Discovering the Power of Occupational Therapy: What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a field that often flies under the radar, yet it plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for many individuals. At Turku University of Applied Sciences, we organized an engaging OT Day to raise awareness and showcase the impact of this profession through interactive workshops and real-life examples.

An occupational therapist helps people improve their ability to perform daily activities and adjusts these activities, so they become easier if needed. This can range from physical adjustments in a home setting, such as installing supports to the use of tools like adapted cutlery or wheelchairs.

This gets us to the example in the Turku University Applied Sciences; Kunnonkoti Smart. In this blog we also want to highlight the Kunnonkoti Smart space, where us occupational therapists can showcase various example aids to support people’s occupations. Through our own projects, we explored different spaces, assistive devices and technologies that can significantly help in daily life and improve functional ability.

Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing functional skills, enabling people to be more independent in their daily lives. These improvements have a direct impact on their quality of life as they allow individuals to participate more actively in social and everyday activities. As a result, their independence, social participation and overall well-being are not only increased but also their sense of confidence and mental health can improve (Hammond, 2004; Steultjens et al., 2005).

Who Benefits from Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy serves a wide range of individuals across different life stages and conditions. As exchange students in occupational therapy, we want to highlight what is typical of the four main target groups in Belgium.

Children with Atypical Development. Children with conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and intellectual disabilities often face challenges in daily activities. Occupational therapist helps them develop essential skills for school, play, and self-care. (Lenaerts et al., 2024)

Physical Rehabilitation. Occupational therapist supports individuals recovering from injuries or living with chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, amputations, or cardiac issues. Also, OT helps them regain independence through tailored exercises and assistive devices. (Maes et al., 2024)

Mental Health Care. Occupational therapists work with people experiencing mental health challenges such as schizophrenia, addiction, or trauma. Therapy focuses on building routines, improving social skills, and enhancing daily functioning. (Lambrichts & Callewaert, 2024)

Geriatrics. Older adults often face age-related difficulties such as reduced mobility or vision. Occupational therapist helps them maintain independence and prevent falls, improving their overall well-being. (Vergrauwen & Suykens, 2024)

How Does Occupational Therapy Help?

What are the benefits of occupational therapy? There are many articles that highlight the positive impact of occupational therapy, and here we will combine a few key points. According to Tanigör (2020), occupational therapy has a positive impact on hand functions and for activities of daily living.

Ahn (2017) also suggests in her article that occupational therapy can have a positive influence on individuals with hemiplegia. Furthermore, Steultjens (2005) states that occupational therapy is beneficial for several factors, including increasing functional abilities, improving quality of life and social participation.

Occupational therapy is inherently client centered. We focus not only on what the client needs but also on what they want to achieve in their daily lives. Whether it’s returning to work, engaging in hobbies, or simply managing household tasks, OT provides personalized support to help individuals reach their goals.

Why Is Occupational Therapy Important?

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping people re-engage with their environments and communities. By promoting independence, enhancing participation, and supporting meaningful activities. Occupational therapy contributes to a better quality of life for many.

Regardless of the condition or limitation, occupational therapy offers tailored solutions that empower individuals to live more fully. As future occupational therapists, we are proud to advocate for a profession that makes such a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Occupational therapy can have a positive impact on these individuals, by guiding, supporting, advising and treating them in a personalized manner so that they are able to re-engage in the activities of their own environment. Occupational therapists focus on a client-centered approach with meaningful activities.

Occupational therapy is a profession that many people have heard of, but few truly understand. To bridge this gap, we organised an Occupational Therapy event on 14 March 2025 at Kunnonkoti Smart on the ICT-City during the International Student Day.

The event aimed to introduce students from various disciplines to the world of OT – what it is, how it helps, and why it matters. Day featured hands-on activities and demonstrations that allowed participants to explore the field in an interactive and informative way.

 

Authors

Cameron Tshimanga
Occupational Therapy Student
Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium

Mirthe Spreautels
Occupational Therapy Student
Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium

Loranne Lambrechts
Occupational Therapy Student
Artesis Plantijn Hogelschool University of Applied Sciences Antwerp, Belgium

Sterre Van Miert
Occupational Therapy Student
Artesis Plantijn Hogelschool University of Applied Sciences Antwerp, Belgium

Anu Kuikkaniemi, Senior Lecturer
Degree Programme in Occupational Therapy, Turku University of Applied Sciences
New Ways of Promoting Performance research group

 

 

Photos: Aleksi Rajamäki / Turku UAS