Occupational Science: The Foundation for New Models of Practice

Representing one of the most visionary concepts about occupational therapy practice and education available today, Occupational Science: The Foundation for New Models of Practice introduces the notion of a basic science of occupation. Specifically, this provocative volume proposes that the profession of occupational therapy, in collaboration with other relevant scientific disciplines, develop a science of occupation that would provide a foundation for occupational therapy practice. The development of an occupational science is desirable since occupation and its meaning for and application to human life are unique to occupational therapy and embody the principles upon which the profession was founded. The forward-thinking authors discuss the relevance of this potential science, propose arguments for its acceptance and support by members of the profession, and provide illustrations that suggest its application in practice. Certain to provoke serious discussion among occupational therapists, this revolutionary book offers new potential and possibilities for the continuing growth of occupational therapy as a scientific discipline and as a profession. Occupational Science:

• introduces the idea of a basic science of occupation which studies the human as an occupational being
• demonstrates the application of occupational science to occupational therapy practice
• provides innovative models of occupational therapy practice to improve the capacities of people who have chronic disability and to prevent incapacity in those at risk