Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 

Every June 21, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day, a special day to honor the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. 

Why June 21? 

The date coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Indigenous groups have marked this day with celebrations of their culture and heritage. 

How to Get Involved 

Across Canada, vibrant events and activities take place on June 21 to highlight the rich cultural expressions and stories of Indigenous peoples. To find a local event, visit the Government of Canada’s website

How We Celebrate at OT Works! 

At OT Works!, we are dedicated to learning about and honoring Indigenous cultures and contributions. Here’s how we celebrate: 

  • Cultural Education: We adopt and study the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC). 
  • Community Engagement: We encourage our team to attend local Indigenous events. 
  • Monthly Updates: We present new information monthly about Indigenous cultures, issues, and ways to support their communities. 
  • Featured Presentation: We showcase Len Pierre’s presentation on Allyship from the WorkSafeBC conference. 

Learn More and Get Inspired 

Join us in celebrating and learning about the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada! 

Funding for Occupational Therapy in BC 

Finding the right services and funding is crucial when recovering from an injury. This guide will help you find possible options to fund Occupational Therapy services with OT Works! 

What Occupational Therapists do 

Community Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people get back to their important daily activities after an injury or disability.
They work with people in their real-life settings: in their homes, workplaces or in their community.
Having an OT help you in your real world can make a significant impact on your recovery.

What to expect of an OT assessment?

Who pays for Occupational Therapy? 

Community OT is not covered by MSP, however, there are many possible funding options depending on your individual circumstances and type of injury.  

At OT Works! we accept funding from several sources: 

WorkSafeBC

Covers OT for work-related injuries. Contact your WorkSafeBC claim manager to refer you to OT Works! 
 
OT Works! is an approved providers under the Occupational Therapy Services contract. We serve WorkSafeBC clients with physical and brain injuries, and mental health. We also assist clients working with a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant through WorkSafeBC. 

ICBC

Covers OT for motor-vehicle accident (MVA) injuries. 
You will need to have an open injury claim with ICBC, and provide us with a doctor’s note supporting OT to help you with the injuries or symptoms related to the MVA. 
Once you have provided the doctor’s note, our team will contact ICBC in your behalf to secure funding for you. 

Start Occupational Therapy after a car accident 

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) 

We’re an approved provider for veterans. Request a referral from your VAC Case Manager

RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members 

Funding may be available through your Occupational Nurse. Call us for more information. 

Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) 

Discuss OT coverage with your CVAP case manager. 

Vancouver Island Health Authority – Brain Injury Program

If you have a brain injury and lives in Vancouver Island, OT may be funded by the Vancouver Island Health Authority Brain Injury Program (VIHA-BIP). 
Please contact the program for details. 

Employers

Employers may fund OT to aid in your return to work and for performance improvement. Our OTs have experience providing ergonomic assessments and return-to-work plans to workers across BC. 
Please contact us and we can send a cost estimate directly to your employer. 

Private pay 

Self-referral is an option if other funding is unavailable. No doctor’s referral needed. 
Contact our team and we can advise you of our fees. 

Self-Funded OT services 

There are some other situations that may require OT services to be paid out-of-pocket: 

BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) 

If you’re looking for home modifications through BC RAHA, you must pay for OT privately, and submit the receipt for a partial reimbursement from the program. 
Please check BC RAHA’s website for program eligibility and reimbursement amounts.  

Extended Health Benefits  

Unfortunately, OT Works! cannot direct bill your extended health benefits provider. We request that you pay for services, and then submit the receipt to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Check your policy for details. 

OT Works! cannot bill the Ministry of Health or Disability Assistance programs. Please visit their websites for more information on providers and funding. 

Get started with and OT 

If you or someone you know could benefit from Occupational Therapy, contact us today to start your rehabilitation journey! 

Email: referrals@ot-works.com 
Vancouver: 604.696.1066 
Victoria: 250.999.8896 

Occupational Therapists Support Mental Health Recovery and Create Return to Work  Success 

Returning to work after a mental health diagnosis or injury can be difficult. 

Mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and trauma can have a significant impact on people’s lives. These conditions can disrupt not only personal lives but also relationships, daily activities, and the ability to work.   

