Occupational therapists are heavily involved in trying to solve the problems of disabled people and meet their long-term needs in the community. However, the efficacy of occupational therapists in solving these problems is related to the definitions of disability that they use. Being defined as disabled makes a person ‘eligible’ for the receipt of various resources. Viewed objectively, are the definitions used any help in resolving the problems of a disabled person in the community? This article implies that they may not be as helpful as occupational therapists think.
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