Emerging Areas of Practice

Emerging areas of practice are important because occupational therapists are able to specialize in one specific area to fit the needs of a smaller population. They may not be able to help a wide variety of people, but for those specific folks they can help expertly, it makes all the difference in the world. One emerging area of practice that I find fascinating is new technology in rehabilitation. Technology is not always used to its full potential, but when used correctly it can open up a whole world for the client. Ninetendo Wiis are a fun tool that can be used with the geriatric population. Technology can provide a voice for those who can not speak for themselves. Ipads and apps can lead to significant changes in cognition when used correctly. I am looking forward to learning about the many ways that technology can be used to transform someone's life in a rehabilitation setting. I also find home modification and environmental changes an interesting emerging area of practice. I love the idea of being able to make the place where someone lives as accessible and client friendly as possible. I would love to get my "CAPS" certification one day in order to be able to help people stay in their home as long as possible.
These emerging areas of practice can be related back to Vision 2025 when you take into consideration the guideposts. Emerging areas are "accessible" because they help to reach specific populations that may or may not have been previously served. Areas can be collaborative because many times, emerging areas require interdisciplinary work with engineers, doctors, psychologists, home builders, and a wide variety of other professionals that would help specific populations. Emerging areas are effective because instead of being a generalist OT, experts in these emerging areas can devote their time and energy to this one specific niche to make treatment in that area as helpful and cost effective as possible. Emerging areas promotes leadership in the field of OT, because practitioners can emerge as experts among these specific groups that can be called upon for advice by generalists.