In fact, mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada. Every week at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness and the resulting personal, workplace and economic impacts can be devastating.

For employers in British Columbia, compliance with Bill 41 is now mandatory, requiring them to provide suitable work options for employees dealing with mental health challenges.  

Occupational Therapists have the skills and experience to help individuals with mental health conditions to return to work and enjoy life again.  OTs also collaborate with employers to implement cost-effective workplace accommodations. 

At OT Works!, we have a deep understanding of Mental Health and Return-to-Work

  • Our approach focuses on listening to your needs, empowering you, and working collaboratively with your medical team.  
  • We tailor our strategies to meet you where you are, helping you navigate the path to recovery step by step.  
  • We ensure that you remain at the forefront of your care plan while maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.  
  • Our therapists have comprehensive knowledge and extensive training on mental health and how it affects return-to-work 
  • Our team has helped clients through WorkSafeBC, ICBC, Veterans Affairs, RCMP, private insurers, and employers.  
  • We have experience working with Bill 41, facilitating a gradual return to the workplace, ensuring a safe and successful transition.   

“We know that work is not just about earning a living; it’s about finding purpose, building confidence, and connecting with others. Returning to work after a mental health diagnosis or injury is a crucial step towards recovery, and our experienced therapists have been supporting individuals in this journey for over two decades.  “ 
Pamela Russell, Clinical Director, OT Works! 

Case Study:  Firefighter with PTSD 

OT Works! was requested to assist a firefighter diagnosed with PTSD.  

This worker had experienced multiple traumatic events, and was suffering with nightmares, sleep issues, and avoidance of the location of one of the events.  

Randy McVeigh, an occupational therapist with OT Works! with 10 years of experience, helping clients with mental health diagnoses was assigned to this client 
 
After an initial OT assessment, Randy created an evidence-based treatment plan unique to the client’s needs. 
Randy alternated treatment sessions between in situ exposure therapy and counselling sessions at the client’s home. 
The client was ready to begin attending emotionally charged locations right away, and after demonstrating the ability to do so, Randy allowed the client to identify locations with traumatic significance. Together, Randy and the client drove to each location, parked the car and got out. At the location of the scene, the client described what happened in detail, and how it affected him.  The client found that being able to tell his stories helped him to process them, in a way he is not usually able, as people in his life are often uncomfortable hearing about what happened. 

After recounting the stories, the client and Randy spent some time in mindfulness.  Randy encouraged the client to notice various aspects of the present-day location, especially the sensory experiences (e.g. sounds, feeling of the air on the skin, the grass or pavement beneath the feet), emphasizing, particularly, the aspects which are now different from the original accident (e.g. peaceful, different season).  The purpose of this is to give the client a new and different experience of the location, so that his nervous system can be less firmly attached to the original story. 

Randy also provided education of various aspects of PTSD management, including creating SMART goals. Randy encouraged and provided strategies so the client could experiment with different approaches, including: 

  • Socializing with firefighters 
  • Mindfulness practices 
  • Journalling 
  • Setting up schedules and routines 
  • Identifying values and motivations 
  • Crafting coping plans 

After working with Randy for a few months, the client has met several goals: 

  • Returned to the firehall for the first time since going on leave 
  • Returned to formal and informal social events with firefighters and friends 
  • Socializing with his family, including in locations that were previously triggering to him 
  • Went on to numerous sites of accident scenes, often for the first time since the incidents, and has reversed his pattern of avoiding them 
  • His PTSD symptoms and responses to triggers are milder, and much better managed 

“It made all the difference to have my OT come to my house. I was scared to leave and was hiding under the bed and in the closet. Unlike previous providers, my OT treated me like a human, genuinely cared, and wanted to know more about me and what’s important to me. First responders are wired differently, trained differently, can be stubborn, don’t like change, and have a hard time opening up. But my OT understood that, was positive and patient, gently pulled information out of me, and ultimately helped me get back to work. My OT changed my life and I can’t say enough that’s positive about this OT.”

Client with PTSD, who worked with Randy

Occupational Therapists facilitate meaningful recovery from mental health conditions, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and get back to work with confidence.   

If you or someone you know need help from an OT, contact us today. 

Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896

Meet Katy Lovick: Occupational Therapist 

We’re pleased to welcome Katy Lovick, new occupational therapist, to OT Works! 

