Guinto, Joyce Hannah E.

Bs in Occupational Therapy
1. History of OT in the U.S
Occupation has been central to our survival since the beginning of time. In 1700s,
during the Age of Enlightenment, Occupational Therapy began to emerge. This
period were revolutionary ideas were evolving regarding the infirmed and mentally
ill. At that time in history, the mentally ill were treated like prisoners; locked up and
considered to be a danger to society.
Phillipe Pinel French physician, philosopher and a scholar.
William Tuke English Quaker
This two gentlemen that challenge societys beliefs about mentally ill, new
understanding philosophy and treatment world emerge.
In 1793, Phillipe Pinel began the Moral Treatment and Occupation, as approach to
treating people with mental ill. It defines occupation as mains goal-directed use of
time, energy, interest, and attention mentally ill thus became based on purposeful
daily activities. Pinel believed that moral treatment meant treating ones emotions.
Then Pinel began advocating for, and using, literature, music, physical exercise, and
work as a way to heal emotional stress, thereby improving ones ability to perform
ADLs (activities of daily living).
At the same time, William Tuke was disgusted by the way patients were treated and
the horrendous conditions they had to endure in the insane asylums. Therefore he
developed many principles that would advocate Moral Treatment for the mentally
ill. His basic premise: that treats this people with consideration and kindness. He
felt occupations, religions, and purposeful act. Should be prescribed in order to
maximize functions and minimize the symptoms of the patients mental illness. And
he encourages patients to learn and grow by engaging them in a variety of
employment or amusement (leisure act) that best adapted to their level of
functioning and interest.
In 1840-1860, were the golden years for the application of Moral treatment and
Occupation in American hospitals. During this time the benefits of arts and crafts
began to be noticed. Arts and Crafts became a highly use activity to promote both
relaxation and feelings of being productive, at the same time.
In 19th Century, Moral treatment almost became extinct in the chaos and
aftermath of the Civil War. It became less of a priority and there seemed to be no
one to carry on the ideas and insightful philosophies from Tuke and Pinel. Susan
Tracy a nurse that brought back the use of occupation with the mentally ill. She

coined the term Occupational Nurse for those she successfully trained in this
specialty.
In 1914, founding of an organization for individuals interested in Occupation
Work. George E. Barton, an architect, contacted Dr. William R. Dunton, Jr. because
he was interested in learning about the response of the human body to the
therapeutics of occupation.
In March 15, 1917, NSPOT (National Society for the Promotion of Occupational
Therapy) was founded. Charter members: Eleanor Clarke Slagle (partially trained
social worker), George Edward Barton (a disabled architect), Adolph Meyer (a
psychiatrist), Susan Johnson, Thomas Kidner, Isabel G. Newton (Bartons secretary
who later became his wife), and Susan Tracy.
In 1920s and 1930s, NSPOT was flourished until the Great Depression. And later
be known as American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) of today. And
during this time that Occupational Therapy became more closely related to and
aligned with organized medicine, thus creating a more scientific approach to this
field of study.
In World War I, it was this time that OTs were called on to develop programs and
treat injured soldiers.
In 1940s through the 1960s, Rehabilitation Movement was in full force.
Demand for the Occupational Therapist, and OTs not only treating mentally ill who
were institutionalized, but began treating physical disabilities due to the injuries
sustained in battle.
In 1947, published the journal Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation and the first
major textbook Willard & Spackmans Principles of Occupational Therapy. OTs
finally achieved military status.
In 1956, COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) position was created to
alleviate the demand for OTs who were required to attend 4-6 years of schooling.
In 1960s, Medicine became specialized, so did OT. OTs were also called upon
and qualified to treat in the fields of pediatrics and developmental disabilities.
In 1965, under the amendments to the Social Security Acts, Medicare now covered
inpatient occupational therapy services.
In 1975, The Education of the Handicapped Act was passed and Occupation
Therapy was included in the schools as a Related Service.
In 1980s and 1990s, Occupational Therapy began to focus more on persons
quality of life, thus becoming more involved in education, prevention, screenings,

and health maintenance. Goals of occupational therapy could now focus on

prevention, quality, and maintaining independence.