, Splints and Other Assistive Devices. (n.d.). Https://Www.kplctv.com. Retrieved July 31, 2021, from https://www.kplctv.com/story/5020022/braces-splints-and-other-assistive-devices/

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The role OTs play in AT for health and wellness is recommending certain tools, apps, or devices that will enable individuals to assist in keeping them healthy, well, and safe. Some of the tools/devices that are recommended can be as simple as a shoehorn to enable an individual to put on their shoe to take a walk. Other devices could be a Fitbit which will track sleep, calories burned, and how many steps have been completed.

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1) Fitbit
2) Garmin Smart Watch
3) Ulla Smart Hydration Reminder Water Bottles
4) Weighted Universal Holder --> for grooming essentials
5) Apple Watch --> Series 6 & up has the most health/fitness monitoring

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1) Shoehorn
2) Dressing Stick
3) Long Handle Back Scrubber
4) Hairbrush with Hook & Loop Handle
5) Easy Out Tube Squeezer --> toothpaste

(Dressing and Grooming Aids | Performance Health, n.d.)

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Dressing and Grooming Aids | Performance Health. (n.d.). Www.performancehealth.com. Retrieved July 26, 2021, from https://www.performancehealth.com/products/home-care-daily-living/dressing-grooming-aids?p=2

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The  role OTs play in AT within advocacy and research is to enable individuals that are currently unable to go places, and do things that they need and want to do to complete them through advocating for ADA compliant technology be installed, and recommend AT so they are capable. In research OTs also recommend AT that will help individuals who were previously unable to engage in research activities that they previously couldn't participate in.

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1) Elevators
2) Escalators
3) Moving Walks
4) Stair Climbing Power Chairs
5) Smart Home Assistants --> Echo

(Escalators and Moving Walks, n.d.;
The Best Assistive Technologies for People with Disabilities , n.d.)

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1) Public Spaces with Ramps (advocacy)
2) Adaptive Paper -->  graph, special spacing (utilized for research)
3) Visual Schedule (utilized for research)
4) Tactile Ruler --> for visually impaired or blind (utilized for research)
5) Page protector or colored transparency --> visually impaired (utilized for research)
(Low Tech, Mid Tech and High Tech Assisstive Technology Autism Adventures, 2014)

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Escalators and Moving Walks. (n.d.). OTIS; https://www.otis.com/en/us/products-services/products/escalators-and-moving-walks?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Always_On_NE&utm_keyword=elevator%20escalator&utm_term=elevator%20escalator&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=Always+On+-+New+Equipment&hsa_cam=12307353084&hsa_grp=124064320764&hsa_mt=p&hsa_src=g&hsa_ad=521988130201&hsa_acc=7301992468&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_kw=elevator%20escalator&hsa_tgt=kwd-297721563098&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAjwxo6IBhBKEiwAXSYBsxLZF82169AQzPQCNaWO1EflUwwge2Uu73mdat-bt76CQ5SvKN92FBoCw8QQAvD_BwE

Low Tech, Mid Tech and High Tech Assisstive Technology» Autism Adventures. (2014, February 5). Autism Adventures. http://www.autismadventures.com/low-tech-mid-tech-and-high-tech/

The Best Assistive Technologies for People with Disabilities  (n.d.). Www.vantagemobility.com. https://www.vantagemobility.com/blog/best-assistive-technology-for-people-with-disabilities

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The role OTs play in AT within work and industry is by recommending modifications to environments, modifications to transportation, as well as devices that can enable individuals to do things they have previously never done, or make tasks easier. OTs can also set up work spaces so that they are ergonomically correct which increases productivity, and efficiency of individuals and decreases injuries and sick time.

