AOTA Immediate Past President's Blog

# re: Living Life

We are awaiting comments on the poster, which is enclosed with this week's OT Practice Magazine.  Post your stories here!

# re: Living Life

Here is a comment received via email from a student, reposted with her permission:

"Living Life to Its Fullest", for the clients shown in the poster means fulfilling their roles as a: grandmother, grandfather, child, brother/sister, mother, wife, father, husband, employee, employer, citizen, etc. Being able to spend time with loved ones, do the activities that make them smile, and reach for their dreams and aspirations. Occupational therapy, to me, means helping everyday people live their everydays lives. Whether its teaching, training, splinting, or adapting, occupational therapists have the skills to enable people to live their lives the way they want to.

Personally, "Living Life to Its fullest", means fulfilling my dreams- both personal and professional and changing the lives of those I come into contact with. Waking up every morning with a smile, surronding myself with the people I love, living a happy and meaningful life, and making a difference in someone else's that's living life to the fullest.

Thank you for your time,

Nicole MacDougall

Graduate Occupational Therapy student

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT

# re: Living Life

What are the stories behind the smiles?  When I look at the young girl in the center, let's call her SARAH, I think perhaps she was born with spina bifida but she has always been integrated into her school.  Occupational therapy has helped her learn to meet her personal needs, to dress and groom herself just like any other teenage girl.  Occupational therpay helped her by arranging her school to accomodate her wheelchair and fit in with her friends.  OT helped her smile!  What do you think?

# re: Living Life

As an occupational therapy graduate student, I believe that our profession helps individuals in “living life to its fullest” by providing them with the necessary tools and support to live their lives to their fullest potential. We provide hope, opportunity, and fulfillment among other things to the individuals we work with in hopes of helping them to live full, meaningful and productive lives.

Occupational therapy has touched each of these individuals’ lives in a meaningful way. When I look at the poster, I see individuals who aspire to do the best that they can, and are able to succeed in doing so with the help of occupational therapists and their innovative interventions, adaptations, motivation, client and family education, and dedication. I see people who are working towards and achieving meaningful goals, ranging from the everyday activities involved in living independently to simply having fun with friends and family. Occupational therapy is about enabling individuals to live happy, healthy, and meaningful lives. As we can see from the poster, everyone can benefit from a little occupational therapy.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Alexandra Dantec BSHS, MOTS, Quinnipiac University:

After reading your motivational message from January 26, 2009 I am pleased to say that I feel occupational therapy is now being viewed in a more all-inclusive manner.  So many people are still confused as to what it is we do as a profession and I believe that the “Living Life to the Fullest” brand is a great way to explain what we do as I have used that term to communicate what it is we do to others in my own life.  I am currently working with a 2.5 year old little boy who is globally and severely impaired, is affected by a cortical visual impairment and has hypsarrhythmia ( a form of infantile spasms) and everyday that I work with him I am thinking about how it is possible to make it so that he can communicate his wants and needs to the people involved in his treatment so that he can get what he wants out of life.  What we do is such an amazing part of rehabilitation yet I think that we need to advocate for ourselves, stand on the rooftops if necessary and say “We are about the whole person and getting them to do what they want to do everyday!” If it is one thing this profession has taught me, it is not to take the little things for granted, live everyday to the fullest and appreciate those around you.  This new brand will open up a multitude of doors for those who currently need services and those who will need services in the future.  If we can associate a smiling face, a day of sunshine and an open road to occupational therapy, I believe people will begin to understand the all encompassing, goal oriented nature of occupational therapy.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Alexandra King, MOTS:

After reading the Presidential Address of 2006 and the President's Message from Penny Moyers, I firmly believe that we should have included something regarding what OT should be doing for the recent Veterans of the conflicts in the Middle East.  As Occupational Therapists we should be the ones paying attention to their psychosocial needs of returning to life after the horrors of war.  As a result of medical advances many of them are living through severe injuries and require major adaptations, equipment, and rehabilitation.  OTs should be jumping to take care of these men and women. We should be performing research and producing evidence-based literature to strengthen our clinical interventions for them.  If anyone deserves to "live life to its fullest" it is those who fought for and protected us all.

The needs of the veterans do fall under 5 of the 6 areas mentioned in the Presidential Address, however, I believe that in these times they deserve to be recognized, and deserve more of our attention as OTs and as citizens.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Jennifer Henry, OTS, Quinnipiac University:

During a fieldwork level II experience, I worked with a client who is indefinitely placed at a state psychiatric hospital.  This client had multiple diagnoses, one of which was causing incredible pain in his legs that was impacting participation in all of his occupations.  The staff all were concerned that he was not participating in activities anymore.

In years past, he had worked at the hospital greenhouse and was very proud of his accomplishments there.  My main approach to intervention with this client, therefore, was planting and taking care of tomato plants.  While the tomatoes didn't make it to the end of my fieldwork experience, my client's gains did.  He was active and devoted the majority of his attention to caring for these plants.  His social ventures with other clients increased and staff commented on his elevated mood and positive attitude.  For a person in a psychiatric hospital who reported having little to live for, this simple intervention allowed him to "live life to the fullest," despite what other limitations he faced.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Jennifer Posillico:

I think that AOTA's new poster and branding message "Living life to its fullest" strongly reflects occupational therapy.  All the various aged people and symbols define what occupational therapy truly is.  The various individuals portrayed, such as babies, young children, women, men, and the elderly reveal how the profession of occupational therapy has broadened its horizons to touch the lives of all ages and all ethnicities.  Many of the patients that occupational therapists work with have a goal which consists of getting better as soon as possible.  Most individuals will strive to do the best they can which is a line portrayed on the poster.

I am able to relate to this as I have experienced this during all of my fieldworks.  One particular situation occurred during my affiliation at a psychiatric unit.  During a goal setting session, both male and female patients stated how they wanted to recover and would do anything to reach their goals.  Such patients revealed having the determination and power in order to succeed and return to their daily occupations.

Occupational therapy certainly brings joy and happiness to diverse individuals as occupational therapists work with patients in helping them life their live to the fullest.  Living life to its fullest allows individuals to start their life over with full force and strength.  Occupational therapy inspires people in need to look at life from a different perspective.  This vital service is important to people's lives as it assists individuals to achieve independence in all areas which is portrayed in this poster.  However, many individuals are unaware of what OT is really about.  Therefore, AOTA's new poster and branding message is a great way to convey the meaning and significance of occupational therapy and the meaning behind living life to its fullest.  AOTA has made numerous accomplishments, including educating the public, recruiting students and using evidence to support our practice.  Along with AOTA's contributions, I think our profession can further flourish if students and occupational therapists each contribute now and in the upcoming years.

# re: Living Life

While completing my fieldwork level II affiliation over the summer, I worked at a long-term care state psychiatric hospital. Although numerous groups were offered throughout the day, a few clients remained isolative and were therefore making little progress towards their functional goals. One particular client, however, responded positively to a board-games group I held. He began to request that we play games of chess, checkers and Guess Who. I began individual treatments with him centered around board games, an occupation he thoroughly enjoyed.  I began to see improvements within his social skills and self-esteem. By the last day of my affiliation, this client asked another client to play a board game with him- an act that may have been very difficult prior to his engagement in meaningful activity.  Occupational therapy allowed this client to live life to its fullest by enhancing his social participation with others on the unit while sharing a meaningful activity with his peers.  Whether by modifying a task to allow an adult return to work, or providing adaptive equipment to allow a child to eat independently we enable people of all ages and abilities to live a meaningful life to its fullest capacity. This poster helps to reach a new audience of clients and it is up to us to explain how occupational therapy can make a difference in each of their lives!  

# re: Living Life

During my fieldwork level one experience last semester, I was at a sensory integration, pediatric clinic.  After spending four consecutive weeks at the clinic and observing the same children each session, I was able to witness the small but tremendous advances the children made.  However, one little boy stood out to me the most.  The first time I met him, he was quiet, shy and had difficulty in the everyday play tasks children usually engage in.  You could see the sadness and frustration each time he would attempt balance activities throughout his OT session.  As the weeks progressed, so did the boy’s skills.  Not only was his body functioning increasing each week, his attitude and outlook on things did as well.  He always walked in with a huge smile on his face, replacing the old frown and tears.  His outlook on life, specifically the activities and play occupations improved so much in those four weeks.  As an occupational therapy student, I was thrilled to see the huge impact we can have on people’s lives.  Seeing this boy with a grin on his face, eager to come to OT and even more excited to talk about his friends and games and school, made me realize the huge impact we have on the lives of individuals.  

I would love to one day achieve the same fulfillment with my own clients, whether it be in a physical rehabilitation setting, mental health or pediatric setting.  Just being able to help people engage in occupations that are meaningful to them and to see a smile on their face or a thank you, would make the past five years of education worth it.  Educating others about occupational therapy and spreading the word as an advocate and professional is another thing I would like to accomplish throughout the years in the future.  Special focuses and passions of mine include holistic approaches to therapy; including complementary and alternative therapies in health care.  To be able to educate others about this passion of mine and utilize it in a clinical setting to help my clients is what I am hoping to do in the future.  My hope to accomplish all of this and more is something I know I can achieve and will work hard to.

# re: Living Life

After reading the President's Message from Penny Moyers, thinking about the Centennial Vision and studying the poster, I have decided that "Living Life to Its Fullest" is a perfectly suitable branding message.  

It is appropriate not because all of the people on the poster look like they are content, and not because all of the symbols display a positive message but because it can mean something different to every client and every therapist.  

"Living Life to Its Fullest" is an extremely subjective statement however at the same time it is something relatable to all.  In a way that is how I also view the the profession of Occupational Therapy.

It seems like every time someone asks me "What is Occupational Therapy" I start off by saying ... it is hard to explain because it is different depending on what field you work in, who your client is and what they want and need to do in their lives. I usually continue by giving examples to help explain this.  I may give the situation of a child in an elementary school receiving occupational therapy to help them participate in the classroom with peers or of an older adult who need modifications made at home so they can remain in their house through the again process or of an adult with a brain injury or spinal cord injury who needs rehabilitation in order to get home to their loved ones and return to their work and hobbies.  

As I reflect on this common occurrence I see the commonality in all situations or examples I provide is that all of these people are receiving Occupational Therapy in order to "live life to its fullest."  What the word "fullest" means is different for every person but that is the beauty of Occupational Therapy, the client and therapist can work together to get whatever or to where ever "fullest" is for that particular client and person.  

I have witnessed this in all experiences I have had in fieldwork level I and II.  A client's individual goals are all so different yet get that client to the level where they can accomplish what they want and need in life.  Our profession gives the people the power to succeed and supplies the tools for people to continue succeeding and living a life worth living, whatever that may mean for them.

# re: Living Life

“Living Life to Its Fullest”

In reference to AOTA’s new poster with the message “Living Life to Its Fullest”, the slogan and picture design symbolizes a future of hope and increased satisfaction of the content of one’s life.  The slogan signifies opportunity for increased quality of life, healing, appreciation of self and life, and happiness.

A personal experience that I have as an occupational therapy student from my mental health level II affiliation regards a patient with Bipolar Disorder.  This patient would often have episodes of mania, diverting from both depression to euphoric states drastically.  The patient was highly motivated for my daily group sessions, and inspired by my objectives of each session.  I put together a protocol which was comprised of the common theme of “management”.  This included time management, stress management, anger management, emotions management, health and wellness management, and problem solving skills management.  The tips and tools for increasing performance during life’s activities were very helpful to this particular patient because it wasn’t her choice of activies that were in need of adjustment, yet the way in which she prioritized her life and manner in which she went about completing and engaging in these tasks.  She took with her many useful tips about organization, appreciation, self-worth, and self-control which helped her to have a greater sense of control over her life, overall increase in daily productivity, decrease in stress and symptoms, and overall increase in happiness.  

This particular patient was very open in sharing with me her appreciation for the groups, myself as the instructor, and for the profession of occupational therapy for helping her to reach these personal goals.  Sometimes it’s the small things in life that make all the difference, which in her case it made the world.”

# re: Living Life

The slogan "Living Life to its Fullest" is a great slogan to explain what occupational therapists do. We help a variety of people of all ages and ethnicities with different diagnoses live up to their potential and make their lives meaningful to them. When I look at the faces on the poster, I see dreams, aspirations and goals reached that each of these individuals have achieved through the help of occupational therapists. Each individual is unique to their need for occupational therapy but one thing that is consistent throughout each person is that their faces represent the happiness and fulfillment in each of their lives because they are able to live their life to the fullest.  

# re: Living Life

I recently worked with a women who was 95. She had owned her own drapery business in the 40's and 50's. She developed carpal tunnel syndrome and I was treating her for this. Her work involved bunching up heavy material to sew it into the drapes and her hands had started to give her a lot of pain. She was also an actress and dancer in Chicago. She outlived 2 husbands! She was very motivated for therapy and active in the community. At 96 she developed cancer and had a rapid decline.Her son told me that on her death bed she told him that she was NOT ready to go.

That is what I call "Living Life to its Fullest." !!!

Patrick Bloom

# re: Living Life

I think that "Living life to its fullest" is a great slogan for our profession. I was lucky enough to attend AOTA's conference in St.Louis and I got to hear Michael Weisskopf speak. I purchased his book afterwards and read about his amazing experiences. In his book he writes about his journey to recovery after sustaining a right arm amputation while reporting for time magazine in Iraq.

