Occupational Therapy Month
October is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to celebrate the important work occupational therapists do to help people live full and independent lives.
Occupational therapy (OT) supports children and youth to build or rebuild the skills needed for everyday activities, whether those challenges come from developmental delays, injury, or other life circumstances.
OTs use many different approaches, such as:
- Creating therapy programs to support physical, cognitive, or emotional needs
- Teaching new ways to complete daily tasks
- Recommending home or workplace modifications for comfort and accessibility
- Suggesting assistive devices to make activities easier
- Collaborating with families and caregivers for ongoing support
All month we’ll be highlighting our wonderful OTs on our social media pages, be sure to follow along!
International Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month
October is also AAC Awareness Month, which recognizes the many ways people communicate using communication devices.
AAC can include using pictures, gestures, technology, writing, sign language, or facial expressions, any form of communication that helps a person express their thoughts and connect with others. For some, AAC is their main form of communication; for others, it’s an important support tool.
This month is a great reminder that everyone communicates differently, but everyone deserves to be heard.
If you know someone who has made a significant impact on another person’s communication by supporting them with AAC – whether as a caregiver, teacher, mentor, or role model – please nominate them as an AAC Champion. Click here to learn more and nominate someone today!
“Closer to Halloween we’ll have bracelets available for families to use for accessible Trick or Treating using AAC, stay tuned for more details!
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which promotes inclusion and equal opportunity in the workplace.
People with disabilities bring valuable skills, ideas, and perspectives to their communities and workplaces. This month encourages employers and organizations to build environments that are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.
Inclusive workplaces don’t just meet legal standards, they thrive by embracing diversity, fostering innovation, and valuing every person’s contributions.