OT: What it means to me!
OT Week: 24th-30th October
World OT Day: 27th October
In the month of October we get to celebrate Occupational Therapy with OT week from the 24th to 30th of October. It’s a time where we get to celebrate ourselves as the clinicians we are today, reflect on our University degrees and ourselves as members of the community. We also get to celebrate our clients, their individuality and how far they’ve come!
One of the best things about OT is our ability to capitalize on forward thought; we’re always looking ahead to the future, establishing new goals, ideas and solutions for not only our families but for our team as well! At Explore and Soar we are always looking at the bigger picture - establishing long-term goals personally, professionally, as a team and for our communities. It’s a privilege to not only be someone that gets to create a lasting change in someone’s life but to also work alongside a team that celebrates one another every single day!
The theme of OT Week in 2022 is “OT: What it means to me”.
Through this theme, we are given an opportunity to reflect, consolidate our values, our commitment and really identify purpose and true meaning behind everything that we do. This month i’d like to share something from each of our staff members. I asked everyone to reflect on what OT means to them. We look at the reasons behind their choice, their contribution to our team, clients and communities. We want you to get to know us a little better and understand why we are so passionate about what we do!
Personal notes from the team:
What OT means to me…
GEORGIA
For me, OT is a career that gives me a lot!
On the surface, being an OT means that I get to play and act like the big kid that I am at heart every day. I get to blow bubbles, jump and hop around and challenge my clients in all of my favourite boardgames! OT allows me to use my creativity, problem solving skills and passion for helping others to make an impact on families who need support.
Occupational Therapy for me, means using my knowledge and skills to connect, support and provide my families with the skills and tools to grow and develop into the best versions of themselves.
MADDIE
OT to me means learning, vulnerability, compassion and support. We are trained to understand the brain and body which encompasses an ever-evolving scope.
But truthfully, I think occupational therapy can be whatever you need or want it to be. It changes everyday with each location and family I visit. I show up and become whoever I need to be for the family whether that is supporting the children, the parent, family unit or other aspects within their life.
LORI
OT is a lifestyle…. the way that I approach all areas of my life has been shaped by my knowledge and skills that I have gained over the years as an OT. I often forget that I have OT glasses on so what I see and think, is not always what others see or think!
OT is a journey… It's about navigating the journey of life and finding ways to overcome the challenges that we encounter that prevent us from doing what we want to do or need to do. Being on that journey with our Explore and Soar families is a privilege indeed!
OT is joy…. Working with likeminded people who have a genuine heart for helping; being able to play yet know that that play is actually working on that child’s goals; continuing to learn and challenge myself to think of new ways to provide amazing therapy; that brings me joy.
LIZZIE
Occupational therapy is about allowing people to live their best life - at home, at work and everywhere. It's about helping people to be able to do the things they want to do, and sometimes just the things they have to do. It requires trust, compassion, problem solving and genuine connection, with the amazing reward of seeing individuals flourish with growing independence.
MARG
An Occupational Therapist is a talented and caring individual who invests time and effort into helping others to live the best life they possibly can. Assisting others with their emotional regulation, social skills, fine motor and gross motor activities, sensory challenges, mental health and life in general.
LAUREN
OT to me is about helping people engage in activities that are meaningful in order to reach their potential in all areas of life.
JORDYN
To me occupational therapy involves using a whole person perspective and meaningful occupation to facilitate health and wellbeing for individuals, groups and communities. Our occupations make us who we are and deliver meaning and value to our lives and I think that is pretty special!
And finally…
JESS
OT was and is like coming home. It brings together my values, love of being with others, supporting others to live their best life and promoting playfulness everyday. My job is always fun and never feels like work! (Unless I’m report writing of course!).
I found my purpose in OT. My love and joy of being vulnerable, sharing my personal and professional experiences with others to feel connected and not alone in our communities. OT has become my way of contributing to the next generation, along with our local communities to allow opportunities for everyone to live independently and in a joyful way.
If you haven’t already, chat to our team, they would love to hear from you! We would love to hear about what OT means to you! We are so privileged to work in so many communities in NSW now… and we love that our team can make such a difference to so many families.
