Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession

Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession is a comprehensive, introductory text that provides first year students with foundational knowledge of occupational therapy as a profession and the construct of occupation. Due to the broadness of the profession this text identifies basic concepts and areas to novice students and helps inform them of the topics and components they will come across later in their studies.

Inside the text, Dr. Bernadette Hattjar provides a general introduction, the historical development of the profession, and a basic review of the three major employment areas- physical disabilities, pediatrics and psychosocial occupational therapy. It also covers the topics of theoretical constructs, legislative and political influences on the profession, the use of adaptive devices in concert with major client groups, and the identification of influential professional individuals. Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy analyzes the historical foundation, philosophical assumptions, ethical issues, core concepts, theories, models and frames of reference that have shaped the profession of occupational therapy.

Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession will provide entry level occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students with the information and tools they need to better understand, synthesize, and integrate the diverse elements of the profession into professional level courses, where in-depth understanding of these basic concepts occur in education programs.

Bernadette Hattjar, DrOT, MEd, OTR/L, CWCE has been an occupational therapist since 1985. Since that time, she has worked in both the clinical and academic settings. Her experience and dedication to the field of occupational therapy moved her to consider what new, fledgling students really needed to know and understand about their field of study. The impetus for writing this textbook was an exercise in taking away, rather than adding information about the profession.

Dr. Hattjar has written and presented to professionals extensively for more than 30 years about a variety of topics including service learning, learning styles, sexuality, legacy-building opportunities, mental health issues, industrial rehabilitation practice, and intervention techniques used for pediatric clients with mental health and behavioral issues.

She has been actively involved in professional associations at the local, state, and national levels and has held the office of responsibility and leadership in these organizations.

For the past 15 years, she has taught master- and doctoral-level students in occupational therapy programs housed at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania.