The power of occupational therapy: Five ways you can help raise awareness

When you hear “occupational therapy”, you might think “getting back to work.” But occupational therapy is so much more—it’s a health profession dedicated to helping people of all ages build independence, develop skills, and engage in meaningful activities. From supporting babies with feeding and development to helping seniors maintain mobility or first responders with mental health challenges, occupational therapy services are incredibly diverse. 

Why I advocate for access to occupational therapy

My journey in occupational therapy began over 17 years ago, and it’s been quite a ride! I’ve had the privilege of working in all kinds of settings—in schools, private clinics, workplaces, even long-term care facilities.

Now, my focus is on supporting babies, toddlers, and young children, especially those with sensory or developmental needs. But I’ve also worked in areas like motor vehicle rehabilitation, ergonomics, and with adults in long-term care.

Each experience has shown me how powerful occupational therapy can be—and how many people are missing out on it simply because it’s often not covered by extended health insurance. 

As a small business owner, I often see families unable to continue services due to cost, which is frustrating for both them and for the progress we’re trying to achieve together.

Why advocacy is so important

One of the biggest challenges we face as occupational therapists (OTs) is that our services aren’t widely covered by basic health insurance plans in Canada. This is true even though occupational therapy is a regulated health profession, alongside physiotherapy (PT) and speech-language pathology (SLP), both of which are covered.

Without coverage, many people who need ongoing support from OTs can’t access it—or must stop after a few sessions, which just isn’t enough to achieve your goals.

If OTs were covered like other essential health service providers, you could receive the support you need, when you need it, instead of having to wait or pay out of pocket. 

Here’s a glimpse at what broader coverage of occupational therapy could mean:

• Comprehensive pediatric support: OTs in pediatricians' offices would help support infant development, maternal mental health, feeding, and reflux management.

• Holistic health and wellness: OTs would play a major role in primary care clinics, helping patients navigate chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and lifestyle changes.

• Enhanced support for seniors: Seniors could maintain their independence with the support of adaptive strategies, home safety assessments, and fall prevention strategies provided by OTs – all critical for quality of life in older age.

Help advocate for occupational therapy

Advocating for occupational therapy doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need to be an expert. Here are some easy ways that anyone—including you—can help raise awareness and spread the word about the value of occupational therapy:

1. Share your story

If you or someone you know has benefited from occupational therapy, share that experience. Stories are powerful and can help other people see the difference OTs can make. Sharing on social media or in conversations is a simple but effective way to spread awareness.

2. Let your employers and insurers know why access to OTs matters

Many employers and insurance companies aren’t aware of the need for occupational therapy coverage in their health benefits packages. If your workplace offers other types of coverage, consider mentioning the benefits of occupational therapy. If you are self-employed, when renewing or selecting health insurance, ask providers if occupational therapy is covered. Highlighting occupational therapy’s long-term impact—like improving mental health, work productivity, and overall quality of life—can be eye-opening.

3. Support petitions and advocacy efforts

There are ongoing efforts, like petitions and campaigns like Ask for OT, that are pushing for better coverage. Sign and share these petitions with your family, friends, and colleagues, and social media posts with your network. 

4. Reach out to your local representatives

Government leaders can play a role in increasing coverage and funding for occupational therapy services. Send letters or emails to your representatives explaining why occupational therapy coverage is important. Real-life stories about the impact of occupational therapy can make a significant difference. 

5. Get social!

Social media is a great tool for raising awareness and can help occupational therapy gain the recognition it deserves. Sharing posts, videos, and articles about occupational therapy can help spread the word to a much wider audience. If you see a post about occupational therapy, give it a share or comment to help amplify it, and use hashtags like #WhyOTMatters, #OT365, and #AskForOT to spread the word.

Occupational therapy coverage should be for everyone

I know from experience that when you can access occupational therapy it changes your life. Occupational therapy isn’t just about getting you back to work; it’s about helping you engage in the activities that make life meaningful. And this support is needed throughout your lifetime, from helping you adjust to caring for your baby as a new mom, to helping you maintain independence as a senior.

Occupational therapy, like PT and SLP, is a regulated health profession. So why isn’t it included on basic insurance plans? With occupational therapy fully covered, OTs could work in diverse settings like pediatricians’ offices, dental clinics, schools, community centers, and even in the workplace, helping people across the lifespan.

Let’s make OT accessible to all

Occupational therapy is unique in that it focuses on all areas of your life, helping you achieve what’s important to you. It’s practical, hands-on, and always personalized. But to make OT accessible, we need advocacy, awareness, and action.

Whether you share your experience, speak up to employers, or support campaigns, every step brings us closer to a future where OT is recognized and accessible for all. Every small action counts!

Together, we can make a difference in recognizing the value of occupational therapy and ensuring that this essential service is available for all.

Let’s work together now to bring occupational therapy into the spotlight!

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) provides a searchable national directory of occupational therapists for all Canadians to find the occupational therapy services they need. You can search for an OT who can provide support.

Find an OT in your area now for further assistance.

Author Bio

Kaili Ets, is a pediatric occupational therapist, infant craniosacral therapist, and holistic sleep & reflux specialist with over 17 years of experience supporting infants and young children. She specializes in sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and developmental challenges that impact sleep, feeding, and overall well-being.

Kaili is known for her root-cause approach, helping families and professionals understand how body tension, sensory differences, oral-motor dysfunction, and non-integrated reflexes can contribute to sleep and regulation struggles. She combines developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed strategies with a holistic lens to create practical solutions for better sleep, self-regulation, and function.

Beyond her clinical work, Kaili is an educator, speaker, and author, dedicated to bridging the gap between therapy and real-world parenting to support the well-being of both children and caregivers.