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Download a printable copy of this fact sheet here.
The word ergonomics can be found in a variety of literature-everything from marketing campaigns for the latest gadget to the vast information provided in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's program guidelines for specific industries. According to the International Ergonomics Association (n.d.), "ergonomics promotes a holistic approach in which considerations of physical, cognitive, social, organizational, environmental, and other relevant factors are taken into account." To practitioners, these words resonate with many basic tenets of the occupational therapy profession.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Ergonomics
Optimizing function of an individual or group of individuals by adapting the environment in which the person(s) must interact is fundamental to every occupational therapy practitioner. Specific to ergonomics, the skills and knowledge of occupational therapy practitioners in anatomy, physiology, and activity analysis make them highly qualified to work in the area of ergonomics, often within an interdisciplinary team. For individuals as well as groups of people whose ability to perform their various life roles (e.g., worker) is affected by illness or injury, or the threat thereof, the occupational therapy practitioner is well equipped to facilitate the successful return to optimal function through the use of education, intervention, and adaptation.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Ergonomics
Using the fundamental skill of activity analysis, or job analysis in this context, the occupational therapist considers the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial elements at play, and makes recommendations to optimize function. In the work setting, occupational therapy practitioners evaluate, create, and adapt or modify changes in the way people perform daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners who specialize in ergonomics may be involved with any of the following:

Conducting assessments and developing interventions for individual workers, or providing health promotion and injury prevention education programs for groups of workers. Examples include providing visual aids and shadow boards for an individual with limited organizational skills following a traumatic brain injury, and providing in-services on how to do common tasks in ergonomically safe ways.

Designing and modifying workplace tools, equipment, and behaviors to prevent injury. Examples include recommending moving heavy bags by sliding them onto work surfaces of equal heights rather than lifting them, and customizing keyboard set ups for each worker.

Consulting with employers and insurance companies on developing programs to reduce workers' compensation costs (e.g., strategies to address the needs of aging workers; identifying injury risk factors and strategies to reduce risk exposure for specific job categories or populations in the workplace) and promote workplace wellness.

Occupational therapy practitioners also address potential barriers to implementing ergonomics recommendations. To be effective, these recommendations have to go beyond being technically correct-they also need to be embraced by the people who would benefit from them. Worker involvement and employer support are essential for successful implementation. Barriers may include workers feeling singled out or forgetting to use the recommendations, perceptions of increased time for task completion while adjusting to new modifications, potential unexpected costs, or not seeing the value of the recommendations. Occupational therapy practitioners understand how to effectively facilitate behavior change and can work with all stakeholders to implement changes. They may also develop outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomics interventions and identify necessary program changes over time. Addressing the physical, psychosocial, and even cultural aspects of ergonomics recommendations helps ensure adoption of changes and long-term success.
Where to Find Occupational Therapy Practitioners Specializing in Ergonomics
Occupational therapy practitioners working in ergonomics may be employed by or contracted to employers, insurance companies, medical facilities, case management companies, consulting firms, and engineering firms, or they may be self-employed.
Summary
Occupational therapy practitioners have a distinct value in the area of ergonomics based on understanding the complex and dynamic interactions of the person, the task (i.e., job), and the context and environment (e.g., culture and personality, and where the task occurs). The occupational therapy practitioner may work alone or within an interprofessional team, which may include workers, union representatives, safety teams and safety professionals, human resources managers, maintenance craftsmen, engineers, ergonomists, and medical personnel. The occupational therapy practitioner specializing in ergonomics has the necessary skills to facilitate improved function of individuals interacting within a complex system of relationships and environmental factors in the home, workplace, and public areas.
Reference
International Ergonomics Association. (n.d.). Definition. Retrieved from http://www.iea.cc/whats/index.html

Revised by Julie Dorsey, OTD, OTR/L, CEAS; Denise Finch, OTD, OTR/L, CHT; Holly Ehrenfried, OTD, OTR/L, CHT; and Lisa Jaegers, PhD, OTR/L. Copyright © 2017 by the American Occupational Therapy Association. This material may be copied and distributed for personal or educational uses without written consent. For all other uses, contact copyright@aota.org.

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Occupational Therapy Practitioners & Ergonomics

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Download a printable copy of this fact sheet here. The word ergonomics can be found in a variety of literature-everything from marketing campaigns for the latest gadget to the vast information provided in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's program guidelines for specific industries.

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1) Vehicle Modifications --> hand controls or wheel chair lifts
2) Adapted Mouse
3) Adapted Keyboard
4) Eye Tracking
5) Self Driving Cars

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1) Gel Mouse Pad with Wrist Support
2) Lumbar Support Pillow & Cushion for Office Chair
3) Keyboard Tray
4) Footrest
5) Laptop Stand
(Pinola, 2020)

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Pinola, M. (2020, May 14). 7 Things You Need for an Ergonomically Correct Workstation. Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/7-things-you-need-for-an-ergonomically-correct-workstation/