The part of his story that is particularly fitting to the new slogan is when he discusses his experiences with OT. Weisskopf writes " The name made it sound like a job training center. Instead, it helped bodies get working. This was boot camp for amputees, training for life without limbs. The clinic held out potentioal to patients who though they had none; a place to stop grieving and learn how to compensate with technology and ingenuity. The motto was " Whatever works." " ( Taken from Blood Brothers: Among the Soldiers of Ward 57)

I think Weisskopf explained it perfectly. In a lot of ways that is what we do and it is great to be able to offer that to people. We not only help clients to return to as much normalcy as possible but we offer them tools and techniques that personally work for them and their lifestyles. I believe that the degree of personalizing is what makes it easiest for someone to live life to the fullest. It's what works for them and helps them achieve their own goals.

# re: Living Life

The phrase “Living Life to its Fullest” encompasses all of this knowledge I have received regarding how we help our clients and drastically change their lives.  The phrase means something different to each person as every client has different lives full of various occupations with unique meanings behind them.   Through the education I have received as an occupational therapy student, I have learned over and over again how the profession helps clients regain independence and function independently within their occupations in order to maintain an overall strong wellbeing.  

I feel I had one experience on fieldwork level I, that truly put our profession into prospective and truly represented “Living Life to its Fullest”.  During a physical disabilities rehab rotation, I observed a woman who had cancer in her back which left her with extremely restricted ROM.  This restriction in range of motion was exacerbated by years of not receiving/wanting to receive therapy and/or treatment.  By the time she finally came to therapy her arm had flexor contractures and was painful to the touch.  The motivation behind seeking treatment for the first time in years was the fact that her daughter was pregnant.  All she wanted to do was to be able to hold her first grandchild in her arms.  For this women, who was now in terminal stages of cancer, she kept going and living her life to her fullest in order to see and hold her first grandchild.  At the end stages of her life, occupational therapy was able to help her live her life to the fullest.  

# re: Living Life

To me the phrase "Living Life to Its Fullest" means being able to take every opportunity presented to you and not having any doubts about what you can and cannot do, as well as continuing to do the things that bring you joy despite any obstacles set before you. In the poster there are smiling faces of all ages and races with several different tools and objects found in daily life. For the young boy living life to its fullest may mean being able to take a bite of ice cream without being concerned about having the strength in his hand to hold the cone or no longer having the sensory defensiveness that would not allow him to tolerate the treat in his mouth. For the young woman it may mean having the finger dexterity necessary to use the Blackberry to stay in contact with family. These are daily tasks that we may take for granted, but as OTs we need to make sure that our clients have the same opportunities to take part in these things and make sure they do not hesitate to engage. Living life to its fullest means going out and trying new things and continuing our engagement in old activities. Occupational therapists provide the means to do just that!

# re: Living Life

As an occupational therapy graduate student, I think that the phrase “Living Life to Its Fullest” accurately describes the essence of occupational therapy.  Occupational therapists do not just treat an illness, disease, or an injury.  Rather, they treat the person.  While treating their clients, occupational therapists take into account the needs and goals of each individual client in order to help these individuals increase their overall independence and improve their participation in meaningful activities and occupations.  By helping individuals to return to the occupations that are meaningful to them, occupational therapists often instill a sense of optimism and hope within their clients.  This sense of optimism and hope can be seen in the pictures of the full glass of water, the full gas tank, and the 14-hour clock that are depicted on AOTA’s new poster.  

AOTA’s poster also depicts the smiling faces of six different individuals.  Their smiling faces represent the happiness and improved life satisfaction that people experience after receiving occupational therapy services.  For the infant depicted in the poster, it could be that an occupational therapist working in early intervention has helped to improve his ability to crawl, play, and explore his environment.  For the young boy, it could be that sensory integration services has helped to improve his ability to function within the classroom.  For the young girl, it could be that occupational therapy has helped to restore her independence after being injured in a car accident.  For the man depicted in the bottom corner of the poster, it could be that occupational therapy helped him to return to work after being injured on the job.  For the older woman, it could be that an occupational therapist taught her how to use adaptive equipment to continue performing daily activities in spite of arthritis.  For the older man, it could be that participation in a community program run by an occupational therapist has improved his participation in social activities, as well as his overall happiness.  Although occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, treat clients of all ages, and use a variety of treatment techniques, the ultimate goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals to “live life to its fullest.”

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Kimberly Przystarz, OTS:

“Living Life to Its Fullest” means different things to different people. Just simply understanding this fact is part of OT. Our job is to help our clients live their lives to the fullest and we cannot do this without getting to know each client we treat. To some people, this statement might mean communicating with their family and friends and participating in social activities with them. To other people living life to its fullest might mean continuing with their skydiving hobby even after they have had a limb amputated. As OT’s we enable clients to live their lives the way they want to live them. When something happens that interrupts their life plans, we give them hope that they can still continue on their journey or possible create a new path to travel on. We can help clients see that life’s possibilities are endless.

As an OT student, living life to its fullest is not always easy at this point in time. With the combination of school and work, there is not much time for anything fun or enjoyable. The phrase on the OT poster, “Enjoy Today,” is not something that happens most days. I often put the fun stuff on the back burner because I simply do not have time. However, I have learned that it is important not to cut out the fun stuff. It is possible to fit it into your day and it actually makes the rest of the day go by a little easier. Allowing some time for enjoyment is very important and something that hard-working OT’s need to remember. I think the most important aspect of living life to its fullest is remembering to change things up a little. Try some new things, stay energized, and take a break once in a while. These are often some suggestions we give to our clients but then we do not take our own advice.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Amanda Juarbe, BSHS, MOTS:

Over the summer I did my mental health fieldwork level two on a lockdown inpatient psychiatric unit.  One of the groups that I ran was a self esteem group.  When I see the "Do the best I can" written on the notepad it reminds me of this group and the patients that I worked with.  So many people who I encountered felt that they were not good enough or that they were failures.

The groups we ran were about increasing self efficacy and using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to teach patients how to break down tasks and just do the best that they could at one thing at a time.

We discussed patients feelings and doubts.  On several occasions the patients were tearful and unaware of how to even begin to increase their sense of self worth.

Living life to its fullest is done in part by accepting who you are and taking pride in what you do.  It is up to occupational therapists to help their clients to realize this whether they are working with people who have had a stroke, who are experiencing depression or children who are experiencing difficulty at school.  Occupational therapists must always remember that the mental health of their client is something that needs to be addressed so that they can live life to its fullest.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Lisa Juckett, Occupational Therapy, Quinnipiac University:

To a passer-by unfamiliar with occupational therapy, AOTA's new poster may just seem to be a collage of six different people surrounded by six different objects-objects which many people take for granted.  However, to those passers-by who have some insight into the practice of occupational therapy, this poster represents much more than a grid of images.  In one regard, these images could represent how occupational therapy was able to help an older adult become competent in the use of modern technology; or they could represent how occupational therapy services helped a working mother to organize her time more efficiently, thus allowing for an extra two hours of sleep per night; or these pictures may portray how a woman with hemiplegia was able to pour herself a glass of water independently.  These images are, by no means, a collection of random people and objects.  Instead, they illustrate the vast array of needs and wants people have on a daily basis.  And in order to help individuals live life to its fullest, occupational therapists can provide the tools, strategies, and support to meet these individuals' needs and wants.

As a graduate occupational therapy student, this poster portrays more than just how we can help clients accomplish their goals so they can live life to its fullest.  The six pictured objects are symbolic of different components of occupational therapy.  As therapists, we may suggest energy conservation techniques to our clients to ensure that their "tank" is as full as possible.  We may introduce clients to different assistive devices that suit their communication needs.  We may offer time management tools to decrease clients' stress levels to allow them to "do the best they can" at accomplishing tasks in a given day.

And we may encourage clients to take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, such as a triple scoop of ice cream...and washing it down with one of the recommended eight glasses of water per day!

Personally, these images represent a sense of hopefulness for me and my future career.  While I have had experiences at both fieldwork levels I and II, I have never worked with a client independently.  I have never performed an evaluation, written an intervention plan, carried out the intervention strategies with a client, and discharged a client on my own.  The pictures on this poster give me a feeling of excitement, knowing that one day I will play a part in helping people, like the ones on this poster, live their lives to their fullest.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Kim Niitzel, MOTS:

I feel "Living life to it's fullest" encompasses every aspect of OT and what OT really aims to do.  The people in the pictures could be anyone; and that is exactly what our profession aims to do.  As OT's, we can help any population because we include prevention, awareness, wellness, and rehabilitation in our services.  The poster gives a good visual presentation of all of this.  The pictures of the people are of all ages and races which symbolizes that OT can be applied to everybody.  The blackberry can represent the assistive technology we apply to our practice.  The clock represents time management skills or quality time spent with the clients.  The to-do list represents the organization skills to teach clients and use as a tool.  The gas guage sums it all up.  It could represent driving rehabilitation.  However, I feel it points to a full tank, meaning OT helps one live his life to the fullest. Without OT, some people may be running on empty.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Katie Coleman:

Response to the Poster:

Being an aunt to a little boy that was diagnosed with PDD two years ago, I think I have a unique perspective on what “Living Life to Its Fullest” means to me personally. I have watched my nephew and his immediate family deal with the classic symptoms of being on the Autism spectrum. He has been receiving occupational therapy services for just under two years now and it is amazing to see him smile. When I saw the new AOTA branding poster displaying people of all ages and ethnicities, I can see my nephew as one of these people whose life has taken on new meaning with the help of OT services. My nephew now has begun to communicate effectively with his teachers, classmates, and his family members.

Response to the Centennial Vision:

As a graduate occupational therapy student, the Centennial Vision has become one of the most important documents in the OT profession. As I will be practicing beginning in the year of 2010, I can make a contribution in making sure the Centennial Vision’s goals will be achieved. In courses we are taking currently, there is a huge emphasis on evidence-based practice so it will be engrained in our minds and our ways as we become entry-level OTs. In addition, by working on and completing our Capstone projects, we can help further media coverage and expanding OT services by getting the word out to media as well as presenting in the AOTA conference. It is by taking these imperative beginning steps in our educational career that we can expand and follow the steps in our professional career towards meeting and exceeding the Centennial Vision’s goals.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Pashé Douglas-Sampson, OTS:

To me, “Living Life To Its Fullest” means enjoying and engaging what you love to do that gives you that sense of fulfillment. You should give your all for whatever task or challenge you come across in life. The best way to describe it from my point of view is relating it to a dream. You set personal goals for you to achieve to reach that dream. You give everything you have to reach your dream by accomplishing each step, struggle, and hurdle along the way. And once you get there you feel this great sense of achievement, accomplishment and fulfillment.

For clients, I think this phrase means something similar, if not the same meaning as I have. When a client comes to an OT , he/she sets personal goals and we provide them with steps and assist them to get back to their life. When I look at the poster it reminds me of clients I observed or helped on fieldwork. Even as a student, you can still bring a smile to someone’s face. I learned that last summer with a lady I was working with. She had a TBI which resulted in physical, cognitive and memory deficits. I developed a protocol using Ross’s five stages to help her memory and physical challenges. At the end of the session, she had the biggest smile and said she didn’t think she would be able to do things again by herself, but today she did!

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Ryan Taintor:

Living life to its fullest represents believing in the power of human occupation and its transformative value. The individuals in this poster attest to this notion through the symbolic representation shown.

Older adults have the freedom to participate in today's technology, making their lives easier and less complicated. This could give them a sense of being in the moment and feeling apart of the occupations that they desire to engage in. What gives meaning to your life? This question is asked by many however few consider it to be what we do that defines who we are or what brings a sense of purpose. For the individuals in this poster it's about discovering their abilities, to live up to their desired potential. Occupational therapy at its essence is about helping people help others reach their fullest potential, letting them experience all that life has to offer!

There are many different individuals in this poster, an older man, an older woman, a young boy, a young girl, a toddler and an adult male. These people have different lived experiences. They have different ideas about what makes life full and abundant. Whether it be filling your gas tank, pouring a glass of water, feeling like you have more hours in your day, doing the best that you possibly can for the day or eating your favorite ice cream, it all spans the lived experiences of these individuals and what makes them feel that life is meaningful. These activities represent living life to it fullest. Occupational therapists serve a variety of people in mental health, the workforce, school, outpatient rehabilitation, clinics and hospitals.

The adult male in this poster reminds me of a patient that I worked with who despite receiving partial hospitalization for his addiction to harmful substances and struggling to get by on his own decided to trust in therapeutic activity that were provided to him at the hospital that I worked at. The client worked hard at his rehabilitation process and although English was his second language, this man collaborated with the Occupational therapists who were involved in his care and found that he could live life to a fuller degree through engagement in activity. This patient was able to improve his lifestyle choices and develop self-management skills to pursue meaningful occupation that all in turn, improved his quality of life. Participate in what you need to participate in, do what you want to do, achieve what you want to achieve, live life to its fullest!

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Daniela Muniz, Graduate OTS, Quinnipiac University:

Living life to the fullest.

