By Elijah Okall, Occupational Therapist
Today is World Occupational Therapy Day, 27 October 2026 and the theme this year is ‘Participation Matters’ which highlights the importance of everyday activities, roles and routines in supporting health, wellbeing and quality of life.
The one question which I have been asked the most by clients over the years is occupational therapy and what does an Occupational Therapist (OT) do?
My answer has changed over the years, and this year's World OT Day theme better explains what I have done for over a decade and still do passionately. I help clients change their habits to change their health. This involves collaborating with the individual/family in goal setting, we solve problems together and implement actions.
Whether it is working with a child, teenager or adult (including their immediate family) the process is the same. It begins with evaluation where I collect information on your health, lifestyle and goals. This is followed by collaborating in setting functional goals for therapy. Treatment and assessment then enable tracking progress while building new skills/habits. The last phase is mostly allowing for self-management and providing the client with tools to continue staying well.
Occupational Therapist work with individuals/clients across the lifespan who may be experiencing difficulties participating in meaningful activities needed to perform daily routines/tasks e.g. sleep, selfcare, moving/doing, safety, play/hobbies, social participation, mental health, eating/mealtimes, most importantly activities that matter and are meaningful to you.
Occupational therapy promotes participation by addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, environmental and social factors that influence engagement in occupations (meaningful tasks) that people want, need, or are expected to do.
Happy World OT Day 2026!
