Imagine living during a time where mental illness or disability were considered evil and that the only cure was to be tortured, hung, or imprisoned in not even animal worthy conditions. The idea of these dark cells over crowded by the 'insane' is heart wrenching, considering most people are affected in one way or another by a person in their life with a disability. Luckily, societal standards have changed, but up until recently this was not the case. 'Inmates' as they were referred to suffered greatly. They were chained, whipped, starved and persecuted for their 'crimes'. These people were not criminals but instead sick people who deserved proper consideration ("History of Mental Illness and Early Treatment in a nutshell").
             Fortunately, today's society has innovative techniques for people living with such illnesses and allows them to become active members of the community (History of Occupational Therapy" 1). The development of occupational therapy during this time was concerned with "directed use of time, interests, energy, and attention; in combination with purposeful daily activity for treatment" (2). It is important to recognize that such methods are considered most effective with early childhood intervention. In that case, the modernized method of intervention of occupational therapy can promote a productive adult life for a child living with a form of disability or high needs through the therapists role in intervention, the clients proactive involvement, and also the communities role in therapy.
             It is important to understand what occupational therapy is before acknowledging that it is an effective measure for promoting a productive life. An occupational therapists main role is teaching "skills for the job of living that are needed for independent and satisfying lives"("Skills for the Job of Living" 1). These skill...