This is a very strong statement that people tend to over look.  Speaking from experience, life occasionally falls into a routine and days begin to blend into each other.  Time goes by in the blink of an eye without realizing what a gift life really is and all of the things around us that we miss every day.  To me living life to the fullest is becoming aware of all of the aspects of life, making sure to learn new things and being aware how important you and the people around you are. The smiles in this poster show a pure joy, happiness that only comes with pride and fulfillment in life.  Occupational therapy gives people their smiles back and provides them with ways to continue living life and not letting life pass by.  Occupational therapy brings back a spark and encouragement that the simple every day tasks can me modified and achieved again. Once diagnosed with a disability, life tends to be put on hold and the diagnosis takes over, but an occupational therapist works with people to help them live life to the fullest and remember who they are and what they enjoy doing is important and not to be forgotten.

We all have our own unique stories and as a graduate student at Quinnipiac University I have been given the opportunity to meet people through field work who have showed me how important life is and how accomplishing simple every day tasks make life worth living.   These experiences have taught me the importance of providing hope and support to the clients.  Surrounding them with an environment that meets their needs and providing them with opportunities to participate in activities that they find meaningful encourages them to work harder and achieve those goals.  As a soon to be therapist I aspire to continue encouraging my clients to live life and strive to give them their joy and happiness back so they can truly take as much as possible from the life they are given.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Nicole Minio:

I think that “living life to the fullest” means something different to everyone.  In this poster there are all different types of people that span different demographics, cultures and age groups.  I think that living life to the fullest can be incorporated into the client’s therapy sessions based on the goals that they have for themselves throughout the treatment process.  The goals that they have will help them each live life to the fullest in their own way.  I think occupational therapy should continue to be client centered and create goals around the client’s needs and wants.  This is the underlying foundation to help client’s live life they way that they want.  Being client centered shows that you as a therapist truly care about what they want in their life and shows them that you will strive to help them reach their goals to the best of your ability.  I think that client centeredness is unique to our profession and that is what I personally love about occupational therapy.  We take into consideration so much about the client and truly care that each person is succeeding and reaching their goals.  We assess areas that are meaningful to the client so that they can succeed and be as independent as they possibly can be.  I think that our centennial vision will help us to stay focused and stick to our goal of helping clients “live life to the fullest” by providing an evidence base that is necessary for our profession to receive recognition as well as staying globally connected in order to stay up to pace with the ever-changing society that we live in today.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Meghan Lahar:

By reading occupational therapy's new branding message and looking at the poster, it reminds me of how occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals all over the world.  Since occupational therapy began, its focus has been assisting individuals engage in everyday life activities that are meaningful and purposeful to them (The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. [AOTA], 2002).

By occupational therapists helping these individuals, it provides them with the necessary skills, adaptations, and/or abilities to participate in activities that are meaningful in order to function in everyday life, which is what I believe "living life to the fullest" mean to the clients in the poster.  The poster supports the branding name of "living life to the fullest" by demonstrating the range of populations from infancy to older adults that occupational therapists have helped and can help in the future to participate in occupations of daily living.  The poster also expresses the variety of occupations or daily activities an individual may find meaningful such as driving a car, using technology, having the endurance and ability to complete a fourteen hour day, eat an ice cream cone, pour a glass of water, and complete a to do list.  The poster also portrays the fact that occupational therapists can provide individuals with the necessary skills to participate in those meaningful activities in order for them to enjoy their days more fully and do the best they can to succeed in those activities without a disability, injury, or disease preventing their participation.  Finally, by "living life to the fullest", it can help individuals increase their sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and health (AOTA).

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Dana Steinberg, OT Graduate Student, Quinnipiac University:

From my summer field work level two experience I learned that the phrase "living life to its fullest" is going to be different for every client that we treat. At my FW II facility I had the privilege of not only working on their psychiatric unit but I also treated physical disabilities on a geriatric nursing home unit. This enabled me to be exposed to a variety of clients with different ideas of how they want to live life to the fullest.

One of the first clients I treated by myself on the geriatric unit was a woman in her mid 90's. After treating her for several weeks, the PT and I noticed that she was starting to sleep more, she was less active during treatment sessions, her physical function was declining, and she was talking a lot less then usual. One day I had asked her what was wrong and what she wanted out of her therapy sessions. She told me the only thing she wanted was to "drop dead".

Reading your article on "living life to the fullest" made me think of this client. This is because this client was not living life to the fullest. Her "gas tank" was running on empty. This client was not living a life that she wanted to live. After reading this article I believe that the client's response to my question was because she realized she had a poor quality of life because she was too sick to engage in activities that she found purposeful and meaningful.

This article also made me think about a client I treated in a group on the psychiatric unit. When I first met this client she was rude, mean, very depressed, and lacked engagement in occupations. After the first week of treating this client, the client was upbeat, warm, happy, and was the most participating client in groups. By the time the client was discharged, the client expressed a desire to start working again, rekindle and repair estranged relationships, and had identified numerous leisure activities that she wanted to participate in. I believe that this was the client's idea of living life to her fullest.

Lastly, in the geriatric unit I also treated a client who used to live at home with his son. His only goal was to be able to return home again.

The client used to use a slide board to transfer himself at home. I was treating the client because his arms became so weak that he was unable to transfer himself with the slide board. For weeks the PT and I worked with him to strengthen his arms. After several weeks we tried a slide board transfer with the client. The client was very scared to try this because he didn't want to fail. The first time we tried this, the client needed moderate assistance from the PT and I. The client became very upset and emotional. The following week I tried a slide board transfer with the client again. This time the client only needed supervision to minimum assistance. The client was so happy that he was able to do the transfer that he started to cry. He knew he was on his way to being able to return home to his son. I think this story is a great example of living life to the fullest. This is because in this case the client was his happiest when he was at home and spending time with his son and grandchildren. The therapy that I provided to him enabled him to be able to go home again.

Living life to its fullest can change depending on the client's personal goals. This is why occupational profiles and evaluations like the COPM are imperative in determining these goals. The interventions and treatments that occupational therapists provide are also vital in enabling these clients to be able to achieve their goals. The concept of living life to your fullest is the reason why I decided to become an OT.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Amanda Sliviak, OTS:

To me living life to its fullest and the smiling faces on the poster show how the clients have dealt with difficulty in their life but have been able to adapt to any residual effects of it and began doing what they enjoy again. These smiling faces remind me of a client I saw at my first FW level 2. The client Jason always had a smile on his face no matter how his family was treating him or how is day was going. Even if he was having a bad day he would still have a smile because at the day program he could always find someone to listen to him and help him out. One of the ways he got to live his life to the fullest while I was there is he was able to save enough money from his allowance to go on the trip to Hershey Park.  Even through his parents did not allow him to do much outside the house or day program he was able to convince them to let him go once he had the money saved and he had a wonderful time at the park and talked about for quite a while afterwards.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Callie Squires, MOTS:

Living life to it's fullest is something many people strive to do, and holds a different meaning for each individual. Some may feel living life to the fullest is spending as much time as they can with the people that mean most to them, such as family and friends. Others volunteer within the community, take up hobbies or traveling in order to live their life to the fullest. As occupational therapist we can work with our clients to determine ways in which they can continue to try and live their life to the fullest, by helping them to meet their goals and/or adapt the environment around them. This past summer I was able to help my grandfather to achieve something he has wanted to do for a long time, which was to bring his children and grandchildren back to the small mining town in the mountains of Kentucky where he was born and raised.

Since my grandfather has begun the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, we decided that it would be the perfect time to go because we were unsure just how the disease would progress over the next year.

Throughout the trip I made sure to take as many pictures and videos as I could so that I would have the whole trip documented. After the trip I went through the hundreds of pictures we had taken and put together a photo collage and photo calendar for his Christmas gift. When my grandfather opened these gifts on Christmas, not only did his face just light up but he told us all how much he had loved the trip and that he was so grateful that we were all able to experience it with him. This experience was able to show me that anybody, no matter what stage in their life they may be in, can still live their life to the fullest, they just may need some help along the way. As a future occupational therapist I will make every effort to help each and everyone of my clients find ways in which they can live their life to the fullest, whether it be finding new ways to continue with their favorite hobby or improving their strength and endurance so they can take that trip they have always wanted. I try to live my life to the fullest everyday and I feel that becoming an occupational therapist will help me continue to do so by allowing me to make a difference in others lives.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Katherine Chin, OTS:

I believe that in order to live a longer and healthier life, knowing and living by the phrase "live life to the fullest" is very important.

There are many people who let the bad take over the good and therefore do not realize how important the little things are.  Occupational therapy allows individuals to overcome challenges and find ways to be as independent as one can be.

I believe that the people in the poster all realize that you cannot take the little things in life for granted.  If you want to accomplish a task, never let someone else tell you that a task is impossible.

Occupational therapy should aspire to never let a disability or limitation hold someone back.  If the child at the bottom of the poster wants to play sports, find a sport that he can play; if the woman on the left side of the poster wants to landscape her yard, find the proper equipment that she can use to prevent injury or adapt to any limitation she may have.  No one is perfect and the first step is to realize that.

A person must always just try to do the best that they have in them and then accept that and be proud of their accomplishments.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Raquel C. Sousa, BSHS, MOTS:

The clients in the poster represent a new way of looking at life. The smiles say enough; happiness, hope, and excitment. Living life to it's fullest finally has a new meaning. It means having the time to spend with family and friends. It means finally getting a chance to experience life like they've once remembered. Most importantly, it means taking a stance and making a difference in the life you live. OT has helped them regain the strength, not only physically but mentally as well. OTs not only cover the mind and body, but most importantly the spirit of the individual. We give them a spark and a glimpse of what they still have to live for. Developing the spirit within these individuals can help bring everything else into perspective on how things have changed for the better.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Elizabeth Rider, MOTS:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your message in the January 2009 issue of "OT Practice". I am an entry-level graduate student of Occupational Therapy in my fifth year at Quinnipiac University, and I will soon enter the field of Occupational Therapy as a practitioner.

Throughout my educational experience, we have always viewed the practice of OT as a "client-centered" field of healthcare. The new message, "Live Life to its Fullest" certainly reflects this attitude. As OT continues to move forward in its centennial vision, it remains vitally important that we, as therapists, respond to the changing needs of our clients so that they can, in fact, "do the best they can" as this poster suggests.

As the profession continues to move forward, I believe that we owe it to our clients to promote the profession and vision of OT to as many people as possible. This is important if we want to increase accessibility to us, increase our own stance as a valid profession, and increase our ability to get reimbursed for our services. I am not sure that the new poster adequately describes what our profession does, though I really like the overall theme.

To our clients, living life to the fullest certainly means being able to accomplish their personal goals, gaining as much independence as possible, and overcoming any obstacles that may prevent them from participating in their desired occupations. I believe this "branding message" is a great motto for our clients. The opportunity to assist clients in achieving this goal is, after all, the reason why I would like to practice as an Occupational Therapist.

Thank you for your time and for the work you do to promote our profession.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Kim Cortina:

I think that this poster is a great representation of occupational therapy and more specifically living life to its fullest.  The smiles on the peoples face in the poster show that they are happy and that occupational therapy could have possibly helped get to that point.  OT is about being about to do what is meaningful in a person’s life where they may have been struggling because of something that was out of their hands.  An event or problem that can lead to an impairment or struggle in a person’s daily function can happen to anyone of any age, just like the people on the poster.  It is an occupational therapists job to help and facilitate those individuals to get back to a lifestyle where they can perform meaningful activities and actually live life to the fullest!

The poster represents a family member, friend, colleague, neighbor, acquaintance, or just a friendly face.  Either way it represents someone that we have known, helped or been close to.  That is part of OT because whether or not you are treating someone, know someone or have heard of someone, they may need or someday need OT.  It is a very important service and can impact individuals in an essential way whether they realize it now or now.  This poster seems as though it will help get the word out to those that may not fully understand OT because it will make them curious as to why all the individuals in the poster are smiling like that and living life to its fullest!

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Christina Massimi, BS, MOTS:

Upon reading your message about "Living Life to its Fullest," I completely agree that occupational therapy helps our clients to do just that. We help people of all ages and abilities to become more independet, adapt to their unique situation, or promote awareness on how to prevent injury. I see living life to its fullest as meaning beinging able to do the things you love to do, enjoying life, and getting the most out of it. Occupational therapy does just that; if a person has an illness or disability, we can help them get the most out of their life for the situation they are in and help them to be as independent as possible. I hope for occupational therapy practitioners to remain client centered and to keep aspiring to develop individualized treatment plans unique to the client, while taking all of the client's interests and occupations into consideration. OTs are creative and should aspire to continue thinking outside of the box.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Robin, OTS:

In looking at the “Living Life To Its Fullest” poster it reminds me that occupational therapists have a mission and are accountable to assist in leading all people, of all ages, populations, cultures, and disabilities to be able to partake in the joys of their daily lives, no matter what.  

I experienced this when my mother was in her last days dying from cancer.  Her main purpose was to still have the ability to engage with us as a family and live her final days to the fullest possible.  Hospice was there to give palliative care, however it was up to the family to tend to my mother’s emotional and physical needs.  My mother felt surrounded by love and caring people who showed empathy.  She was able to face each day knowing that she was not alone, that she had community.  We were able to create an atmosphere of peace and devised small ways to make the days go a little easier, like setting up a baby monitor and a bell for my mother to ring for any assistance, and finding alternate ways to sit her up and feed her, as well as how to keep her clean.

