Occupational therapy (OT) is an applied science and health profession that provides skilled treatment to help individuals develop, regain or maintain the skills necessary to participate in all facets of their lives. OT gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for living meaningful and satisfying lives. Services typically include: 1) Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities , 2) Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations , 3) Performance skills assessments and treatment , 4) Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training , 5) Guidance to family members and caregivers.
Based on the needs of individuals with disabilities, Kaohsiung Medical University founded the first program of Occupational Therapy, a subdivision of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department in Southern Taiwan in 1989. The undergraduate OT program has been approved since 1995 by WFOT.
In 2002 it was expanded as an independent department, and renamed as the Faculty of Occupational Therapy. The major goal of the department is to educate students to be highly-qualified occupational therapists with the characteristics of social care, independent learning, and skill profession, thereby promoting the activities of daily living among individuals with disabilities.
In 2007 a master OT program was established, and the research of the program are focused on:
- Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction,
- Assistive Technology for people with disabilities,
- Neuropsychological Assessment,
- Hand Therapy,
- Early Intervention,
- Special Education,
- Biomechanics Analysis in Human Occupational Activity,
- Wheelchair Biomechanics,
- Ergonomics,
- Occupational Therapy for Long-term Care,
- Occupational Therapy for Mental Health,
- Occupational Therapy in Geriatric Rehabilitation
- Vocational Rehabilitation Assessment.
