When we hear the term “occupation,” we usually think of employment and job titles. However, occupational therapy provides a much broader perspective. It focuses on what occupies your time and attention—far beyond just work-related tasks.
Occupational therapists help people by addressing their needs to accomplish these meaningful activities, supporting them in reaching their full potential and preparing them for life’s challenges and successes.
At the University of Utah College of Health, our Life Skills Clinic provides occupational therapy services that help patients, like 10-year-old Alice, become fully engaged with what is most important to them and their lives.
“When Alice was two, she had a lot of trouble with getting overwhelmed and sometimes she’d [accidentally] hurt herself,” said her mother, Katie Fortenberry.
Fortunately, the Fortenberry family found the Life Skills Clinic soon after. Alice has been attending weekly for the past eight years and made tremendous progress.
She has made new friends, mastered the obstacle course, learned how to cut with scissors, how to dress herself, type on the computer and many more skills. These tasks used to be challenging for Alice, but now she shares excitement and pride in the progress she has made.
“The Clinic has helped her a lot with becoming more independent,” Fortenberry said. “They all know strategies that can help. She's come so much farther than we thought that she would when she was little.”
Today Alice likes art, playing with her friend on the obstacle course, and swinging. She says she looks forward to going to the Clinic every week and feels happy at the end of every session.
“I think the Life Skills Clinic does incredible work,” Fortenberry said. “It’s so overwhelming to have a kid with disabilities and you don't know how to help them. Being able to just connect with other people who get it and share resources and tips is really, really helpful.”