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The Age of Enlightment (end of 18th century)
OTs were not referred to as Occupational Therapists yet; however, they focused originally on treatment of the mentally ill. Treatment of the mentally ill was not moral and included confinement, exorcism, and bleeding out. -
Moral Treatment Reform
Phillipe Pinel considered "The Father of Moral Treatment" and William Tuke were huge advocates of moral treatment. They believed patients should be treated like humans and should be interacted with. They believed that “occupations” were important in a part of a patient’s recovery which were meaningful activities like music, exercise, and work were considered types of “occupations”. -
William Tuke
William Tuke was a gentlemen who believed that the word “asylum” should be replaced with “retreat”. William with the help of his family created “The York Retreat" which was a place that believed in moral treatment and the idea that anyone can have dignity and self-respect. -
Sir William and Lady Ellis
They coined the term “Halfway House." Their idea was that after a patient had received adequate care they can go into a halfway house or safe place to adjust back into the community. -
Jane Addams
In Chicago, Jane founded "Hull House" which was a place where immigrants and the poor could take classes and learn various life skills. Eleanor Clarke Slagle ( a well-known OT) was a part of this program. -
World War I (influences)
Moral treatment and Arts and Crafts Movement had an effect on the treatment approach. Their focus was not on physical function. They believed in the "rest cure" ideology which is that you need bed rest without much intervention to help with recovery. There was a shift in thinking that after an injury a person can regain productivity and therefore a focus should be on looking at a person holistically. -
George Barton
Founded "Consolation House" which was the location of the first meeting. He had a strong feeling that hospitals not only have responsibility for patients when they are at the facility, but they need to take leadership in coming up with a follow-up plan after a patient is discharged. -
William Dunton, Jr
He was a huge researcher in the field of Occupational Therapy. He wrote down the beliefs of OT. -
Eleanor Clarke Slagle
Eleanor was famous for her idea of habit-training. As a well-known OT, she believed that one of the best ways of recovery is to have a full schedule everyday that includes rest, play, occupations, and exercise. Through the concept of having a routine, a patient is able to learn how to live a full-balanced day in order to shape the future for a full-balanced life. -
First NSPOT Meeting
The founders of OT: Eleanor Clarke Slagle, Thomas Kidner, Susan Cox Johnson, William Dunton, George Barton, Isabelle Newton gathered together to lay down the foundations of occupational therapy. It was a two-day meeting filled with much controversy. -
Second NSPOT Meeting
William Dunton's 9 Cardinal Principles were formed. The idea of his principles were the basis of what activities OTs should do and purpose of those activities. He touched on the importance of how the interaction between a client and OT should look like and how this may differ from other therapists. OTs should focus on what the patient finds meaningful while implementing activities that will be productive and effective for their development and recovery. -
Officially AOTA
NSPOT became AOTA, which is still the same of the organization today. This date marks the time when there were nationally registered OTs. There was a shortage in OTs and so there was born the idea of OTA's. -
World War II (influences)
With a need for additional OTs, the training process became fast which began to form the concept of an OTA. After WWII there was a push for physical rehabilitation that was less based on crafts and more focused on ADLs. -
OTA Programs
Formal OTA education was formed originally in Massachusetts, and New York. OTA's then were able to practice in more and more facilities as years went by. By 1966 the program became generalized so that OTA's did not have to specialize to work in mental health or general practice. The certification allowed for practice in all areas. -
First OTA Meeting
The first meeting of OTA took place at the Annual AOTA Conference. -
OTA to OT
For the first time OTA's were able to move up in their careers and become certified OT practitioners. -
OT/OTA Partnership Award
With the change of adding assistants to the field of occupational therapy, there was some growing pains. Some OTs felt like they did not know to supervise OTAs and felt competitive in nature towards them. It took a while (still occurs today) for OTs and OTAs to find a good partnership and working relationship. -
Advanced Practioners Awards
Although OTAs are technically assistants, you would not necessarily think that there would be awards or recognition you could still receive; however, this date marks the establishment of AP (Advanced Practitioners) credentials and marks the day the first 26 AP awards were given. -
First OTA as State President
Theresa Letois was elected as the first OTA state president in the state of Indiana. -
COTA Work Placement
COTAs (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) work in various facilities and locations as do OTs. 40% of OTAs work in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Some OTAs work in schools and rehabilitation hospitals among many others. This shows that OTAs can work in the same places, often alongside, OTs.