Major Events in Occupational Therapy 1950-1979
Occupational Therapy has seen a lot of changes over the past century. The ever changing field of Occupational Therapy has such a rich history that has played a part in shaping it into the field we know and love today. This post will focus primarily on the history of Occupational Therapy during the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Occupational Therapy: 1950-1959
Both the 1950s and 1960s brought organizational changes to the AOTA to improve the overall function of the organization. There was a shift in practice towards physical rehabilitation and working with those with disabilities required most practicioneres to expand their knowledge. OT facult began to emphasize teaching with a medical and scientific approach. The leaders in occupational therapy at this time also spoke about returning the profession to its roots in occupation. However, the reductionistic model and specialization continued throughout the 1960s. The American Occupational Therapy Foundation was then founded in 1965 to allow more research to be done for the field through monetary help. Also in 1965, Medicare was enacted, increasing the overall demand for OT services. Medicare guidelines claim that those 65 years old and up are entitled to assistance in paying for their health care services.
Occupational Therapy 1970-1979
The 1970s saw the introduction of personal computers and the increase of drug and alcohol abuse. The 1970s also saw a spike in the appearance of an unknown disease with no cure that will come to be known as AIDS. As a result of this new growth in the need to treat those with these problems, individuals who were in mental facilities for the developmentally delayed were transferred to smaller community facilities. Several of the larger state institutions closed and some services were developed in communities to support thse individuals, but overall there was a lack of support for these services. This sadly resulted in these individuals with chronic mental illness and intellectual deficits ended up homeless, which is still an unresolved issue facing us today. The 1970s saw the passing of several important legislation acts for persons with disabilities including; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1973. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 put priority on service for persons with the most severe of disabilities and mandated that state agencies establish an order allowing the most severly disabled to receive service first. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 established the right of all children to a free, appropriate education despite handicapping condition. This law includes OT as a related service.
In conclusion, this is just a small snapshot of the historical attributes that made OT the profession that it is today. I am so thankful for the history surrounding this profession I am so lucky to be apart of and look forward to bear witness to history making advances in OT when I am member of the OT population. I would like to conlcude this blog post, along with all of my future blog posts with a meme relating to OT because what's life worth living without a little laughter.
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| Image: OT Centennial |
Following WWII the OT profession saw a rapid change in its format as the profession strived to shift towards a more holistic form of medicine. There was also the discovery and introduction of neuroleptic drugs that was used as treatment for psychiatric treatments. New techology was also introduced during this time period advancing the usage of wheelchairs, splints, prostehtics, and orthotics. Following this introduction of new technology special training was required for OT practitioners before using this new equipment. In 1950 The Korean War began, calling for the development army hospitals with Occupational Therapy departments. Growth in health care was also correlated with the results of the polio epidemic which called for new medical procedures and antibiotics to treat individuals living with disabilities. With all this growth in occupational therapists practicing in medical and rehab favcilities, there was an obvious shortage in the number of therapists working psychiatric settings. Technicians and aides working under occupational therapy practitioners had to become knowledgeable in the intervention techniques used. This eventually led to the development of a new form of practicitoner: Occupational Therapy Assistant. The first educational program for OTAs began in 1958 in psychiatry, a course for general practice was added in 1960.
Occupational Therapy 1960-1969
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| Image: OT Centennial |
Both the 1950s and 1960s brought organizational changes to the AOTA to improve the overall function of the organization. There was a shift in practice towards physical rehabilitation and working with those with disabilities required most practicioneres to expand their knowledge. OT facult began to emphasize teaching with a medical and scientific approach. The leaders in occupational therapy at this time also spoke about returning the profession to its roots in occupation. However, the reductionistic model and specialization continued throughout the 1960s. The American Occupational Therapy Foundation was then founded in 1965 to allow more research to be done for the field through monetary help. Also in 1965, Medicare was enacted, increasing the overall demand for OT services. Medicare guidelines claim that those 65 years old and up are entitled to assistance in paying for their health care services.
 |
| Image: OT Centennial |
Occupational Therapy 1970-1979
The 1970s saw the introduction of personal computers and the increase of drug and alcohol abuse. The 1970s also saw a spike in the appearance of an unknown disease with no cure that will come to be known as AIDS. As a result of this new growth in the need to treat those with these problems, individuals who were in mental facilities for the developmentally delayed were transferred to smaller community facilities. Several of the larger state institutions closed and some services were developed in communities to support thse individuals, but overall there was a lack of support for these services. This sadly resulted in these individuals with chronic mental illness and intellectual deficits ended up homeless, which is still an unresolved issue facing us today. The 1970s saw the passing of several important legislation acts for persons with disabilities including; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1973. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 put priority on service for persons with the most severe of disabilities and mandated that state agencies establish an order allowing the most severly disabled to receive service first. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 established the right of all children to a free, appropriate education despite handicapping condition. This law includes OT as a related service.
In conclusion, this is just a small snapshot of the historical attributes that made OT the profession that it is today. I am so thankful for the history surrounding this profession I am so lucky to be apart of and look forward to bear witness to history making advances in OT when I am member of the OT population. I would like to conlcude this blog post, along with all of my future blog posts with a meme relating to OT because what's life worth living without a little laughter.
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