Juli the OT Student

OTPF stands for Occupational Therapy Framework! It has everything an occupational therapist needs to perform client centered therapy and measure the progress of a client. One of the helpful tools the OTPF includes are domains; occupations, client factors, performance skills, performance patterns, context and environment. Each of these aspects effect the clients identity, health, and well being of life.  OTPF is universal and creates a common language among occupational therapist!

Dr. Lela Llorens caught my attention during era presentations. Dr. Llorens was the first person of color to be awarded the Slagle Leadership Award in 1969. The Slagle Leadership Award recognizes occupational therapist who have contributed to the growth of the body of knowledge through research, education and clinical practice. Receiving this award is an honor for any occupational therapist, but being a person of color to receive this award during the Civil rights movement is monumental. It is makes me proud that the career of occupational therapy saw the importance of equal rights and made the initiative to change. 

Today in foundations class we learned about board certifications and specialty certifications.  All certifications require advanced training, but they differ in who sponsors and hours practiced in a specific area. The board certification from AOTA that stood out to me was the specialty certification in Environmental Modification (STEM). An occupational therapist with this certification can provide a consultation on residential and commercial projects that require extra knowledge on remodeling and construction of new homes, work environments, and community spaces. This certification appeals to me because my father is a contractor and also owns his own plumbing company. I have grown up helping him on projects from start to finish. Countless times we would have to adapt to situations and come up with creative solutions to fix a problem. Another reason this certification stood out to me is because my grandfather is a double amputee and is in a wheelchair. Before he was discharged from Si