The College of Occupational Therapists is the professional body for occupational therapists in the UK. The organisation has over 28,000 members, including students and support staff.
There are over 26,000 qualified occupational therapists in the UK, working in NHS, Social Services, local authorities, independent practice, voluntary agencies, universities and the commercial sector.
Occupational therapists help people who are ill, disabled or feeling the effects of ageing to do the things that are important to them - such as preparing a meal, working, or undertaking a favourite hobby. Their work could involve:
- Giving advice on how the home or workplace environment could be changed (for example, ensuring wheelchair ramps are installed, or using new technology to make home adaptations)
- Helping people to learn new ways of doing things (for example, teaching someone with reduced stamina how to conserve energy when performing daily activities)
- Adapting materials or equipment (for example, adjusting a knife for someone after they have lost hand dexterity)
If you wish to speak to a spokesperson for the profession, please contact Vandita Chisholm
(tel: 0207 450 2361; email: Vandita.Chisholm@cot.co.uk).
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