This is why I chose to learn about occupational therapy.  Even in the end of my mother’s life when people told me there was nothing else I could do for her comfort, I pursued her wishes and continued to do all I could do so that she would die with dignity.  I feel each of us have so much to give to the profession.  Each of us has experienced many different events in our lives that lend to our knowledge, so that we can spread that wealth of knowledge to others in hopes of bestowing this gift onto others, through their stages of life, for a meaningful, purposeful life.

# re: Living Life

My gut level reaction to the branding poster is it is up lifting and a positive image.

My concern is it does not imply what OT's do.  This has been a problem since the inception of OT. How do we show people what we do? The ice cream cone could be replaced with a therapist/client interaction.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Christine Aliberti:

What I love about AOTA's new branding message, "Living Life To Its Fullest," is that it captures the uniqueness of our profession, since each individual we encounter and and desire to help in our practice is so unique. In order to meaningfully engage our clients and help them to participate in the tasks of life, we must purposefully delve into their character, their interests, and their experiences. Yet we will still only manage to grasp just a small glimpse of who they are and what it means for them to live their life to its fullest.

I love the question that is posed and as I was looking at the clients' pictures with this question in my mind, all I could think about was how we can only imagine what that means for each person in the poster, because each person's experiences and perspectives on life are drastically different. In order to truly help clients live life to it's fullest we must attempt to understand what that means for them as individuals. This poster says to me that I must get to know my clients, whether it's only for a couple of minutes for an evaluation and recommendation or for several years, and not just view them superficially as another case or diagnosis. I cannot judge my clients'

needs based on their outward appearance, but I must attempt to find out their definition of true life in order to help them live it to their fullest potential.

The word "living" is in the present continuous tense, not the past, nor the future. Therefore, "living life to its fullest," means continuing to experience all aspects of life in the here and now. Although the tasks found meaningful by each individual may be quite different, it means enjoying them in the present moment, not allowing them to just pass us by, nor waiting for the distant future to experience them, because life is simply like a breath. It comes and it goes. We will not live life to its fullest if we focus on the past or solely on what we can gain from it in the future, but if we view it as a gift in the present time and enjoy every moment of it.

# re: Living Life

WOW. What wonderful comments!  Keep them coming!

# re: Living Life

Questions to consider about the poster:

Do the clients/patients that we treat typically have Blackberry's?  I don't have one.

Do we want to promote a 14 hour day?  12 hours is plenty for me.

# re: Living Life

I miss, "Skills for the job of living."  It meant more to me as a therapist than the current brand.

# re: Living Life

"Living life to the fullest" perpetuates the continuity of a socially constructed view of what a "full life" might be.  I question, "whose fullest" more importantly, it makes me think that OT's must practice under the question "how do I measure when a person has become full? How do I direct my therapy to reach a socially constructed full?  What is full?

# re: Living Life

Personally, I think "skills for the job of living" is a much more meaningful and OT-unique slogan. Almost every profession can claim helping patients "live life to the fullest".  There is nothing OT'ish in the slogan.

"Skills for the job of living"; NOW THAT IS UNIQUE!!  I love the JOB of living because patients and the general public always think of occupation as a job.  I think the slogan was the PERFECT solution for bridging a communication gap about the word "occupation".

I truly wish AOTA would do an ad program on just the word "occupation". Something like, "Occupation; More than a job"!

Thanks!

# re: Living Life

I've been going back and forth on my own opinions of the new brand, but after hearing what one of my professors and fellow graduate students had to say about the poster, I'd have to say I agree with them.  

A few of my colleagues pointed out that it's great that all those people are smiling, but that there is no interaction between them.  It's as if they are isolated in their own little boxes.  To me, they are just generic models who were paid to smile really big.  There is no story behind these people...no indication of what they once went through and what helped them get that smile on their faces.  If I weren't in the OT field, I would be thinking, "Are they smiling about ice cream?  Having more time in the day?  Receiving inspirational text messages on their Blackberries??".  Basically, I wouldn't get it.  It's wonderful that OTRs and MOTS are getting a lot of personal meaning out of this poster, but do the actual clients even get it?

Also, I felt that the pictures were too focused on conceptualizing the "fullness" metaphor and that they therefore diverted from the images that typically portray OT and its values.  Like I said, there are no images portraying social participation, adaptation, meaningful activity, etc.  Many of my colleagues actually became pretty stressed out at the sight of Blackberries and clocks with two extra hours, as if the poster was actually screaming, "WORK WORK WORK! Pack more hours into that day! PRODUCTIVITY!".  Yikes!

And I must also mention that our professor, who will remain anonymous, was appalled at the message that the three-scoop ice cream cone picture was sending out to our diabetic and obese clients.  I do agree that that's kind of anti-health promotion.

All of that said, I do get the message of "Living Life to Its Fullest", because that does explain what we do very well.  Although I agreed with the bad message the ice cream cone was sending, I also interpreted it as a support for quality of life.  To me, "living life to its fullest" means doing the things that make you happy, and just enjoying the things in life that you love.  And if that means indulging on three scoops of ice cream, then so be it.  Especially if you only have a few days of life left!

All in all, I just hope that our clients and those in the community will be able to understand this poster, because that's who we're really trying to reach (rather than ourselves).

Sarah Leever, MOTS

TWU Dallas

# re: Living Life

I agree that as an OT, the phrase "living life to it's fullest" has a great deal of meaning. I think this is something that we should reflect on more and strive to apply this theme in our practice. However, I question the value of using this as a branding tool.  It seems that someone outside the profession would probably not understand this or interpret it correctly. I imagine if I were not in the field of OT I would either not understand the purpose of this sign or think it was simply saying how wonderful OT was. I would not see it as something defining our role or our mission and goals for the clients we work with.  We need to be more clear in portraying what occupational therapy is, while continuing to be broad enough to encompass the many settings and approaches used. I do not mean to be a pessimist, but I feel we need to think seriously about clearly portraying what our role is. I believe that "living life to it's fullest" is helpful for our own purpose of refocusing on the meaning of what we do, however "skills for the job of living" provides a more clear statement of our role and is more likely to be viewed as respectable by individuals outside the profession of OT.

# re: Living Life

Thanks for the opportunity to respond.  It's late and I haven't had a chance to read all the other comments but I did read the marketing person's response in O.T. Practice. Ever since I've been trying to pull it together.  It doesn't come.  First, there are only heads - no bodies.  When I learned to look at a drawing, one of the things to consider was "what it presented and what is missing"   In the poster it might be no hands, shoulders, feet.  And no one is DOING anything - except smiling and focusing on the camera which is when we all smile.  And relationship is missing - just a person in a box - no family, co-worker, neighbor, therapist, etc.  No animals, no "tools" like a musical instument, a fry pan, a coffee cup.

Then the symbols - a clock with more hours than the 12?  Ice cream?  I've studied Jung but I guess I have more to learn.

What it reminds me of is an ad we got from a bank and I actually wrote a letter to them. That ad said you could buy a boat or a house or whatever - to improve the quality of life.  But what of volunteering and sending a check to a non-profit agency whether the arts, education, medical research or something else.  Those are ways to live life to the fullest and you can do it even if blind or in a scooter or have only one hand.  We help people explore what they want to do and then help them set goals to get there.  We help people feel good when they say, "I did it!"

I've worked for over 40 years in many states and jobs.  It's been a great career. This is not what I'd use to SHOW someone what OT can do. Certainly the poster is confusing on it's own.  I've already shown it to some non-OTs and they looked puzzled.

I work in home care now and one woman's recent goal was to get into a bathtub without having to ask a daughter-in-law or teenage granddaughter to help.  Another woman wanted to do her laundry.  These things could be seen as living life to the fullest, but for the 90 year old woman who now does her own laundry, what brings her satifcation is that someone brings her 58 year old son to visit every week.  He in a group home - doing what he can to live his life. The volunteer who drives him 20 miles each Thursday is helping him and his mom live life to the fullest and they were doing that without OT intervention.

Again, thanks for the chance to sound off.

# re: Living Life

I agree with many that the slogan, "Living Life to its Fullest" is an excellent way of describing what occupational therapists do.  However, the collection of pictures in this poster do nothing to clarify this message, nor do they build on what occupational therapy's goals are to those who haven't already had contact with the profession.  As a student, I have had the privilege and duty to explain to those around me who have never heard of occupational therapy what it is, what it involves, and how the professions works towards helping others live "life to its fullest."  It would be nice if a visual would accompany this slogan that actually showed some interaction between people, the incorporation of some functional activity, or anything that demonstrated working towards improving the life of some individual.  If we want our profession to survive, wouldn't it be wise to present ourselves in a way that the masses can understand, can appreciate, and will notice?  

I only say this because after showing this poster to others, the feedback was that it looked very positive, but more like an ad for an insurance company, or promoting education.  A full tank of expensive gas? A clock with too many numbers? An unidentified clear liquid? A phone and note pad with positive messages? Ice cream?  Of course these are all images that mean more than this simple description, but they are not clear images that show what OT is.  

There is no need to complicate the description of occupational therapy with a busy poster-just imagine what an OT means when they say they help others work towards "Living Life to its Fullest." It may not always be a perfect smile, but rather an image people can relate to-an image which more clearly shows what an OT does, and how they really do help people work towards the slogan that the poster presents.

# re: Living Life

I am an OT student, and I like the new brand "Living Life to the Fullest" but I think that "Skills for the Job of Living" is more accurate. I became concerned when a friend said she thought of a car commercial. I gave it some thought, and I think it is too vague and does not give a quick, accurate description of what we do, but could refer to any number of things- like a sports car, vacation package or whatever. So while the campaign is good, and I completely agree that we need to have something to essentially sell OT to the public, I think that this slogan may be a little unclear.

# re: Living Life

I concur with the comments immediately preceding this post. "Living life to the fullest" does not do justice to the vast skills OTs study for years and can help instill in their clients. Non-professional personnel could also claim this phrase (again, as mentioned above with car or vacation advertisements), which does not promote the skilled services we are able to provide. I can appreciate the idea of the slogan; however, in a profession which is already so misunderstood by the public, why create a slogan that sheds so little light into the wonderful services we provide? Why so vague, so average?

# re: Living Life

As a OT master's student, I am frequently answering the question "What is occupational therapy?" My answer is usually very long an detailed. There is just so much that occupational therapy encompasses. I believe that the new slogan "Living life to its fullest" just does not do occupational therapy justice. It does not convey the latitude of occupational therapy. We need something that helps make the purpose of occupational therapy more clear to the public. Additionally, the new slogan seems a bit commercial. We need a slogan that is professional, conveys our unique skills, and is understandable to the public.

# re: Living Life

I appreciate the attempts to brand OT, because it is desperately needed.

However, the poster with photos of people and slightly random objects does not convey what we do as occupational therapists.

Why not photos of a child doffing socks, learning to tie shoes, a client or patient with knee brace picking up a phone off the floor using a reacher, or a blind person cooking in the kitchen?

Our profession is more than just people and objects. It is people working together to achieve independence. Actively independent people represent OT better than inanimate objects.

That being said, I saw an OT ad with a woman mountain biking! Focus on the ADLs, they are our core.

# re: Living Life poster

I think "Living Life to the Fullest" is a fine slogan, it is not unique to our profession. A good marketer/advertiser would tell you that a slogan needs to communicate a great deal-without a paragraph afterwards to explain it. The poster suffers from the same poor marketing approach. In theory, I should be able to look at the pictures in the poster & KNOW immediately what it is trying to convey-WITHOUT words. I will not put up my poster at work because it would take 45 minutes to explain every picture. Many of the pictures don't even make sense; who wants a 14 hour day anyway? Doesn't that mean you are too busy? None of the people are shown with any dysfunction or diability, they could be anybody or nobody. Any branding of a product (OT) should send a clear & concise message about what is being peddled; this ad campaign does neither. The only thing it does is waste our AOTA dues on poor marketing.

# re: Living Life

I find the tagline "Living Life to its Fullest" rather weak in many respects. I think we need something more meaningful that grabs one's attentions. While the slogan is inclusive of many things, it is NOT specific enough. As O.T.s we stuggle with identity as it is. I hope we can do better., and please -find an ad agency with some creativity who truly understands our profession.

# re: Living Life

I do NOT like the new poster. I do not think that it educates the general public about OT, and, as an OT professional, I have trouble understanding what the pictures have to do with OT. I suggest a poster that focuses on ADL's.  

# re: Living Life

As a mental health occupational therapist “turned” psychologist, I must say that I love the campaign slogan. I put the poster up in my office at a psychiatric research facility and feel proud of my OT roots. In fact, I favor the theoretical perspective now known as “positive psychology” and always see my OT roots in this framework. Living life to the fullest is what it is all about; for every developmental life stage, for every culture, for every disability or impairment, for every occupation in life. Thank you for the inspiration, for our clients, for ourselves as caregivers and for all the possibilities in living life to the fullest!

Nadine Revheim, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Research Scientist

Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research

Program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Schizophrenia

# re: Living Life

I've skimmed through the comments - and it seems that there are many wonderful stories about helping people "live life to its fullest."  When I hear that statement, however, it doesn't say "OT".  It reasonates with the same thing that a car advertisement, hair colors, make-up, shampoo ("you deserve it") - all of those things.  Just one more thing that's selling something that is NOT what I have, but instead, something to reach for or attain.

