Which statement best describes the role of Occupational Therapists (OTs)?

• A. They primarily diagnose visual impairments.
• B. Trained and licensed individuals who work with emotionally and/or physically disabled people to determine skill levels and to develop a rehabilitation program to build on and expand these skills.
• C. They focus on wheel chair fitting and seating.
• D. They provide speech therapy.

Answer: (B)

Occupational therapists help people participate in daily life by evaluating what tasks individuals can perform, setting goals, and designing rehabilitation plans that build on those skills. They are trained and licensed professionals who work with people who have emotional, physical, or other disabilities to identify what a person needs to do daily and then adapt activities, environments, or provide strategies and supports to improve independence. This description best captures the role because it centers on assessing skill levels and creating a plan to expand those abilities through therapy and rehab.

Other descriptions either focus on a narrower task or a different professional scope. Diagnosing visual problems is typically done by eye care specialists, wheelchair fitting and seating is only one aspect of a broader OT or PT role, and speech therapy is provided by speech-language pathologists.