Occupational Therapist Day

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With the arrival of major sporting events such as the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, functional mobility, accessibility and assistive technologies are some of the words of the moment and the occupational therapist, a professional celebrated on October 13th, is responsible for the materialization of these concepts. , when, in 1969, the profession was regulated, in accordance with Decree Law 938.

Occupational therapists help individuals to regain their functional mobility, expanding their ability to move with a greater degree of independence. Accessibility, on the other hand, has been discussed by governments, associations, NGOs, etc. Its focus is on the promotion of democratic spaces and tools, that is, those that can be used by people with physical disabilities, wheelchair users, crutches, etc. Thus, ramps, handrails and a series of adaptations must be promoted through the use of assistive technologies (includes products, resources, methodologies, strategies, practices and services that aim to promote functionality related to the activity and participation of people with disabilities, disabilities or mobility reduced, aiming at their autonomy, independence, quality of life and social inclusion), such as adapted machines and instruments such as computers, cell phones, cars, apartments, houses.

These professionals are also known for representing the health area that caters to all ages with the purpose of treating physical, psychomotor, social, mental and developmental disorders. They act in the prevention, habilitation or rehabilitation of the individual. As therapeutic resources, they can use physical activities, involving training in daily life actions with the use of prostheses and orthotics.

Occupational therapists also work on issues related to work that are not directly related to motor disorders, such as the consequences provided by risky professions, such as: police, bus driver and conductor, bank, etc. who are subject to urban violence. As an example, the reality of taxi drivers was the theme of Letting Your Guard, Raising Your Guard: A Study on Defenses Against Violence Among Taxi Drivers in Salvador, doctoral thesis of the professor of the Occupational Therapy course at Bahiana, Ana Marcia Nascimento.

In her study, the researcher worked the defenses built by taxi drivers during their work activities, in order to avoid urban violence. And why is the study of the life of taxi drivers a subject of study for occupational therapy? Because their victimization in the face of the risks of urban violence is a work dysfunction that affects the health of workers who go through psychological crises causing stress, panic syndrome, hypertension, etc.

Therefore, many fronts can count on the important collaboration of this professional. THE Bahiana, the first institution in Bahia to offer an Occupational Therapy course, is proud to congratulate students, professors and professionals on this important date!