In the past, when I read/heard "Skills for the Job of Living" - it reasonated.  Living requires so many different skills - depending on one's occupation and context.  It makes more sense - and more so - it reasonates deeply.  It's "catchy."  

To be honest, the poster was hanging on my boss's hallway bulletin board - and I passed it several times - I didn't even look at it, because it presented like so many other advertisements.  When I did stop to look, the pictures did not make sense to me.  Once they were explained to me, I sort of "got it" - but my feelings were more about confusion, than anything joyful.

In addition, I would look at the larger context right now.  We are in a recession, and maybe headed for a depression.  Even though I am a pretty optimistic person, "living life to its fullest" is really hard to do when people are on the lower Maslow levels.  Oprah can do it, but not Joe the Plumber (to use two "famous" examples).  And, let's face it, most of today's folks don't have access to higher levels.  Saying "Skills for the Job of Living" has a more practical ring to it, and, I believe, given our new President who represents middle class working folks, will have more reasonance with our populations.  It accentuates what we do more broadly - We offer Skills for the Job of Living SO THAT people can live their individual lives to the fullest.  Skipping over the "process step" in the middle, i.e., not accenting the "occupation" aspect, once again relegates the importance of occupation to the "invisible and insidious" - present, but not named.  

There are so many self-help trends and material goods out there that promise a "life lived to its fullest".  Offering another slogan/brand that does not differentiate itself from the pack doesn't seem prudent.  "Skills for the Job of Living" offers that distinction.  

And then the pictures...we've got to do better with the pictures.  The 14 hour day is part of the problem, and frankly, not one I would like to be associated with.  And the ice cream - how overweight are we as a nation?  Most people think more concretely than most OT's I know.  I think we can get at the "fullest" part by offering a service in the way of "skills" and pictures with people "doing".  Let's get a better match that would reflect NOT just disability, but also reflect a health and wellness model, and would reflect equity and social justice as well.

I appreciate all of the work that has gone into this.  I nkow the hours and money must have been tremendous.  I think it needs some more "percolation time"...we need something that will provide a better match for the bridge we want to build between us and "name brand recognition."  It's getting there, but it's not quite there yet.  

Let's keep moving on this...many minds offer many opportunities for the best fit to emerge...

# re: Living Life

I think the tagline is way to general.  And I immediately think of a travel agency trying to promote people to go on a vacation or hot air balloon ride.  Occupational therapy needs a more defining tagline.  

# re: Living Life

While I love the new by-line and poster, I find the people in the pictures look too "healthy".  They certainly don't look like any clients I've ever worked with!  How about including a few of our real clients?

# re: Living Life

A big "Thank You" to Deb Doughtery's comments of earlier today.  I also feel a need to speak up about my true impression of the poster.  But I was afraid that I was the only child wathcing the emperor parade past in his "new clothes".    Like her, when I looked at the the poster for the first time, I thought, "In no way does this help the general public understand what it is we do in OT !"  (If you fold up the bottom of the poster  so the words are not seen, a person might think this is an advertisement for tooth whiteners or dental work.)  Like Deb, I also immediately thought "Americans don't need to be told to eat 3 scoops of ice cream....our obesity as a nation is already one source of our problems."  And I also responded to the 14 hour clock with a sense of "why are you further promoting this sense of rat race that pervades and characterizes so much of the American lifestyle?"  Why aren't we depicting the notion of "doing"....of engaging in purposeful activity.....of reaching a desired goal?  These things CAN be depicted across the age span in an " abled" not "disabled" presentation.  

In one of the articles of the magazine issue that accompanied the poster, the therapist stated that within 5 minutes she was able to think of lots of ways that this poster exemplified OT.  The problem, though, is that a poster  - by its very nature - should be able to depict its message immediately.   I love symbolism in art and film and literature.  But asking the general public to interpret a picture of a gas tank gauge is just not poster material.

I liked the phrase "skills for the job of living" and thought it conveyed a better sense of OT.  Sadly, I will not be hanging this new  poster in my clinic....I think it only further adds to people's confusion about OT.  

# re: Living Life

Unfortunately I do not feel the poster translates any element of what Occupational Therapy is about.

My first reaction was it seemed like an Ad agency stock photo collection.  I can see the people images hit all the criteria..age, race and gender.  It looks crisp, but to me does not indicate 'Occupation' or 'living life to the fullest' (which I feel is somewhat generic).

In fact, in the 'Energy / Conference Expo' publication, on page 10, there is an image of a child, whom I believe is 'Living life to the fullest'.  The child is beaming, towel around her neck, using bilateral walking aids, having maybe just got out of the pool behind her. This image to me coveys this message more than any of the smiling faces on the poster.

I would have preferred to see images such as the following:

* An elderly person Driving

* 3 or so mentally ill people in a group home working on meal prep together

* A child using scissors, or writing

* A person playing wheelchair basketball

* A neonate positioned in a humi crib

* A person welding (or some other work/industry image)

* etc...I know even these concepts are somewhat generic, however, to me they would better convey people engaged in Occupation, doing the best they can in their daily activities.

Here's another thought:

Show a person at their low point e.g, a worker on a construction site with hand injury; next image the worker in Acute phase with an OT applying splints/ADL equip etc; next image the worker is in out patient rehab, different splint, or none, performing work hardening; next image worker is on job site with OT doing a Return to Work program.  This concept could be repeated for other client populations obviously.  The concept is to show the progression from Daily Activity dysfunction...all the way through to 'Living Life to the Fullest'...engaging in their Occupations to the best of their ability,

Now these ideas my not look as crisp and clean on a poster as smiling faces and single objects, but may be more able to convey what our profession is about.

I actually showed the poster to my husband, who designs clinical trials for Oncology drugs for a biotech, (I'm saying this as I feel he should have some insight into concepts, images etc.).  I showed him the poster with the green strip at the bottom folded under and asked him what the thought the poster was about or was trying to convey.  He thought it maybe was about car performance, but basically had no clue.

So, sorry I am on the negative side.  I feel usually the AOTA does such a wonderful job promoting our profession and I am very grateful for all the achievements they have made.  However, seeing as feedback was requested, I feel it is important to provide perspective from the member point of view.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Robin Singer, OTS:

As an occupational therapy master's student at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, I am in awe of all the wonderful avenues that we, as occupational therapists, have the opportunity to engage in.  As an older student, I value every aspect of what our curriculum offers which I believe mirror AOTA's visions in every way.

I very much agree that it is essential to our profession for more occupational therapists to initiate and build upon evidence-based practice.  In researching for class assignments, I always find a plethora of scientific articles performed by other areas of practice, however there still seems to be a minimal amount of people in our

profession publishing research.   In following a career of being involved in scientific research in lieu of working as a clinician, how does this work?  My initial plans following graduation and certification are to obtain a position where I can continue learning and collecting a myriad of knowledge that will promote my understanding and skills to positively affect all populations; however, in continuing my career, I have a real interest in performing research to add to the evidence-based practice, in order to provide the tools to fellow occupational therapists and to enhance our relations with other areas of practice who we should be coordinating with as a team.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Ashley Majeski:

I was extremely moved and excited after reading your message for the New Year.   You have explained the reasons why I choose to study and, someday very soon, to practice occupational therapy.  I have gone through many struggles in my life and each one has reinforced to me that it is the simple things in life, the ones for the most part we take for granted everyday, that in the end are by far the most important.  As a budding OT student, I aspire to save the entire world, and of course will attempt to do so as soon as I am able to.  Although I may lack the financial resources to carry out my plan, I have the greatest resources of all, ambition, altruism and the desire to listen attentively to my client.  While these skills may not be adequate enough to help me save the entire world, that is ok, for I should be happy to change the world of just one individual.  To help that individual be able to dress and feed independently, pick up their grandchildren or play on the swings at recess, just like any other kid.  To see the smile on a client's face after you have listened to them for five short minutes, simply loosened their tight shoes, and then listen to them breath a sigh of relief, because nobody has stopped to listen to them all day, is amazing.  One of the best compliments that I have every received was over this passed summer during my first fieldwork level II placements at a community based mental health facility.  While we were saying our goodbyes to the clients at the end of our placement, one lady spoke out and said "I'm really gonna miss you, I liked you a lot, you were the only person who has every listened and not talked down to us, you talk to us like we are people." I choose to practice occupational therapy for no other reason then to see my clients smile and realize that life isn't so bad after all.  To enjoy the little things and live life to its fullest.

# re: Living Life

As an occupational therapist, I completely get the concept, but I wonder if "lay" people will understand it. Intially, I thought it could be the brand for any discipline, especially respiratory therapy. Actually there are TV commericals for fast acting inhalers that use the living life to its fullest theme. Nevertheless, since few Americans actually know what Occupational Therapy is, I honestly think that the brand could have been a little more OT specific. I think that since we are STILL having to define OT, the new brand should have been one that basically EVERYONE can understand, especially lay individuals. Yeah, WE get the concept behind the brand, but does it really matter if no one else does?

# re: Living Life

After submitting my first comment, I realized that I had forgotten a few words.  Basically, I wanted to add that the old brand, "skills for the job of living," was more OT related and more folks "got it." I hope next time AOTA will let its members submit and decide on the brand(i.e., a contest). Wow! I'm VERY disappointed that AOTA dropped the ball with this brand, especially since I'm a financial member. Sorry, but the new brand was a waste funds.

# re: Living Life

The new brand does accurately reflect what O.T. is to the general public. Skills for the job of living seemed to provide a more specific opening for discussing with people what O.T. is and how we as therapists can guide people in their recovery. If the pictures on the poster could reflect ADL's or a variety of ages of people accomplishing skills this would be a better visual interpretation of what O.T. does. As a practicing therapist for 20 years I get the idea of "Living Life to the Fullest" concept but the clients and their families I work with daily will most likely struggle with the concept as they struggle with major changes in their life and can't readily see their life ever being lived to it's fullest again.....at least not for quite awhile. Perhaps this brand needs to evolve to a combination of the previous brand with the new brand.......and more concrete pictures for the poster.

# re: Living Life

Reading everyone's comments leaves a negative impression that AOTA should have had this informal survey BEFORE the ad slogan was finalized. Unfortunately, it's late to change things.

Thanks,

Ron Carson MHS, OT

# re: Living Life

I'm so glad to read comments proving I'm not the only one that DOESN'T think the new brand does our profession justice.  Actually, from the minute it was introduced at Long Beach, CA conference in April '08, I thought "Huh???  Why would you drop 'Skills for the Job of Living'for this? It sounds like an ad for an expensive college, a 5 star resort, or a luxury cruise!  What does it do to explain or promote OT?"

I can see why there is a consistent trend in the blog of STUDENTS loving the WORDS of the new brand--it is idealistic, optimistic and defines a passion we all could identify with as new OT's--but, it is not US that needs to identify with the 'PROMISE' implied by our brand--it is our 'customer'.  I agree with Katherine S., OTR's comment today that clients and their families will have difficulty with the "Living Life to the Fullest" concept--some may even find it patronizing or insulting, depending on their current condition.  I've always felt that OT's help clients live the best life they can--which unfortunately may not always be perceived as living it to the fullest...but is understood and appreciated.

'Skills for the Job of Living' was a brilliant branding of the profession, marketing tool, educational tool,...I could go on....

It was the first time I felt AOTA really 'got it' in connecting with not only US as OT's trying to explain this service, but with the "CUSTOMERS", i.e. patients, doctors or other referral sources, payors, etc.  I really don't think we need to change our brand--just build on it.  So much more could have been done with "Occupational Therapy--Skills for the Job of Living" (for years to come) and, as an OT that has worked in sales and marketing in the medical community,(and has 30 years in practice) I feel I can say that with confidence!

The poster is 'CUTE' and requires too much explanation to be useful. I won't be using it in my marketing of my consulting business, but I will continue to use my 'Skills for the Job of Living' poster that I had mounted on foam poster board years ago--it says so much more about what we do--it always gets that "AHA!" response that a good marketing tool should. If you have to explain your ad, it's not working--just ask some of the companies that paid millions for Super Bowl ads!

# re: Living Life

Just 1 more note--I agree with Ron Carson's comment that AOTA should have done a survey re: SHOULD we change our brand (and maybe a contest to either change or build on the brand "Skills for the Job of Living') before moving ahead, BUT I disagree that it's too late to change things!! Please, don't throw good $$$money after bad!  Especially when it's OUR money!  These are tough economic times and the decision whether to renew with AOTA will be weighing heavily on many OT's minds this year.  Let's get the most bang for our buck and figure out how to make our Skills for the Job of Living help us Live Life to its Fullest!!  Wow--is that a new slant on an old brand???  :)

# re: Living Life

Thanks, Penny for this blog opportunity and for clarifying that the Brand is still at very early stages of development. Your point re: emotional connection and perceived value is well-taken--both are integral variables in a good marketing/sales tool. However, before either of those can occur, the brand must be understood--it must make sense to the public.

Like some of my peers (have stated in the last few days), tonight, I also presented the poster to a non-OT person and just asked, "What do you get from this? What do you think it is about?"  He was confused by it and thought it might be about buying something or going somewhere special--it didn't make sense to him.  Then I showed the Skills for the Job of Living poster and asked the same questions.  He read thru the list of skills quickly and saw the brand line at the bottom and said "Oh, I guess OT's help you be able to do the things you need to do to live your life!" Bingo!

There is so much more we could do with these 2 concepts combined, I believe, than either of them alone...

