What is the OTPF? What is its purpose?

The OTPF provides a framework for the profession of occupational therapy. This is the official document that the American Occupational Therapy Association uses. This document allows occupational therapists to be on the same page in order to provide the best client-centered care.This document talks about the central concepts that provide a base in occupational therapy practice. It also builds on the common understandings and tenets of the profession. The purpose of this document is to insure that all occupational therapists are achieving or have the tools to achieve a top up approach to client care, and this document has an abundance of information to make sure this is possible.  

Era Presentation

The person that stuck out to me the most during the era presentations was Dr. Gary Kielhofenr who created the Model of Human Occupation. This is the most widely used theory in occupational therapy research and practice. The influence that he had has really set the tone for occupational therapy research and created a framework and tools that guide assessment and reasoning process in our practice.
I thought that the progression of technology was fascinating throughout the decades. Some of the invention of the early decades were as simple as Velcro or colored TV, and by the 2010s decade we were discussing how we can literally carry the internet in our pockets. I think that this goes to show that innovation is always happening around us and we can use that in our occupational therapy practices.
Overall, I appreciate not only the progression of technology but also the profession of occupational therapy more after traveling through the decades. I can now see why we do what we do because of the chain reaction of past events. I am eager to see how the next few decades influence occupational therapy.

Hand Therapy Certification

I have an interest in getting my Hand Therapy Certification. This process, while seems daunting, will allow me to help people reach their fullest potential and get back to their everyday lives. In order to get this certification you have to have at least 3 years of practice being a licensed occupational therapist. Also, you have to have a minimum of 4000 hours of practice  under direct hand therapy experience. This experience should include splinting, modalities, one on one patient care, and individual treatment plans. I think that hand therapy allows for an unique relationship with the client because of the diverse case load between clients. Furthermore, the idea of being a life-long leaner really takes hold in this avenue of occupational therapy, because the hand is such an intricate part of the body it is important to be sharp on your skills.