Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month: Supporting Health, Sustainability, and Resilience in Our Communities

October marks Occupational Therapy Month, a time to recognize occupational therapists’ vital role in promoting health and well-being across diverse communities. Occupational therapists are essential in improving quality of life, from helping individuals regain independence after illness or injury to supporting people in their daily activities.

As this month provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible work of these professionals, PEACH Health Ontario is celebrating the transformative power of occupational therapy by spotlighting Dr. Justine Jecker.

Dr. Justine Jecker is the Director of Professional Practice for the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and has been practicing occupational therapy for 15 years. The CAOT provides various resources, services, and educational options to support occupational therapists in enhancing their professional practice. Additionally, it fulfills a crucial leadership function in promoting and advancing the occupational therapy field domestically and internationally.

“Occupational therapy drew me following my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology because of its focus on meaningful engagement in life activities and occupations,” Dr. Jecker shares. “I was amazed by the idea that occupation could be used as a healing and recovery modality as well as support someone’s life purpose.”

Dr. Jecker also hosts a podcast called OT Conversations that Matter: The Podcast. This podcast features monthly discussions with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals, exploring emerging trends in occupational therapy and the broader Canadian healthcare system. Guests come from various clinical and non-clinical backgrounds, offering diverse perspectives.

To support and advocate for occupational therapy, individuals and communities can raise awareness of its importance by engaging in conversations with healthcare providers, policymakers, and organizations. One way to advocate is by asking for occupational therapy services through your local healthcare system and ensuring its inclusion in broader health discussions. Additionally, promoting occupational therapy through public campaigns, sharing success stories, and participating in advocacy initiatives helps to highlight the profession’s impact. CAOT also has an ongoing petition for people to support including these services in extended health insurance plans.

Occupational therapy is also crucial in promoting sustainable healthcare by encouraging environmentally conscious practices in patient care and treatment settings. Occupational therapists are well-positioned to integrate sustainability by selecting eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and encouraging sustainable habits.

Occupational therapists can also contribute to Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy by helping Canadians prepare for the impacts of climate change, including adapting daily routines and responding to extreme weather events. As global and local changes intensify, enhancing knowledge and resources in this area is vital. The CAOT is committed to making occupational therapy part of the environmental solution, focusing on sustainability in its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, ensuring that the profession supports both present and future generations in navigating these challenges.

“Occupational therapists are well situated healthcare professionals to be at the forefront of preventative and sustainable healthcare. Our profession’s strong focus involving the intersection of occupation, the environment, and the person, is how we can contribute to effective interprofessional collaborations and sustainable healthcare service delivery,” Dr. Jecker emphasizes.

Interested to learn more about Occupational Therapy Month and about CAOT? Check out their website for a list of activities and events this month and how you can advocate for OT!