Katy joined OT Works! in January 2024. She brings with her a wealth of experience in helping clients with various diagnoses, such as brain injuries, neurological conditions, physical injuries, amputations, and mixed diagnoses. 
 
Katy holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Glasgow Caledonian University, and a Bachelor of Sport & Fitness Leadership – specialization in exercise and wellness, from Camosun College.
Katy is passionate about the versatility of occupational therapy and has worked in both private and public health sectors. She embraces a client-centered approach, recognizing that everyone has unique strengths and challenges on their path to recovery. Katy has successfully supported clients in meaningful activities, including daily living tasks, returning to work, and engaging with their communities. She brings professionalism, experience, and a commitment to excellence to every client interaction.  

In her spare time, Katy enjoys all the nature that Vancouver Island has to offer, travelling and getting active.
 
Katy serves a diverse clientele, including individuals covered by WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She provides her services across South Vancouver Island, including Victoria, Langford, Saanich, and Sidney. 

Katy is a full registrant and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).     

We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she’ll make in our community. 

Get started with an OT    

If you would like Katy’s help with your recovery or if someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy, contact us today! 

Email:  referrals@ot-works.com    

Phone:  604.696.1066 ext. 1000.   

What to expect of an Occupational Therapy Assessment 

An occupational therapy assessment is an important first step in your recovery journey. That’s when your OT will understand where you’re at, what you are struggling with, and where you want to go next. It also helps the OT justify funding for treatment services, if needed, and develop a safe, effective treatment plan. 
 
Our dedicated Occupational Therapists (OTs) are committed to providing you with individualized, meaningful, and creative ways to support your recovery journey. 
Recovering from an injury is hard, but getting back to the activities you love is worth it! 

Occupational Therapists are unique 

OTs are university-trained, certified, and regulated by the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).   

What sets OTs apart is their holistic approach to your needs. Unlike other professions that focus on either physical or emotional parts of your injury, OTs consider physical, cognitive, emotional, cultural and environmental factors to ensure that your recovery is safe, meaningful and effective. They also focus and build upon your strengths and priorities. 

OTs meet you in real-life environments: at your home, workplace, and community settings, ensuring that the treatment aligns with your reality and daily life and has real impact. 

Occupational Therapy can help in a variety of situations, including but not limited to: 

  • Home safety  
  • Ergonomics 
  • Activation 
  • Mood management 
  • Concussion rehabilitation 
  • Community access 
  • Return to work 

Our OTs help you getting better and improving your quality of life. 
Our OTs have experience in providing OT treatment for physical injuries, mental health concerns, and brain injuries. They are passionate about delivering quality treatments tailored to your unique needs.  

What to expect from your OT assessment 

When someone requests the help of our OTs, we get any necessary medical information to ensure a safe assessment, and we choose an occupational therapist with the right skill set and approach to assist you. However, the OT assessment primarily involves an in-person meeting with you.  

Some important information about the assessment: 

  • Location: Most assessments occur at your home, but may also occur at your workplace, or somewhere else in your community, depending on what is being assessed. Some specialized assessments may be conducted at our clinic in New Westminster. 
  • Duration: Typically, 2-3 hours. 
  • Components: Review of what to expect, risks and benefits (consent), an interview, observations of your daily activities, and standardized tests or questionnaires. 

Your therapist will be on time, and treat you with respect, care, professionalism, and courtesy throughout the assessment. There is no judgement, nor expectation that you clean or prepare refreshments ahead of time. 

If you anticipate being at all uncomfortable, just let your therapist know in advance, and invite a friend or family member to attend with you. 

We expect that you provide more than 24 hours’ notice if you need to change the assessment time.  

Getting ready for your OT assessment 

Preparing for your assessment is easy: 

  • Gather Information: Relevant medical details, recent test results, and current medications. 
  • Review Daily Activities: Consider your daily routine and note areas of difficulty. 
  • Communicate: Share your goals, concerns, and relevant information during the assessment. Ask lots of questions. 
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothes that allows for easy movement.  
  • Be ready to “do”: the OT may ask you to show how you do certain tasks (or portions of tasks) around the house, such as sweeping, making the bed, working on the computer or emptying the dishwasher. You will not be asked to do anything that is unsafe, and the OT will provide tips and strategies to make things easier on you, right away. 

