Shellshock and the Birth of Occupational Therapy

Overview of Shellshock

• Definition: A signature injury of WWI.
• Effects: Caused panic, nervous shock, impairing reasoning, sleep, walking, and talking.

Role of Reconstruction Aides (1917)

• Appointment by the US War Dept. of civilian women for military hospitals.
• Purpose: To reconstruct disabled soldiers.
• Notable figure: Lena Hitchcock, one of the first aides in France.
• Story of confrontation with a commanding officer about their presence.
• Nickname: "Blue Birds" due to unattractive blue uniforms for safety.

Activities of Reconstruction Aides

• Backgrounds: Teachers, secretaries, artists.
• Focus: Handicrafts and vocational skills to distract and engage injured soldiers.
• Example: Use of tools to engage soldiers in activities.

Influence of Moral Treatment and Arts and Crafts Movements

• Historical context: 19th-century moral treatment inspired use of occupation.
• Key figure: Dr. Herbert Hall and his "Work Cure" theory.
• Importance of occupation for healing and self-esteem.

Founding of Occupational Therapy

• Key pioneers: Susan Tracy, George Edward Barton, Eleanor Clarke Slagle.
• Formation of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy in 1917.
• Purpose: To incorporate occupational therapy into medical treatment.
• Significant contributors included Dr. William Ruch-Dutton and Susan Cox Johnson.

Growth and Development in the 1920s

• Expansion of the organization post-WWI.
• Establishment of the first professional journal in 1922.
• Name change to National Occupational Therapy Association.
• Leadership of Eleanor Clarke Slagle.

Challenges and Advancements (1930s)

• Impact of the Great Depression on the profession.
• Establishment of accreditation standards in 1935.
• Increased visibility through partnerships with medical associations.

World War II and Its Impact

• Expansion of military hospitals and occupational therapy programs.
• Development of training programs for occupational therapists.
• Recognition of occupational therapy as a professional classification.

Post-War Developments (1947-1960s)

• Establishment of new journals and foundational textbooks for OT.
• Significant professional recognition of leaders such as Helen Willard and Clare Spackman.

Evolving Practice (1970s-1990s)

• Emphasis on holistic approaches and community health.
• Legislative developments like the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.
• Expansion of practice areas including prevention and wellness.

Modernization and Challenges (1990s-2000s)

• Shift from medical to holistic and community-focused practice.
• Establishment of entry-level education standards.
• Adaptation to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

AOTA’s Centennial Vision (2006)

• Goal: To envision OT as a recognized, evidence-based profession.
• Growth to 60,000 members.

Conclusion: Future of Occupational Therapy

• Continued importance of OT services.
• Dedication and passion of occupational therapists.
• Anticipation of the profession's growth and evolution in the next century.