April is Occupational Therapy Month! Here is a List of Resources for Occupational Therapy

April is a time to celebrate and raise awareness for occupational therapy (OT), a vital healthcare profession that helps people do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational Therapy Month is an excellent opportunity to spotlight the invaluable contributions of occupational therapists and to share resources that can benefit practitioners, patients and caregivers alike. 

Whether you’re a seasoned OT professional, a student embarking on this career path or someone interested in utilizing occupational therapy services, here’s a curated list of resources to explore.

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

The AOTA is the national professional association established to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including practice guidelines, professional development tools, advocacy information and a job board. The AOTA also provides extensive patient and family resources to educate on the benefits of OT.

World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

As the international voice for occupational therapy, the WFOT promotes the profession’s global standardization and development. Their resources include international guidelines for practice, research databases and details on World OT Day. Additionally, the WFOT offers information on how OT practices vary and are implemented across different countries.

Occupational Therapy.com

This platform offers online continuing education and professional development for OTs. With courses covering a wide range of topics, from pediatrics to geriatrics, it’s an excellent resource for therapists looking to expand their knowledge or earn continuing education units (CEUs).

OT Potential Club

OT Potential Club provides an online forum and journal club for occupational therapists, OT assistants and students. It’s designed to help professionals stay current with the latest research and evidence-based practices in the field, offering weekly reviews of influential OT-related articles and a community forum for discussion.

The OT Toolbox

A fantastic resource for pediatric occupational therapists, The OT Toolbox offers creative therapy ideas, strategies and activities to support children’s development. It includes free resources and printables, as well as articles on sensory processing, fine motor skills and more.

My OT Spot

My OT Spot is a helpful blog and community for occupational therapy practitioners and students. It features practical advice on navigating the profession, from finding OT jobs and mastering OT school to exploring specialty areas within the field.

OTPlan

OTPlan matches the skills you want to develop with occupational therapy activity ideas. It’s an excellent tool for parents, educators and therapists, providing activity suggestions based on the skills you aim to enhance, such as fine motor, sensory processing or cognitive skills.

CanChild

CanChild is a research center dedicated to generating knowledge and transforming lives of children and youth with a variety of developmental conditions. While not exclusively focused on occupational therapy, it offers valuable resources and research findings that OT practitioners working with children and families will find beneficial.

OT Miri

OT Miri is an online educational resource created by an occupational therapist for OT students and practitioners. The platform offers study guides, strategies and motivational support for those preparing for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam and beyond.

Sensory Processing Resource Center

A specialized resource providing comprehensive information on sensory processing, including what it is, how it affects individuals and strategies to support those with sensory processing challenges. This is a valuable resource for OTs working in pediatrics or with individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Wrapping Up 

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month by exploring these resources can deepen understanding, spark innovation and foster connections within the OT community. Whether you’re seeking professional development, looking for therapy ideas or needing support and inspiration, these resources cover all bases. For occupational therapy services in New Jersey, contact VNA Health Group today.