Collaborative Plan for Treatment 

Before completing the assessment, the OT will briefly review their findings, explore your personal, functional goals, and review possible treatments for feedback. Examples of what an OT may recommend could include: equipment, learning and practicing techniques or strategies, grading tasks (gradually making them more challenging), homework between sessions and/or referral to other health care professionals. 

At OT Works!, our therapists take a collaborative approach. We listen to you, design treatment plans, and set goals with your input to ensure that your recovery is not only meaningful but also appropriate to your situation. 

We communicate directly using your preferred method, welcoming feedback to enhance each client’s experience. 

What happens after the OT assessment 


Confidential Report 

The OT prepares a comprehensive report detailing functional strengths, difficulties and treatment recommendations. With your consent, this report can be shared with medical providers and funding parties.  

Approval 

If OT treatment services are recommended, the plan and goals are shared with the funder for approval (whether that’s an insurance representative, family member or other party). Ideally, occupational therapy treatment is approved and initiated within one week of the in-person assessment. Sometimes the OT will set up your first treatment session, as they leave the assessment, in anticipation of this.  

However, there can sometimes be delays in obtaining approval. Your therapist will keep you updated on the process if this is the case and will advocate for service on your behalf. They also may provide you with some activities or strategies to get started with, on your own, if appropriate and safe, to facilitate an early recovery. 

Once treatment is underway, your engagement, motivation and feedback will help pave the way to a new you, and the meaningful life you seek. 

Contact us for your Occupational Therapy assessment 

If you or someone you know could benefit from an occupational therapy assessment, don’t hesitate to contact us today! 

Email: referrals@ot-works.com 
Vancouver: 604.696.1066 
Victoria: 250.999.8896 

OT Works! Holiday Hours

OT Works! will be closed during the holidays.   

We will be back to our regular hours on January 02, 2024, when we will be accepting new clients in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Comox Valley.  

Monday, December 18, 2023 Open, 9 am-5 pm  
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Open, 9 am-5 pm  
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Open, 9 am-5 pm  
Thursday, December 21, 2023 Open, 9 am-5 pm  
Friday, December 22, 2023 Open, 9 am-5 pm  
Monday, December 25, 2023  Closed  
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 Closed  
Wednesday, December 27, 2023  Closed  
Thursday, December 28, 2023 Closed  
Friday, December 29, 2023 Closed  
Monday, January 01, 2024 Closed  
Tuesday, January 02, 2024  Open, 9 am-5 pm  

Regular business hours resume on January 02.  

We wish you a very Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!   

Get started with an OT  

Our therapists at OT Works! are registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).  Our approach is based on current research and evidence-based practice.  

If you or someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy, contact us today!  

Email:  referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver:  604.696.1066   
Victoria: 250.999.8896 

Start Occupational Therapy after a car accident

Get help. Get better. Get well.

Ask for OT for your ICBC claim.

Ask for OT

You have been injured in a car accident, and you have not fully recovered. You want to get back to your regular life, but you are not sure how or where to get started. Ask for Occupational Therapy (OT) for your ICBC claim.

Occupational Therapy is fully covered by ICBC.

Occupational therapy can help you put the pieces together that you need to get better. OTs provide individualized care that is specific to you, your injuries, and your life. They listen to you and focus their work on your goals and what is meaningful to you.  
We can help you to get back to living your life after a car accident. 

How OT can help after an accident 

An Occupational Therapist can help you in many ways after a car accident.  
We focus on your function and help you perform a wide variety of activities. Whether you’re having physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties, an OT can help. We see each person as unique and tailor our approach to you. 
An Occupational Therapist can help you with activities like: 

  • Preparing you and your home for your discharge from hospital 
  • Restoring basic activities, like bathing, dressing, grooming and personal hygiene 
  • Getting you back to activities like home making, finances, meal planning, community access 
  • Leisure and recreation 
  • Getting back to school or work 
  • Return to driving 

Click here to learn how an OT can assist you in different stages of your recovery. 

OT is fully covered by ICBC 

Occupational therapy is covered under ICBC’s Enhanced Care model.  There are no user-fees for OT.

