[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 74 (Thursday, May 20, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H3438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH

  (Mr. DOGGETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, occupational therapy is a health and 
rehabilitation profession that helps people regain development and 
build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, 
well-being, and happiness. Occupational therapy employs purposeful 
occupational tasks, the kind of thing that we do in our everyday life, 
to return individuals with disability to function.
  The American Occupational Therapy Association has a motto that 
expresses it so very well. ``Occupational Therapy: Skills for the Job 
of Living.''
  In Texas and across the Nation, we recently recognized contributions 
of this important profession with an official designation of 
Occupational Therapy Month. Our therapists help those whose lives are 
dramatically impacted by injury or stroke. They help people return to 
work and resume their place in the community. They work in the aid and 
development of children. They assist parents in developing and 
improving the skills necessary to participate in school, work, play, or 
leisure activities.
  My wife, Libby, has had an opportunity to see firsthand the 
incredible work that our occupational therapists perform to improve the 
quality of life for individuals with disabilities. I join in 
recognizing the significant benefits of occupational therapy for 
Americans from childhood to old age and salute the efforts of our 
occupational therapists across the country.

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