# re: Living Life

I may be one of the few people who do NOT agree with our new OT brand. I DO agree with many of the positive comments made on this blog,(such as how the brand is all encompassing and shows the variety of our profession) however,I feel that the slogan leaves out ANY of the science of what we do.

In this day we are all hearing the phrase evidence based practice. We are being compared to other health care professions and often seem to feel the need to prove ourselves as assets on the treatment team... it is hard for me as a professional to be concentrating on any evidenced based practice while a poster with an ice cream cone on it hangs in my treatment room.

I would have preferred a slogan that really encompasses not only the huge variety of our profession but also the true science of our profession.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Danielle Diglio:

I recently read your message on "Living Life to the Fullest."  I believe that the reason the people are smiling is because of how they are treated by the Occupational Therapists.  I have been fortunate enough to see a various amount of fieldwork sites during my time at Quinnipiac University.  Our fieldwork coordinator makes it a point to send us to places we have never been to before.  While at each site I heard at least one client say "I can't" and each time the therapist would ensure the client that "they can."  The reassurance the Occupational Therapists give the clients allows them to "live life to the fullest."  It allows them to have a positive outlook on their therapy and their future.  The Centennial Vision address by Carolyn Baum in 2006 speaks about the future outlook of the practice of Occupational Therapy.  It addresses the changes that the field has gone through in recent years but most importantly the advances the field will be going through in the future.  Our profession truly is unique in which we allow our clients to get back to occupations that are meaningful to them.  It is not to say that our profession is "perfect" but like any other profession there are also issues that we face.  It is important to all take action to help with the future of the Occupational Therapy profession.   I have much hope for the profession and cannot wait to see

the changes that come along.  I also hope to hear more "I can's" than "I can't's."  I truly enjoyed reading your article and hope to read more in the future.

# re: Living Life

Regarding research on the brand phrase:  AOTA did more than 20 kep person interviews, had an OPEN zoomerang survey for all members, directly tested the brand message with consumers and health professionals.  It, like occupational therapy, is science and research based.  

# re: Living Life

I am commenting about "living your life to its fullest..."

Although this sounds nice, it is very vauge.  I do agree that it is what we do, but I like the old "skills for the job of living" as most people do not know what OT is, and this kind of explained it a little.  

Living your life to its fullest sounds more like a Hospice slogan, or a mountain climbing team's slogan.  

Just my 2 cents.  

# re: Living Life

Four years ago I walked away from 20+ years of practicing in the field; disenchanted by systems, frustrated with limited scope, called to parent a chronically ill child and tired of dealing with traditional western medicine treatment of this same child. The occupation of motherhood became my new practice. Twenty years of coaching other children's mothers came back to me, in my own words: find that inner strength to get up each morning, make those phone calls, search the internet, and connect with others going through the same process that you are experiencing, and take care of yourself. Easier said than done. The hardest part was believing in what I knew to be true about my own child! How could statistics, Best and Evidenced Based Practice fail me and my child?

Through this parenting experience I began to realize that I was standing in the leading edge of what drives that which was failing me. My observations and personal outcomes were leading me to form hypotheses regarding my child's illness. This is where all our Best Practice standards and Evidence Based Outcomes started: Observation and hypothesis!

The face in the middle is me, smiling, because I know what is true for my child and me, and I have a voice in the medical decision making process. The young school age boy could well represent my daughter, wise beyond her years in being able to know what is healthy and unhealthy for her body, and having courage to make decisions to live for her own health. We are now able to "Live Life to it's Fullest" because we are empowered in making choices that influence our overall health. In turn, we are leading a more productive and fulfilling family, educational and social lives.

This is an exciting time for being an OT practitioner. Paradigms are shifting, people are becoming more informed about their health and treatments available. We are on the cutting edge of new research, new ideas and new observations that will lead us to a new understanding of how we define health. I am back, as an OT practitioner, excited as ever to enter this new era!

# re: Living Life COTA

It is a great looking poster.  However, OT's are not even grasping the concept.  You have to be an OT to create a story out of it.  Occupational Therapy is the least visible print on the poster; it is the last thing you see.  And the 14 hour clock occurs as counter to our theory of balance.  The poster is beautiful but does not represent us to the public.  Thank you for opening up to comment.

a Dios  

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Patrice Maynard:

“Living life to its fullest” means to the clients in the poster having the ability to engage in activities that is meaningful to them.  For example, through OT, the toddler will be able to learn play skills in order to explore and use his imagination.  As for the school age child, he can learn handwriting skills through the use of fine motor tasks in order to complete his schoolwork and to perform better in the classroom.  As for the young woman, OT can help her to engage in stress management which can help her to live day to day stress free.  As for the young man, OT can provide him with energy conservation skills to use due to a work related injury in order to prevent re-injury.  For the older woman, she may be recovering from a CVA and trained to use an orthotic device that is helping her to regain movement back in her hand to pick up typical household items.  As for the older man, OT can possibly help him with home modifications due to his hip precautions.

OT is versatile and can accommodate to people of diverse backgrounds.  Since this profession is capable of seeing the person as a whole and not just for the condition he or she has, the profession is able to touch upon many aspects that are affecting the person.   In order for the client to live their life the way they want to, the client-centered approach OT uses is effective and allows for the client to regain control of their lives instead of their condition controlling them.

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Nicole Morfis:

As occupational therapists, we aspire to assist people in living life to its fullest everyday.  We do not merely aid people in doing what they need to do, but we assist them in doing what they want to do.  This is something that sets occupational therapists apart from any other healthcare professionals.  We find what is meaningful to people and help them to participate in these activities that are significant to them.

Without knowing what is meaningful to a person, we would not enable each individual to live life to its fullest.  In the poster, the Blackberry with the message, "Enjoy Today" and the To Do List with the statement, "Do the Best I Can!" symbolize inspiration that OT's provide for their clients.  These types of sayings remind people not too push themselves too hard but to challenge themselves just enough and even to "stop and smell the roses" sometimes.  The smiling faces encompass how happy people are once they are independently doing things that are important to them.  All of the pictures on the poster represent occupational therapy and how OT's strive to enable people to live their life to fullest each and everyday.  This poster is a wonderful representation of the profession.

# re: Living Life

I loved the poster and my question was "why was it not available for purchase from the PR catalogs?"... I like the lack of concreteness because OT cannot be contained in concreteness.  It is a dynamic profession that can help people to learn to live 14 hours of life in 12 hours of time, or assist someone in learning to use technology for a new vocation. Or, perhaps to learn to use the remote to turn on the TV.  And water--well, we are about 70% water in composition so we should all be encouraging people to drink it as well as holding the glass correctly.  

This poster allows the profession to expand the boundaries of the profession beyond the medical model.  It also begs for an explanation from an OT.  It asks questions.  Posters that ask questions lead to more thought.  It's like watching some of today's TV ads.  They are deliberately obscure to get our attention.

I still am waiting for a more glossy copy of the poster because I accidently spilled some water on mine...

# re: Living Life

I think the catchphrase is wonderful, and, I don't think the poster conveys what occupational therapy is or why the people pictured are doing what they are doing on the poster.

Also, the words 'occupational therapy' are in small type.

I don't think the message of this campaign/poster is obvious to those who are not already informed about occupational therapy: I don't see it as a step forward.

# re: Living Life

"Living Life to Its Fullest" could mean so many things that it doesn't seem to have any bearing on one profession in particular, much less OT. Why not use the word occupation in there somewhere? That would identify what and of whom we are speaking. I liked "Skills for the Job of Living" because it says that we

teach skills to do all kinds of jobs required in life. That is what sets us apart from other therapies. Job is another word for occupation here. Using people in the poster does, however, create an emotional connection in the public's eye, something the poster and brand is intended to do.Whether this campaign, still in its "infancy" will accomplish what it is intended to remains to be seen.  

# re: Living Life Poster

I do not believe that this poster adequately represents the field of OT or educates the public about occupational therapy services. An OT may be able to make up inferences about the pictures in this poster, however it is not self-explanatory to the general public. I think this poster further perpetuates the mystery behind what OT really is.

I think unambiguous pictures or pictures with captions to specify their meaning should have been used. I think pictures of people using adaptive equipment (like a rocker knife), children doing handwriting tasks, an OT changing a wound dressing, a splint, a client performing self-care (like using a sock-aide to put on socks), a child on sensory swing, or other similar activities to convey that OT provides rehabilitative and compensatory techniques to assist people in living their lives to the fullest extent possible.

I love the vision statement, however I feel it is important to educate the public about what we do in a clear, unambiguous manner.

# re: Living Life

While re-reading comments, I envisioned using the new "brand" on my patients when I explain OT.  I can just imagine the look when I say "we help you live life to the fullest".  The slogan really holds NO connection with me and I can't imagine it will bridge the large chasm with the public's understanding of occupation and occupational therapy.

# re: Living Life

I join the group that liked Skills for the Job of living better.

The process of making this poster appears to have been flawed. It seems to have come from the top down & outside in. So much of what we do IS NOT PRETTY. This reading the comments took alot of my time. I wish someone had asked me before instead of after how I would "brand" OT.

When I explain to patients, I say, "It's occupation in the sense of activities that occupy your time." No one appears to have trouble with that.

This online chattering may be an indulgence in an addiction of blowing off steam scattering our energy, instead of focusing on how we get posters that really reflect clinician's concerns. We have a dangerous splint in our profession between the academic/administrative OT's and clinicians

I would have liked a different poster but I framed it and put it up in our shared PT/OT office because something is better than nothing.

# re: Living Life

Dear hogan-kelly, I really like your explanation: "Occupation in the sense of activities that occupy your time". I will try this! On the flip side, I am not sure that "something is better than nothing" is always true.

I remember cringing during every OT week at my old rehab hospital.  The silly "games" and adaptive equipment demonstrations made me embarrassed to be an OT.  In my opinion, it would have been better to do nothing than to demean the profession.

Maybe the same is true with the poster in your office.

# re: Living Life

Like hogan-kelley, I also have used the explanation "Occupation in the sense of all the activities that occupy your time" to aid in explaining what OT is/does--it's pretty universally understood.  

And, I believe this is the gist of the debate we seem to be having amongst ourselves about this poster and the branding of OT: how can we make this Universally Understood???  Not just our OT imaginations running wild with examples or stories behind the faces, but the general public giving it the 10 to 15 seconds maximum glance over that they will and understanding it enough to be interested and appreciative of the profession.  

Laura Burden, OTR/L said she likes the lack of concreteness and that the poster begs for explanation from an OT.  I'll agree with the latter, but I still assert that the vagueness of it will not stimulate the viewer to go looking for an OT to ask anything of us. The lay-person viewer just can't connect with this poster's intent.

Now, that being said--Penny's last entry on Thursday would be great if it was used in a poster--giving names, personalities, descriptions, scenarios to the faces (forget about the ice cream cone, etc.)--those could be on individual posters, or printed under a series of pictures (in 1 poster) of these people actually looking like who she describes.  

And I will reiterate: I still think the best branding we could make would help explain/define OT as a profession AND give patients and referral sources an incentive to utilize OT.  In other words, build on our old brand by adding the new one:  "Occupational Therapy--Skills for the Job of Living Life to its Fullest".

# re: Living Life

I LOVE the new Brand, "Living Life to Its Fullest."

For me it fits exactly what I understand a brand image will do over time. And that is that after it has been associated with hundreds, and hopefully thousands of different images in different contexts and venues it will begin to be recognized and create an automatic positive emotional association.

I don't expect that it will ever define occupational therapy for an audience in itself.......but it will help with our Centennial Vision goal of becoming widely recognized and along with associated efforts will increase society's understanding of the profession over the long haul.

I hear why some people love the poster, and why some are not so excited, but either way, I truly believe that after we start to see the brand associated with a range of other images that are context specific, I don't think we'll give the poster much more thought.

Successful brand images used by BMW, Nike, McDonalds, Disney are used in a wide variety of contexts and with myriad images. Even countries and other professions (e.g. physical therapy) are putting forward brand efforts.....

When we see an image in an AARP publication that rings true with members of that association, or when we see an image in a piece on autism or alzheimer's that rings true with parents or caregivers, all with our brand featured prominently, I believe we will all start to see the payoff.

And I can't wait!

BTW, here is an interesting link on "nation branding" that I think has a nice description of "what is a brand"

montevideo.usembassy.gov/.../08-487EN.shtml

# re: Living Life

I don't know much about marketing or branding, but it seems like it's very difficult to brand a "white elephant".  In my opinion, in the mainstream field of medicine, OT is a GREAT unknown ESPECIALLY in adult rehab.

I think OT may be well-known in peds and hand therapy but in my opinion, the rest of OT is suffering with no name or even worse, a bad name.

Let me waste my breath here, and implore AOTA to put the branding campaign on hold and figure  out what the heck is wrong with our profession.

# Living Life

I am not a fan of the poster, the new branding or the fact that members were not asked in advance. I think the phrase is too generic. It could apply to the purchase of Viagra, a vacation or a new condo. It's vague and doesn't even convey that it is a service rather than an object that is being offered. The former phrase at least mentioned skills.  We teach and shape lifetime skills. That works and prompts questions. I am not opposed to a new method of branding but something more to the point, not less is needed. Thank you.  

