OT in Action: Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month
Every October, OT Works! celebrates Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, recognizing the incredible work of our Occupational Therapists and the meaningful impact they make in the lives of our clients and communities.
This year’s theme, as set by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), is “Occupational Therapy in Action.” The theme reflects the dynamic, hands-on nature of the profession, spotlighting the active role OTs play in enabling people to participate fully in the activities that matter most.
“Occupational therapists actively promote clients’ participation in important activities; they facilitate clients’ re-engagement in a life that is meaningful, connected and rewarding.”
Pamela Russell, Clinical Director, OT Works!
What Does ‘Occupational Therapy in Action’ Mean?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) partner with clients to restore, maintain, and enhance their ability to engage in daily activities—whether at home, work, school, or in the community. Through collaborative assessment and intervention, OTs help people overcome barriers related to injury, illness, disability, or life transitions.
OT in action looks like:
- Supporting someone returning to meaningful employment
- Guiding strategies for mental health and stress management
- Adapting tasks and environments to promote safety and independence
- Building routines that enhance well-being and resilience
By focusing on what individuals do each day, OTs promote purpose, participation, and quality of life.
Lighting Up Canada for World OT Day
On October 27th, landmarks across Canada will once again glow in blue to honour World Occupational Therapy Day and to build awareness of the profession’s important contributions.
In British Columbia, several familiar spaces will join the celebration, including:
- Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, Science World, Burrard Street Bridge, City Hall and Convention Centre
- Port Moody City Hall
- YVR Airport Control Tower Lights
- Victoria’s Parliament Buildings, Confederation Garden Park Fountain and Waterfall, and Victoria Street Bridge Lighting
- City of Nanaimo Bastion
These lights represent communities coming together to recognize the power and impact of occupational therapy in action.
OT Works! – Active Support for Communities Across BC
At OT Works!, we’re proud to support individuals throughout British Columbia with a diverse team of highly skilled therapists certified by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC). Our clinicians bring experience in:
- Physical rehabilitation
- Mental health care
- Brain injury recovery
- Functional capacity evaluation
…and much more.
Serving the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky region, and Vancouver Island, our mission remains clear: to help clients act toward their personal and professional goals through individualized, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
Learn More About Occupational Therapy
As we celebrate OT Month and World OT Day, we encourage you to explore resources from these organizations:
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT)
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
Happy OT Month!