Through the use of adapted toys and games, the child is able to engage in their occupation of play.

The occupation of a school-age child is learning. When a physical or emotional limitation exists, their ability to engage in learning is limited.

Occupation for an adult with cardiac problems may include learning to conserve energy while doing daily activities.

An occupation for the elderly may be encouraging and promoting participation in activities as well as maintaining personal independence.

Occupational Therapy provides service to those individuals whose abilities to cope with their occupations (tasks) of living are threatened or impaired by developmental deficits, the aging process, physical injury or illness, or psychological and social disability.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) work under the supervision of and in collaboration with Registered Occupational Therapists (OTR) addressing an individual's functional abilities and limitations in performance of daily occupations.

The COTA's responsibilities include providing purposeful activity to restore lost physical, cognitive and psychosocial skills, training in the use of assistive devices, and adapting environments and occupations to enable successful and safe performance.

The occupational therapist typically works in an interdisciplinary team with other health care professionals, such as the Physical Therapist, Social Worker, Speech Therapist, Registered Nurse, Medical Doctor, Psychologist and Nutritionist.

National U.S. membership for occupational therapists is with AOTA, certification examination is provided by NBCOT, and licensure by the State Regulatory Board. Each state has a local organization... ConnOTA is the local organization in Connecticut.

Check out the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Manchester Community College, visit their OTA Club page and check out the occupational therapy assistant resume for work as a COTA in Connecticut.