# re: Living Life

From AOTA member, Elaine Nosal, OTR/L:

'Living life to it's fullest' is perfect!!  Our SNF recently received a letter from a spouse of a patient of ours.  She stated  that you (and your team at the SNF) not only restored quality of life for our loved one, but you restored quality of life for our entire family.

# re: Living Life

So I was sitting in the audience in Long Beach last April, listening to the president of AOTA give her address, building up to the new slogan, feeling the excitement and anticipation growing. At one point in the address, right before the new brand was revealed, she said "when OT makes the impossible possible..." I got chills down my spine, thinking that this was it, and it was perfect - OT makes the impossible possible! I felt like that is exactly what OT does. How many of our clients have felt broken down by their illness, disability or health related problems, thinking that getting healthy or getting better is impossible. And along comes OT with our activity analysis, therapeutic use of self,  attitude of possibility, and the rest of our toolkit, and soon enough, people are doing what they thought was impossible.

Unfortunately, that statement slid on by, and all of a sudden the balloons were falling and the new brand was "Live life to the fullest". I felt strangely deflated. The new slogan was OK, but the idea of making the impossible possible had filled me with pride in knowing that is what OTs really do. Do I hate the new brand? No, but I'm not that excited about it. I didn't really like Skills for the Job of Living either, but people seemed to understand it better. The poster? The first time I saw it I had no idea it was the new OT poster - didn't really even notice it.  I'm sure the next round of promotional materials will be better as time goes on, and I look forward to seeing what develops. OT makes the impossible possible!

# re: Living Life

There is another interesting conversation going on at Dr. Brent Braveman's blog. You can find it here:

http://tinyurl.com/bxpzkz

# re: Living Life

Well, it was interesting to read some of the other comments about the slogan b/c of my initial reaction to it. At the time it first came out, I was finishing school and had a teacher lead a very long discussion about what we thought of it. Of course at that time, we were "almost OTs" and grasping at our own limited understanding of how to present ourselves to new patients, families, and others within our communities. I had returned to school to get my masters degree after working as a COTA for several years. For me, Skills for the job of living helps me to explain how we differ from nursing and other therapy staff when working with a client/patient. We aren't just a "wanna-be" PT or a "glorified CNA". With the new slogan, I can't use that phrase to back up the science or philosophy of OT. OT to me is about being holistic and promoting wellness, meaning, and purpose to life and the activities that we engage in. Living life to the Fullest makes me feel like I should join the activities department and make life "Fun" rather than "Functional and Meaningful". I  also agree with previous comments about who is to decide what is Fullness/ or Fullest? MOHO says the patient is deciding this and that it is always changing in response to environment and context, yet I know my Medicare dollars won't cover all the fun things people WANT to do vs. NEED to do in life. It is an ever challenging goal in my profession to accurately promote and reflect this.  Best wishes, See you at AOTA!

# re: Living Life

"Occupational therapy works to get beyond disability or limitations, creating ways for individuals to life to its fullest no matter what." is on the AOTA website and includes some typos...

should read:  individuals to live

Also, Occupational therapy works to get beyond limitations.

OT does not work to get beyond disability as a whole but only the limitations.  Disability is part of all of our lives.  It is an identifier.  It also refers to culture.  People with disabilities, including clients and practitioners, should be respected and accepted, especially by OTs.

On behalf of the NOTPD, we respectfully request these edits be made to the website and future publications.  We believe that this will help us move forward toward the Centennial Vision and a more inclusive, accessible, culturally competent profession.

# re: Living Life

I have mulled over the brand name for quite a while now, seeing how it struck me in different contexts and with different clients.  Although I agree that occupational therapists do help our clients "Live Life to the Fullest", I don't believe this phrase will set us apart amongst other healthcare services or even non-healthcare services.  It seems too generic.  That being said, I would agree with many of the above posts that we should try to develop visual posters that depict our clients in before/during/after pictures with OT intervention.  Although it sounds as if there was considerable surveying done in preparation for this unveiling, I do not recall having the opportunity to give input.  I have been an AOTA member for 25 years---I would have appreciated that opportunity.

# re: Living Life

Branding, centinnenial vision, etc.. are bullshit.  Everything about OT is BS and it makes our profession even harder than it is.  what did i learn from school?  OT is the lowest category in the health profession dept. what did i learn from all of my FWs?  OTs get no respect.  what did i learn from a career? "no, this is not how you sit.  this is not how you write.  lets see how long you can stand and fold."  And all of this...it required Master's degree to do this.  You've got to be kidding me.  OT is degrading to all health profession field.  AOTA need to stop faking the smile and stop faking as if everyday is a sunny day.  

# re: Living Life

I viewed the poster and pondered the phrase. I think the poster is a little "lacking" in something.  While I'm sure that many OT's view the poster with great zest, I think many patients and referral sources will be left with a sort of confused feeling.

# re: Living Life

A recent "One-Minute Update" discusses the brand and this blog.  In part, the "Update" states: "We’re happy to report that these thoughts from many of you were overwhelmingly positive."  

While it is true that this blog has many overwhelmingly positive remarks, there are also many overwhelmingly negative comments.  In fact, I counted the responses and categorized them as positive, negative or neutral.  

Based on my very unscientific count, 34 comments support the brand/poster and 30 comments speak against the brand and/or poster.  Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that many posts were overwhelmingly positive, but just as many were overwhelmingly negative.

AOTA may have done some surveys, focus groups or whatever, but based on this blog there are many OT's not satisfied with the new branding campaign.  Why won't AOTA stop and listen to what is being said?  I've read that they are committed to this campaign and that not doing it is not an option.  But, is that really representing AOTA's constituents?  

If almost 50% of the people on this blog are against the campaign, why is it moving forward?  Is AOTA spending our money for something that is not supported by the majority of practitioners?

While I'm not sure, it seems that AOTA is more committed to this campaign than to OT practitioners.  It seems that the ship is full steam ahead, regardless of the cost.  Is this an example of escalation of commitment?  In other words, the more AOTA commits to the brand, the more they become committed.  Is there no turning this ship around?

# re: Living Life

I think that if you take note of the order of the comments - they will be meaningful - As someone wrote - they didnt want to be the first one to say anything negative ... but once someone wrote their true feelings, they didnt feel obligated to just give the "your doing a great job" responce.  

to be honest - we all know that there are a ton of people in this world that like to give praise, and it seems clear that noone was writing their feedback as they felt it negative (myself included) as all the feedback was "OT is great - you did a great job - you picked awsome words ..." crap ...

then ... someone took the nerve - and they wrote what they felt (as many more before them did, but was afraid to write ...) they said the slogan sucked - and did not represent us at all as different than any other nice profession - and then they gave us a confusing stupid poster that no one gets, shows nothing of OT, and most people are not hanging it.  

the slogan "research" if it was done, as well as the printing of the posters, was a waste of money ...

if you look at the post order ... you will see that once someone said what everyone was thinking - everyone backed that up - pretty much ALL of the positive emails (which were clearly patronizing the AOTA administration) preeceded any honest ones that were not in favor of the stupid new slogan.

it was written on many posts as well, that the old slogan was liked, meaningful, and represented our profession ... I think as the comment above said, why not go back and stick with what is working ...

Why are we trying to fix something that is not broken anyway ???

Sorry to be so blatenly honest ...  and I fully agree with the post just prior to mine !!!  

# re: Living Life

the AOTA minute says "Living Life To Its Fullest: You Spoke, We Listened"  - um it seems like you havent listened - or this would be a blip in history.  If you listened, have you stopped this campaigh?  It is clear that a majority of OT's practicing today do not agree with the slogan that you are so called "branding us" with.  What is the plan now? Are you dropping it or pushing it more upon us?

# re: Living Life

I think that it is important to read the entire message of the 1 minute update which is posted on the AOTA Website and can be found here:

www.aota.org/.../Response.aspx

The full paragraph that characterizes the nature of the dialogue in this blog thread reads:

"The vibrancy of the brand may be reflected in the many views and comments sent to AOTA. To read all of the comments, go to Penny Moyers Cleveland’s blog on OT Connections to read what your colleagues had to say.

We’re happy to report that these thoughts from many of you were overwhelmingly positive. As much as we like hearing praise, we’re extremely interested in those who had alternative suggestions about our branding efforts. All of these comments were read and examined; many contained good ideas for new interpretations, new visuals and more tools that better meet your needs. Anything that can help us improve our efforts is so very important. And we have many more steps in the process to help you live occupational therapy to its fullest."

I also think that if a comparison is made between

1) the efforts to gather input during the process of developing the brand and

2)the feedback given on this one blog

it is critical to compare factual and accurate data before making a judgment. This includes an accurate comparison of number of individual and issues such selection bias in both groups.

# re: Living Life

I would love to compare data about the brand. Perhaps AOTA will make this data available. Or is it already available?

Also, the "full paragraph" quoted above does NOT characterizes the nature of this blog.  This blog does not represent the brands "vibrancy"; instead it represents its controversy. While I'm sure AOTA does like hearing "praise", what about all the criticism on this blog?  Why doesn't "the paragraph" mention that?

In my opinion, AOTA leaders have developed this "branding concept" and they are now looking only for support.  They are "sold" on this concept and are moving forward at all cost.

# re: Living Life

I certainly cannot speak for all of AOTA leadership. I can only voice my perspective on the process as one member of the Board of Directors.

Blogging is much about everyone having their opinion. As one member of the Board of Directors I encourage members and non-members alike to share their feedback both positive and negative. I am very interested in hearing both, and my experience is that other leaders are committed to listening as well.

One of my opinions is that we need to confuse ourselves with facts and data sometimes <smile>.

So while I have found the comments here extremely interesting and helpful, I also put the sum of them in context. There are relatively few of us involved in this dialogue and the focus of posts is quite diffuse. So I think the jump from a blog dialogue to action is very wide indeed.

But I am reading :)

# re: Living Life

Mr. Carson, you seem to ignore information that has been provided in the blog and in multiple AOTA venues that extensive market research was done to develop the brand and to market test it afterwards.

Are you suggesting that the AOTA Board of Directors should igore feedback obtained through well estalished procedures that included many practitioners, consumers, payers etc and instead just listen to what is posted here?

I can't follow your logic. You scream for "AOTA" to listen, but it seems like you mean you want them to just listen to you.

Your comments about only wanting to hear one side of the story are amazingly ironic.

THANK YOU AOTA BOARD!

# re: Living Life

Many times, I've read that various studies, research, focus groups, or whatever was done to develop the brand. But what I haven't seen is any specific numerical information. I am suggesting that AOTA provide additional numerical data.

OF COURSE I DON'T WANT AOTA TO LISTEN TO ME. While I may be the only person continually raising this issue, there are at least 30 other people with similar negative feelings/attitudes.

# re: Living Life

One piece of numerical data that was presented was that after conducting an indepth process to develop feasible brands, a survey of over 1000 members and non-membes was conducted before selecting "Living Life to Its Fullest."

Hmm, 1000, 30.....1000, 30

Has there EVER been a decision by the AOTA Board where at least 30 people were not happy about it?

Should we revisit EVERY decision. 30 seems like a pretty low bar to me.

Also, do you think this blog is the only place where feedback is being given?

I attended a presentation on the Centennial Vision and the brand was discussed. The positive comments ran about 6 to 1. Should the Board ignore other modes of input, or JUST listen the 30 on here?

# re: Living Life

I seriously doubt that there was a majority that could have been in favor of this stupid "brand" - I have asked EVERY O.T. and COTA that I know (and that is MANY) - and only one thought that it was decent at all, and she preferred the Skills for the Job of Living over it too ...

I asked patients - that were IN therapy, to tell me what they thought the poster was for - and they had no clue, thought automobile industry, overall happiness, etc...  only 2 out of 30+ gave me the answer of anything to do with O.T. - and all of them were actually IN the occupational therapy room having therapy when I asked ...  (I did fold up the OT wording at the bottom.) -  Also, all rehab staff, OT PT ST and support staff needing significant prodding to get to O.T. from the pics ...  

just seems very nice - live life to the fullest ... but it does not seem O.T. like at all ...

I will stick to the old Skills for all my stuff ...

wondering, are the words of either brand copywritten?   or can they be used freely?  

# re: Living Life

Hi all,

I have mostly been lurking reading over my husbands shoulder. But finally had to get on and share my thoughts. Here they are:

1. There are 37,000 plus AOTA members and over 110,000 OT practitioners in the country. Plus all of the consumers and referral sources which are who the brand REALLY is for! The idea that AOTA would turn on a dime because of a blog discussion is silly.

2. I very much like the dialogue and exchange of opinions that go on here, but not a fan at all of the finger pointing in some of the posts. Stating your opinion is interesting, assigning attributions to others is not!

3. I was not thrilled with the new brand but am warming up to it, and it is MUCH better than the old, "Skills....." which I thought was horrible!

4. Give things a chance! Good Lord, it was just one poster! Did you not see all the other visuals that show all the other sorts of ways it could be shown? We need to pay attention to what AOTA provides for us before we criticize!

Thanks. Back to lurking :)

# re: Living Life

Saying that AOTA did a survey of 1000 people says nothing about the data that was collected. In fact, it doesn't even indicate the actual number of respondents. So, even though the brand was touted as being based on "science", I don't remember reading any stats on the data.  Was this information published somewhere?

One reason that I'm skeptical of AOTA's claim of large support is because of the way the recent "One Minute Update" was worded.  In my opinion, the "Update" provided a VERY biased and inaccurate description of this blog's messages.