However, OT is not pre-approved like other health professions.  To have an OT help your recover, your ICBC claims specialist must approve OT involvement.  To get approval, you will need a referral from your GP or a doctor’s note. Talk to your doctor if an OT would be right for you.

If ICBC has already approved funding for Occupational Therapy for you, simply email us the written authorization, and we will assign an OT to assist you. 

ICBC must approve OT services before you start with an OT.

Get Started with an OT

After reporting a claim to ICBC, you can ask your ICBC Recovery Specialist for OT. You can also contact our Referrals Team at OT Works! to discuss your situation. You can reach us by phone, email or on our website:

You need a GP referral (or Doctor’s note) for ICBC to pay for OT services.

What do I need to get started? 

You will need to provide some personal information, ICBC claim details, and a GP note. 

Your GP note should state the reason for referral and how it’s related to the MVA.

Our Referrals Team will then guide you through the process. 

If you are not sure if OT has been approved, our Referrals team will contact ICBC and/or your legal counsel on your behalf to secure funding. 

How much does OT cost? 

If ICBC has approved OT services for you, our OT services will be fully paid by ICBC. There are no user fees and you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.

NOTE: ICBC will not pay for OT services that have not been approved. We recommend always getting ICBC approval before starting with an OT. If you are not sure how to get the approval, give us a call and we can help

When can I start working with an OT? 

It depends, but our goal is to make the whole process as fast as possible.  We always try to assign the best OT that matches your situation and find the right fit for you. It may take some time for the right OT to become available. Our Referrals team will keep you informed during the process and inform you of any wait times. 

Who will contact ICBC to get approval for Occupational Therapy? 

Our Referrals team and/or your legal counsel will contact ICBC on your behalf to get approval for OT.

Where are OT services delivered? 

Our OTs work in the community, and can see you in your home, workplace or in a community setting (park, community center).  
We can also offer telehealth if that’s appropriate for your situation. 

OT Works! has OTs available in the following areas: 

  • Lower Mainland: Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, North & West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows 
  • Fraser Valley: Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack 
  • Sea-to-Sky: Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton 
  • Sunshine Coast: Gibsons, Sechelt 
  • Vancouver Island:
    • South: Victoria, Esquimalt, Sooke, East Sooke, Saanich, Sidney, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin 
    • Central: Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni 
    • North: Campbell River, Courtney, Comox, Cumberland, Fanny Bay, Nanoose Bay, Union Bay 

Are all of your OTs approved by ICBC? 

All our OT’s are authorized by ICBC to provide OT services. Occupational Therapists s are university-educated professionals, registered by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC.

Get started today 

If you are ready to start your rehabilitation after a car accident, ask for OT and contact us today. 
Our OTs will be happy to help you getting back to the life you love! 

Photo by Daniel Xavier from Pexels

Meet Heidi Nygard: Occupational Therapist 

We’re excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Heidi Nygard, a dedicated occupational therapist at OT Works! 

Since joining us in August 2023, Heidi has been instrumental in delivering exceptional community-based OT services, focusing on enhancing individual independence and helping clients achieve their goals through tailored daily activities at home, work, and within their communities. 
 
Heidi holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from UBC, bringing knowledge to support individuals with learning disabilities and leveraging assistive technology within her clinical practice.  
With experience spanning diverse populations in return-to-work, post-secondary, and community home health settings, Heidi has assisted clients dealing with various challenges, including mental health conditions, chronic pain, concussion/traumatic brain injury, and complex diagnoses, guiding them toward achieving their meaningful and purposeful goals. 
Before embarking on her journey as an OT, Heidi contributed her skills to various roles, including serving as a Case Manager in a community employment program, working as a library technician in a Braille library, and acting as a learning strategist/assistive technologist for students with disabilities at UBC. 
 
Heidi caters to a diverse clientele, encompassing individuals covered by WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in the Central Vancouver Island area, including Ladysmith, Duncan, and Nanaimo. 

Heidi is a full registrant and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).    

Get started with an OT    

If you or someone you know can benefit from the expertise and support of an occupational therapist, reach out to us today! 

Email:  referrals@ot-works.com    

Phone:  604.696.1066 ext. 1000.   

