Occupational Therapy Core Values
Occupational therapy (O.T.) continues to climb the top job ratings each year. O.T.'s are educated and skilled to facilitate people in the engagement of meaningful activities. Naturally, through daily repetition, O.T.’s apply to their personal life what they do in their career.
Occupational therapy practitioners are educated on the physiological and psychological impact of stress. Low stress and high outcome visibility is often a natural course for practitioners. Occupational therapy is a profession grounded in the following values, as cited in the Core Values and Attitudes of Occupational Therapy Practice:
"Altruism is the individual’s ability to place the needs of others before their own.
Equality refers to the desire to promote fairness in interactions with others.
The concept of freedom and personal choice is paramount in a profession in which the desires of the client must guide our interventions.
Occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers relate in a fair and impartial manner to individuals with whom they interact and respect and adhere to the applicable laws and standards regarding their area of practice, be it direct care, education, or research (justice).
Inherent in the practice of occupational therapy is the promotion and preservation of the individuality and dignity of the client, by assisting him or her to engage in occupations that are meaningful to him or her regardless of level of disability.
In all situations, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students must provide accurate information, both in oral and written form (truth).
Occupational therapy personnel use their clinical and ethical reasoning skills, sound judgment, and reflection to make decisions to direct them in their area(s) of practice (prudence)."
