More Than Therapy: Celebrating Occupational Therapists
October is Occupational Therapy Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible professionals who help people participate more fully in the things that matter to them.
At CP Alberta, occupational therapists are part of several of our programs, bringing their knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills into spaces that look a little different from a traditional therapy room.
From spending time with horses at Pony & Me to moving through the water during our NEW Adult Aqua Therapy program in Edmonton, occupational therapy can be about so much more than exercises. It’s about helping people build skills, explore possibilities and find ways to participate in everyday life.
Occupational Therapy at Pony & Me
At Pony & Me, children with disabilities take part in adapted equine therapy alongside an occupational therapist and other members of our team.
And yes, there are horses involved—but there’s a lot more happening than simply spending time at the barn!
Working with horses provides opportunities to develop physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills in a fun and engaging environment. An occupational therapist can help identify goals for each participant and find creative ways to incorporate those goals into activities with the horses.
Something as simple as reaching, grooming, holding equipment, following directions or interacting with a horse can become an opportunity to work on important skills.
And perhaps most importantly, therapy doesn’t always have to feel like therapy.
When a child is having fun, building confidence and connecting with a horse, they may not even realize just how much they are learning along the way.
Taking OT Into the Pool
Our new Adult Aqua Therapy program in Edmonton is another example of how occupational therapy can take place in an environment that encourages movement, participation and connection.
The warm-water environment can provide opportunities for adults with disabilities to work on movement and functional goals while participating in activities that are enjoyable and meaningful.
These photos are from our Calgary Aqua Therapy program where the instructor is a certified Aqua Therapist and WATSU® Practitioner.
Aqua therapy can make movement feel different. The water can provide support while also creating resistance, giving participants the opportunity to work on strength, mobility, balance and endurance in a different way.
Our occupational therapists bring their expertise to the pool, helping participants work toward their individual goals while making the experience accessible, engaging and supportive.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Actually Do?
The word “occupation” in occupational therapy doesn't necessarily mean a person's job or career.
Occupations are the everyday activities that give our lives meaning—from getting dressed and preparing a meal to playing, learning, working, socializing and participating in the community.
Occupational therapists look at the whole person and consider what might be getting in the way of participating in those activities. They can then help find strategies, adaptations and opportunities to make participation more possible.
And sometimes, that means a therapy session takes place in a pool.
Sometimes, it takes place at a barn.
Sometimes, it looks like trying something new, building confidence or finding a different way to accomplish a task.
Celebrating the People Behind the Possibilities
This Occupational Therapy Month, we’re celebrating the occupational therapists who help our participants discover what they can do—and find new ways to do the things that matter to them.
Whether they’re working alongside a child and a pony or supporting adults in the pool, their expertise helps make our programs more inclusive, meaningful and fun.
To all of the occupational therapists who bring creativity, patience and a little bit of magic to their work: thank you for helping make possibilities possible!
