OT 425 OT Theories

In today's class we learned about theories used in practice. The Theory of Occupational Adaption looks at the relationship between the person, environment, and the interaction between the two. Adaption is necessary because person and environment are always changing, and it is a normal process in order to be functional. The role of the occupational therapist in the Occupational Adaption theory is to look at the person and environment to see how it is working and adapting it so occupational performance can occur.  As occupational therapists, we help the client focus on attitude and gaining new skills as part of the adaptive process. According to the OA theory, increased ability to adapt is increased ability to actively participate. Another theory we discussed was Universal Design, which is a model of practice that looks at the design of products and environments and how they can be useable by all people. This theory impacts people over the lifespan and examines ways of setting things up so the maximum amount of people are able to access it. The role of the occupational therapist according to the Universal Design theory is to advocate and educate clients.