A Malaysian Experience of Occupational Therapy on the Community

Abstract

Occupational therapy has been developed to improve the quality of life for people with disability despite their disability, but within their capability. With the influx of technology, most technology biased practising occupational therapists are losing the art and appreciation of the core essence of occupational therapy. Purposeful activity leading to functional performance in the areas of self-care, leisure and productivitythe very core of holistic rehabilitationis no longer the focus. And holistic rehabilitation is about the successful re-integration of the person with disability into his own community and society, as an asset and not as a liability. The Malaysian experience traces the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) approach pioneered by a Malaysian charity foundation, and the roles of the occupational therapists in helping persons with physical handicap lead a more meaningful life.