Occupational Therapy Timeline

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- necessitated the use of every available therapist possible! It was this time that Occupational Therapists were called on to develop programs and treat injured soldiers

The National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy was founded in 1917 and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia.

In 1921, the name of the Association was changed to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

In 1923, accreditation of educational programs became a stated function of the American Occupational Therapy Association, and basic educational standards were developed.

1940-1960's Post World War II

Rehabilitation Movement

- With the thousands of injured soldiers (physically and mentally) returning home from the WWII, there was a surge in the demand for Occupational Therapists.

- OT's began treating physical disabilities due to the injuries sustained in battle. Besides the mentally ill, the injured war veterans, OT's also became called upon to treat an ever increasing number of survivors of "modern medicine's miracles".

1963 Community Mental Health Act was passed.

- Lead to de-institutionalization.

- Federal legislation that provided government funding for treating severely mentally ill patients throughout the country.

1940's to 1960's Rehabilitation Movement

- Analytical approach to mental health

- The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) position was created to alleviate the demand for OT's who were required to attend 4-6 years of schooling. The COTA required only minimal training and was utilized as an assisting body and aide.

- During this time, we begin to see deinstitutionalization as more mentally ill are taking drugs. Instead of being placed in an institution, the mentally ill are re-integrated into society.

In 1958, AOTA assumed responsibility for approval of educational programs for the occupational therapy assistant.

1965 through the 2000's

- Legislation impacting OT roles, services, & settings

- Assistive technology

- Reimbursement

- Model of Human Occupation

- Clinical reasoning and problem solving

- Treatment goals and outcomes.

- Evaluation - Treatment - Measurement

- Profession becomes stronger

- Prevention

- Occupational Therapists begin to specialize.

n 1990, AOTA petitioned the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) to include the accreditation of the occupational therapy assistant programs in the CAHEA system.

2014 and Beyond

Universal design

- Technological advances

- Evidence based practice

- Crafts back "in"

- Return to holistic roots

- Psycho-educational focus returning

- Longevity = prevention/aging in place

- Cost containment

- The degree requirements are up for debate OTD or BS?

- Consultant model in school settings

- War's effect on rehab (amputee's, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

- Mental Health Crisis

Work Cited

http://www.aota.org/education-careers/accreditation/overview/history.aspx

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/history-of-occupational-therapy.html

http://www.recreationtherapy.com/history/rthistory2.htm

http://quoccupationaltherapy.weebly.com/history-of-occupational-therapy.html