The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as "the therapeutic use of self-care, work/productive activities, and play/leisure activities to increase independent function, enhance development, and prevent disability." As such, occupational therapy includes the adaptation of tasks and the environment to maximize independence and quality of life.

The term occupation refers not to employment per se, but to activities that are meaningful to the individual within the environments in which he or she lives and functions.

Occupational therapy involves assisting people who for one reason or another cannot function independently; increasing independence by assisting with activities of daily living; enhancing an individual's ability to work, play, and enjoy leisure; and helping others to help themselves. Occupational therapy is not, however, helping people find jobs (although occupational therapists may assist people in returning to work after a mishap, illness, or injury); or physical therapy (although...