Maintain Independence: A Guide to Preventing Falls 

Falls can occur unexpectedly and have severe consequences, particularly for the senior community. Falls can result in serious injury, especially in older people. As we age, the risk of injuries stemming from falls increases. Falls are the main reason why older people lose their independence.  

In Canada alone, 95% of all hip fractures and 40% of nursing home admissions are directly linked to falls, making them the primary cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults. Despite these staggering statistics, it’s crucial to understand that falls are not an inevitable aspect of aging; in fact, they are largely preventable. 

3 Simple Steps to Prevent Falls 

Empowering yourself with the right knowledge and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risks associated with falls. Here are three simple strategies, encapsulated as Move, Improve, Remove, to help you or your loved ones maintain a safe and fulfilling lifestyle. 

1. MOVE your body 

  • Cultivate balance, strength, and flexibility through regular physical activity. 
  • Engage in stability-enhancing exercises like walking, swimming, or dancing. 
  • Gradually intensify your workout regimen to bolster muscle strength over time. 

2. IMPROVE your health 

  • Regularly review medications with your healthcare provider to identify potential side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness. 
  • Sustain social engagements to foster emotional well-being. 
  • Ensure regular dental care to promote a nutritious diet. 
  • Schedule periodic check-ups for vision and hearing assessments. 

3. REMOVE hazards 

  • Maintain clutter-free floors to minimize trip hazards. 
  • Install secure grab bars in bathrooms and use handrails on staircases. 
  • Ensure proper lighting in all areas to improve visibility. 
  • Opt for well-fitting, supportive footwear indoors and outdoors. 

Assess your risk 

Curious about your own risk of falling? Use our simple resource to gauge your risk factors and take necessary precautions. 

How Occupational Therapists (OT) Can Help 

Occupational Therapists are experts in fall prevention strategies and can guide you through the Move, Improve, Remove steps outlined above. They offer valuable insights, recommendations, and assistive devices to help manage your fall risk factors and optimize your home environment.  

Contact us  

If you or someone you know is at risk for falls, contact us today. 

Email:  referrals@ot-works.com      
Phone:  604.696.1066 ext. 1000.   

Learn More: 

Fall Prevention Month website 
Parachute 
Fall Prevention (Government of BC) 

November is Fall Prevention Month. Together, let’s prevent falls and maintain a fulfilling and independent lifestyle. 

Join us in celebrating Occupational Therapy: October is OT Month!  

Every October, OT Works! takes pride in celebrating our exceptional team of Occupational Therapists and the impact they have on the lives of our clients. 

Unity Through Community 

OT month is celebrated both locally and internationally, with October 27th being recognized as World Occupational Therapy Day. This year, we are inspired by the theme proposed by The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT): “Unity Through Community.” 

Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in facilitating their clients’ recovery and well-being by fostering collaboration with other healthcare professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that our clients receive the holistic and comprehensive care they deserve.  

To have real impact, and truly make a difference in our clients’ lives, we must work together. Every discipline brings different tools and perspectives, and when we coordinate our efforts and focus on the client’s goals, meaningful change happens.” 

Pamela Russell, Clinical Director, OT Works!

Lighting up the country for World OT Day  

Photo by BC Place Stadium

To raise awareness about the field of occupational therapy and to acknowledge the contributions made by OTs since the inception of the profession in 1926, landmarks across Canada will be illuminated in blue on October 27th, celebrating World OT Day. 

In BC, the BC Place Stadium and the Science World in Vancouver will be bathed in blue light to celebrate OT Day!

Occupational Therapy at OT Works! 

AT OT Works!, our team of dedicated therapists is certified by the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). They are skilled in treating clients with a wide range of needs, including physical injuries, mental health conditions, and brain injuries.    

Our Occupational Therapists serve communities across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky, and Vancouver Island.  To learn more about our services, contact us.  

Learn more 

As we celebrate OT Month and World OT Day, we invite you to explore further resources and insights about occupational therapy through the following links: 

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT)  

World Federation of Occupational Therapy  

Join us in recognizing the incredible impact of Occupational Therapists, and for being a part of our mission to empower individuals in their pursuit of a better quality of life.  

Happy OT Month!