[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF OCCUPATION THERAPY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 1999

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Occupation 
Therapy Month and in recognition of the invaluable services that 
occupational therapists provide to their patients. Occupational 
therapists provide people with the support, the rehabilitation, and the 
medical care that enables them to live full lives and function at the 
highest possible level, despite disability, illness, injury, or other 
limitations. Occupational therapists work in nursing homes, support 
individuals with mental illnesses, assist physically disabled 
individuals in performing ordinary life activities, and help children 
in our schools learn at the highest level. Occupational therapy is a 
necessary component of quality medical care in that it allows 
individuals who face physical challenges to retain their independence 
and to perform the daily activities that we all take for granted.
  I know from personal experience that this is true. A number of years 
ago, my father contracted Guillan-Barre Syndrome, a devastating illness 
which leaves the individual in temporary paralyzed state. We were truly 
fortunate that we had the highest quality medical care. The doctors 
saved my father's life. The therapists gave him his life. Their 
expertise and specialized knowledge allowed him to resume his daily 
activities and stay independent.
  My daughter Katherine is an active, energetic seven-year old who 
plays soccer and a number of other sports. Seeing her today, you would 
never guess that as an infant she spent a year of her life in a full 
body cast because of problems with her hip. Again, we had the most 
qualified and experienced doctors caring for her, but I believe that it 
was her therapists who were responsible for assuring that she would 
remain active and energetic for the rest of her life.
  Quality medical care is a composite and I would like to recognize the 
contribution that occupational therapists make in assuring that our 
medical system not only cures patients, but allows them to live their 
lives to the fullest.

                          ____________________