This paper pleads for a more specific interpretation of “occupation” in the professional designation as “creative participation culminating in work participation”. It is suggested that the broad and sequential process of recovery is the restoration of personal involvement, of spiritual and physical independence, of creative participation, and ultimately work participation.
A classification of therapeutic procedures used in the training of occupational therapists in the Pretoria College of Occupational Therapy is presented, and which equips the students to execute a work-related programme from the acute stage of recovery is presented.
The Pretoria Multimotivational Therapeutic Apparatus which plays a vital role in the implementation of the programme, particularly for the severely physically disabled patient, is defined and demonstrated, and finally a model treatment programme, using this Apparatus in a work-related treatment programme for quadriplegic patients is described. Particular emphasis is placed on a suggested break-down of six stages through which either the physically or psychiatrically unwell patient passes in his attainment of personal volition and mental health.
du Toit, V (1968) Motivation and Activity in Occupational Therapy.
Paper presented to the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists. 13.08.1968.