Which outpatient service aims to help individuals with disabilities achieve independence?

Occupational therapy is specifically designed to help individuals with disabilities gain or regain skills necessary for daily living and work activities, promoting independence. This therapeutic practice focuses on enhancing an individual's ability to engage in everyday tasks, which can include personal care, work, and recreational activities. Occupational therapists assess the patient's needs and create customized treatment plans that may involve practicing specific tasks, adapting environments, and utilizing assistive devices.

While physical therapy primarily focuses on improving physical movement and mobility, and speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing disorders, occupational therapy encompasses a broader approach, integrating various aspects of a person’s life to foster independence. Rehabilitation therapy, while also beneficial for recovery, is typically a more general term that may not focus as directly on the specific skill sets and daily living activities that occupational therapy targets.