Celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day 2024 – Theme: “Occupational Therapy for All”
Organized by: Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy
Date: October 27, 2024
On October 27, 2024, Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy joined the global celebration of World Occupational Therapy Day, honoring the life-changing contributions of occupational therapists around the world. This year’s powerful theme, “Occupational Therapy for All,” emphasized the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in therapeutic services — a vision that our institution proudly champions.
The event was a true blend of knowledge, creativity, and cultural expression, making it both inspiring and memorable for students, faculty, and attendees. The celebration not only reinforced the significance of occupational therapy in enhancing lives but also encouraged students to look beyond boundaries and embrace the profession’s global impact.
Keynote Session – A Glimpse of Global Practice
The highlight of the event was the guest lecture by Mr. Manasseh Joseph Gopal Joseph, MOT (Child Health), a seasoned pediatric occupational therapist currently serving with Mission Australia. His presence added immense value to the celebration. With engaging insights into the global scope of occupational therapy, he discussed advanced practices, emerging opportunities for Indian graduates, and the importance of continuing education and professional development.
Mr. Manasseh emphasized how occupational therapists are essential in various settings abroad, including schools, rehabilitation centers, mental health institutions, and community health. His talk served as an eye-opener for students, offering clarity on how their skill sets are relevant and needed worldwide.
Celebrating Through Creativity & Culture
In the spirit of celebration, students of Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy brought the campus alive with vibrant cultural performances and artistic showcases, highlighting how occupation itself is a form of expression and engagement.
The day’s events included:
- 🎨 Face Painting: Students creatively illustrated how occupational therapy touches lives across all ages and abilities, using faces as canvases to depict therapeutic diversity.
- 🌸 Rangoli Art: Stunning, colorful patterns were designed symbolizing harmony, connection, and the holistic nature of occupational well-being.
- 🖼️ Poster Presentations: Thought-provoking and research-backed posters explored domains such as mental health, pediatric intervention, geriatric care, and assistive technology in occupational therapy.
- 🤐 Mime Performances: With powerful silent acts, students portrayed how occupational therapy brings light to lives challenged by trauma, communication barriers, and disability.
- 💃 Dance & Reels: Energetic and joyous, the performances represented the celebration of movement, freedom, and purposeful engagement, which are the essence of occupation.
- 🧠 Quiz Competition: A high-spirited event that tested students’ knowledge on OT concepts, pioneers, therapeutic tools, and recent advancements. It sparked both learning and friendly competition.
A Message of Commitment and Change
The celebrations on this special day served not just as a showcase of talent and knowledge but also as a reaffirmation of the college’s commitment to shaping compassionate, skilled, and globally aware occupational therapists.
The theme, “Occupational Therapy for All,” reflects our mission to provide care without boundaries. At Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy, we strive to prepare our students to address the diverse needs of society, regardless of age, ability, or background. Through occupation, we believe in healing, empowering, and restoring independence.
As we celebrated World Occupational Therapy Day 2024, we also celebrated the power of purposeful engagement, the importance of inclusivity, and the role of therapists as agents of change.
Conclusion
World Occupational Therapy Day 2024 was more than a commemorative event — it was a vibrant platform for awareness, reflection, and inspiration. At Sree Abirami College of Occupational Therapy, the celebration underscored our belief in occupational therapy as a tool for transformation, helping individuals across the world live healthier, fuller, and more independent lives.
