A senior  practitioner talks about the scope of their work

Other than hospitals, special schools, vocational rehabilitation centres and NGOs, is there any new area where occupational therapists can work?
Occupational therapists function as clinicians, educators, consultants, researchers, administrators, and private practitioners in a variety of set-ups, both in the government and private sectors. They also provide expertise in normal schools (for improving general mental, physical, educational health of normal kids). They work as ergonomic consultants for ergonomically designing special economic zones, cities, private and public buildings etc, as sports performance consultants and in industries for injury prevention programmes and job training. Occupational therapists work in community-based rehabilitation projects, private clinics, old age homes, leprosy and cancer rehabilitation (centres).

What are the latest trends in occupational therapy in India?
Training in special techniques and approaches are required to develop new skills like sensory integration therapy, neuro-developmental therapy for developmental disorders and learning disabilities, specialised clinics for hand therapy, gericare and very recently, disaster management (treatment and rehabilitation of disaster survivors within the community) and designing and fabricating the assistive technology like self help adaptive devices, indigenous hand splints for functional restoration  etc.

How do you see the profession faring in India?
In India, though there is an imbalance in the healthcare system, occupational therapists have a major role to play in rehabilitating individuals. Legislation, in the form of a Central Council for Occupational Therapy is a significant requirement for instant academic and professional uniformity and growth of the profession in India.

Which countries have the maximum demand for OT?
Almost all parts of the world need great numbers of occupational therapists, and Indian occupational therapists are especially in demand. USA, Canada, Ireland and the Middle East have very huge demands. Other destinations include the UK, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

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