Also, it is no surprise to me that at a presentation, the (+) comments far outweighed the negative. As evidenced by this blog, giving criticism or negative responses is not well received. There is also a certain amount of over-optimism and "pumping up" that occurs at conferences and support meetings.

And, it's not just one poster. It's an entire branding campaign.  The poster is just one of many pieces of the campaign

While it may be silly to think that AOTA will "turn on a dime" because of this blog, that does NOT mean that those of us opposing the campaign should stop voicing our opinion and opposition. I trust my fellow opposing colleagues will not "roll over and play dead" simply because we may be in the minority.

# re: Living Life

I don't care what the stats say. I think its a brilliant campaign. Living life to the fullest is what health and well-being would look like if you could personify it. Living life to the fullest IS what OT hopes to accomplish for their clients.

# re: Living Life

After reading the president's inspirational message, and receiving the poster, I am excited because this demonstrates the true essence of OT. OT is the elusive therapy, we need to get out and explain to the general public, and through research  prove how OT is a successful part of the treatment team. Its time to demonstrate our strengths,and show how different we our form PT. To do this we need to get back to our roots, where ours goals are established with purpose and meaning to the patients, so they may successfully return to their lives. In most rehab setting it is very difficult to tell which therapy is which, for OT to move forward in the 21st century we need to establish ourselves as the diverse entity we are and carve out our own notch. Only then will we be able to get the respect and recognition we deserve.  

# re: Living Life

The new Occupational Therapy brand “Living Life to Its fullest” is Occupational Therapy’s new promise. I feel as though it conveys hope and effectiveness. I believe the new brand means looking up and always being positive no matter what life brings you. This poster shows the variety of people OT effects on a daily basis, people of all ages, cultures, and disabilities and abilities. I hope this new brand and the centennial of occupational therapy opens up the world’s eyes to occupational therapy and its benefits. The brand makes me think of all the important little things in life that makes daily life pleasing and satisfying. When a person has difficulties with these little things there are social, psychological and physical impacts on an individual. “Living Life to the Fullest,” means not letting the disability stop you from trying new things or letting a disability get in your way of living.

After reading a few comments on the new brand I feel as though my opinion has changed.  I feel as though the pictures in the poster don’t reflect what occupational therapy is and what we do as therapist.  I don’t feel as though the general public would understand the meaning behind these pictures and what they stand for. Others have commented on the old brand which was, “Skills for the Job of Living.” I feel as though previous brand coveys the meaning of occupational therapy as an individual discipline.  The new brand is so general any therapeutic discipline could use it including Speech and Physical Therapy. Although this would be too long for a brand, “Skills for the Job of Living life to its Fullest,” would better express what we as Occupational Therapist do for each individual. I would prefer the word job as part of the brand due to the vast confusion of the word occupation. Due to the fact that the general public does not understand what we as occupational therapist do, I think the brand should be more specific to occupation and what we as occupational therapist represent.

# re: Living Life

“Living Life To Its Fullest” is a very inspiring and motivating phrase. As a practitioner it is a phrase that I can personally relate to. I have selected Occupational Therapy as my career so that I can help people “Live Life To Its Fullest”, as the president stated, no matter what.

Additionally, the brand about the clock is very clever. No, no one can turn back the clock and undo the damage of time on the body. But, OT can maximize the time we spend with our clients. Our clients can then maximize the way they choose to spend their time.

The big doors represent all the different ways we can help and all the opportunities there are for Occupational Therapy. It says, “Here we are if you need us; you can knock and we will answer.” The president points out all the different areas OT is found including community, schools, sub acute, etc.

# re: Living Life

The new OT brand has really caught my attention. I feel that the brand says so much about what we do and is able to communicate to individuals the broad scope and potential of occupational therapy. The graphics on the poster that go along with the brand fit extremely well with what the brand is trying to communicate. When looking at the graphics, I get a sense of satisfaction from them. The full gas tank, the full glass of water, and extra hours on the clock provide a feeling of calmness and also a feeling that there is great opportunity for more to be accomplished. "Living life to its fullest" is a brand, that I feel, will allow clients to feel as if their opportunities are endless and that the world is there for them to conquer. I feel that as this as the vision and brand of OT, the profession itself will be able to grow and reach its full potential.

# re: Living Life

The 1972 Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture titled Occupational Therapy:  A Model for the Future, by Jerry A. Johnson, says “One of our greatest challenges is to clearly identify our product (Occupational Therapy) or services for ourselves and the public, particularly if we wish to achieve success in marketing them.”  I think this has now been solved by the unveiling of the new “brand.”  Clients can relate to the people on the poster.  Seeing the people smile brings a sense of calming.  They can feel a sense of peace knowing that their glass is full, and their tank is full.  Living life to its fullest is the brand that we’ve needed to better market ourselves to those around us.  Even if people just see the poster and ask what is Occupational Therapy, it is doing it is job.  We want to get our name out there and this new brand, and the poster puts pictures to the name Occupational Therapy.  

# re: Living Life

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) poster, “Living Life To Its Fullest,” shows how Occupational Therapy (OT) makes what other people may see as impossible, possible. These images in the poster are evidence of how occupational therapy practitioners use varied resources to help and reach out to patients. The image of the full glass of water indicates energy for the body; a full tank of gas signifies energy for the car, meaning nothing can stop us. The images of the pad and the blackberry are both communication tools which enable people to organize their lives and send and receive positive and purpose driven massages. The clock symbol with the extra two hours and three scoops of ice cream means there is always time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The president of AOTA asked “what is it about OT that makes the smiling faces in the poster?” I think is because OT gives these people a positive outlook on life.  

# re: Living Life

Living life to the fullest is an excellent branding for the profession. We have finally formulated a phrase that encompass all that occupational Therapy is about. Since the scope of occupational Therapy is so broad, it has always been very difficult to define it in a brief manner that has meaning to members of the public. We can now let people know what the profession is about in one sentence; and elaborate when required or as needed. I feel very inspired by the new OT brand and look forward to doing my part in promoting public awareness of the profession.

I look forward to seeing more posters of activities that represents the majority of the public. The activities presented are good, however, many people may not be able to identify with them due their high level.

# re: Living Life

"Living Life To Its Fullest" is the desire of every human being. Irrespective of one's background, social or economic status, race, religion or gender. It is our innate desire to live a fullfilling and satisfying life. Occupational therapy provides the opportunity to individuals who might have suffered some setbacks in their lives to regain control again and continue living the life they were created to live. This is a brand that can easily become a household phrase. As an occupational therapy student this will decrease the time I will spend in explaining the meaning of occupational therapy. It is obvious the phrase says it all.    

# re: Living Life

I think the new OT brand “Living Life to its Fullest” illustrates what Occupational Therapy can do to improve the lives of clients. Each picture represents how O.T. intervention can make a difference for clients with disabilities of all ages. I’ve seen a stroke client with a bilateral amputee recover with O.T. intervention. The client became independent with ADLs with adaptive equipment and wheelchair mobility in the community.

# re: Living Life

The OT Brand “Living Life to its Fullest” is a wonderful concept.  The smiling faces represent a good diversity of the occupational therapy (OT) population.  The idea of staying in our homes and children playing with others is an appropriate reflection of OT intervention.  However, the overall campaign and poster do not reflect OT’s contribution to the concept.  The items in the poster make one feel it is a department store advertisement.  The beautiful pictures in the campaign look like an advertisement for extreme sports or a travel agency.  

I had to explain the poster when I showed it to various people including special education teachers, the principal of a special education school, a social worker, a PT, etc.  The overwhelming responses were, “I don’t get it”, and “What does it have to do with OT”?  I do not feel the poster or campaign assists us in our ongoing dilemma of explaining what we do, and distinguishing OT from other professions.  We should be proud of what we do.  We are better than three scoops of ice cream because we assist people meet their greatest potential, thus contributing to “Living Life to its Fullest”.

# re: Living Life

The new occupational therapy brand, “Living Life to Its FullestTM” is, in my opinion an understandable explanation of what it is that defines our profession.  Most professional’s if not all of us in the field have been faced with the question, “What exactly do you do?” The new brand along with the poster illustrates this perfectly.  I shared the poster with my 8 year old daughter who is always curious about my work.  Her first comment was about the clock with more hours.  My daughter said, “That clock has too many numbers, why does it go to 14?” I explained that my job is to help children make the most of every day they have.  My personal favorite is the poster of the to do list with number one stating: Do the best I can!  I use the idea frequently in my practice with children who have low self-confidence.  It is very rewarding to see them accomplish a task which they once felt was not possible.  One of the key factors in our profession is helping people realize their strengths and utilizing those strengths to make positive changes in their lives.  I am very enthusiastic about the new brand and I look forward to sharing the information with fellow staff members, parents and the general public.

# re: Living Life

“Living life to its Fullest” is a great idea to use for a brand as it’s already a well known phrase and the wish of most people is to have a full and purposeful life.  However, the concern that I have with the poster is that it doesn’t really convey a strong enough message about what we, as therapists, do.  What I mean is that if you are already in the field of Occupational Therapy you can link the concepts behind the clock and the smiling faces.  However, the function of a brand is to reach beyond the current market base.  For example, when Nike launched it’s “just do it” campaign our televisions were flooded with images of individuals performing feats of incredible athleticism.  The underling message was that buying Nike will help you do the same and as a result they saw a significant spike in sales.  Now, while our brand logo is good the problem with the poster is that the images do not really implicate what it is that we do to someone who doesn’t already know.  Let’s face it the majority of the world does not know what an Occupational Therapist does. What I suggest is that instead of being so general with this campaign and showing pictures of clocks, smiling faces and ice cream cones, we should think about more of a before and after type of theme with regard to the general public.  For example, if you showed some pictures of depressed looking individuals just sitting around at home, in bed, or in w/c and beneath them had the statement like “if this is you”.  Then show these same people walking in the park, playing wheelchair basketball, or being active in the community with a statement below them that say’s “Occupational Therapy helping you to live life to its fullest”.  That would be something that puts an idea into the heads of the general masses as to what Occupational Therapy does and how it can help individuals in there daily life and or pursuits.  

# re: Living Life

AOTA member

Elizabeth R. Butler OTS

Dominican College

As a student of Occupational Therapy I feel the new quote, "Living life to its fullest" is a great title. It broadens our scope of practice to all people of ages and groups. The previous title, "skills for the job of living" related well to our core base, occupation, but it also forced people to say, "I have a job I don't need help with it." With the new phrase it represents hope for those who are limited. Our new phrase is part of our holistic process uplifting hope and determination into hearts. The poster is amazing. Symbolically, it represents us and our mind set. Living life to its fullest the cup is always half full...

# re: Living Life

Upon the initial opening of the "Living Life To Its Fullest, " I thought it was quite a 'catchy phrase,' especially in today's world...the war, the economy, etc.   As a COTA, I analyzed the pictures  and  was able to interpret  them quite easily.  I noticed the diverse population in which we work with,  in regards to both age  and race.  I also noticed the optimistic and encouraging message that we should  send to our patients.   I then took off my OT glasses and put on the glasses of someone who does hold the knowledge of what OT truly is.  I begin to realize that I  do have to concur with some of the previous blogs, that the poster does not match  the true essence and meaning behind  what we as OT's truly do in order to regain and restore the skills that our clients either once had or are working to gain.  

I feel in order to get the message out to educate the public that the images should contain specific information, such as  the ADL equipment  for the adult population,  perhaps group work  that helps support the mental health community, and therapeutic equipment that is utilized for our pediatric population.  I feel that if we ‘show’ what we do through our OT glasses that we will be able to demonstrate a clearer picture to the public as to what we as Occupational Therapists contribute to this society.

Karen Moschetti, OTS  Dominican College, NY

# re: Living Life

     After receiving the poster and looking at all the different pictures I feel it works well with our profession. We do it all.  I like the new brand and the positive message it sends “living life to the fullest”. The president’s message elaborates that by finding the purpose her patient needed to proceed with therapy whole heartedly. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant working in the field I feel a positive attitude is so important. The clock with the extra numbers was a nice twist it could be interpreted many ways one possibility could be the patient can complete a task at their own pace. This reinforces it “living life to the fullest”.  

# re: Living Life

Upon the initial opening of the "Living Life To Its Fullest, " I thought it was quite a 'catchy phrase,' especially in today's world...the war, the economy, etc.   As a COTA, I analyzed the pictures  and  was able to interpret  them quite easily.  I noticed the diverse population in which we work with,  in regards to both age  and race.  I also noticed the optimistic and encouraging message that we should  send to our patients.   I then took off my OT glasses and put on the glasses of someone who does hold the knowledge of what OT truly is.  I begin to realize that I  do have to concur with some of the previous blogs, that the poster does not match  the true essence and meaning behind  what we as OT's truly do in order to regain and restore the skills that our clients either once had or are working to gain.  

I feel in order to get the message out to educate the public that the images should contain specific information, such as  the ADL equipment  for the adult population,  perhaps group work  that helps support the mental health community, and therapeutic equipment that is utilized for our pediatric population.  I feel that if we ‘show’ what we do through our OT glasses that we will be able to demonstrate a clearer picture to the public as to what we as Occupational Therapists contribute to this society.

Karen Moschetti, OTS  Dominican College , NY