Occupational Therapy Papers

SUMMARY: Occupational therapy is a multifaceted profession, involving a collection of contributions from many individuals. It’s only appropriate that occupational therapy was founded on diverse perspectives, considering it services a wide array of people, levels of ability, and settings. Women all over the world have left their mark on the formation and development of the profession. Susan Tracy, Susan Cox Johnson, and Isabel G Newton are among the most influential way-makers for occupational therapy, as they each bring a unique perspective to the table: one as a nurse, one as an educator, and the other as a secretary.

INTRODUCTION The field of occupational therapy has evolved and transformed and has been shaped by various movements and professions. The collective effort of all diverse professions over time has resulted in a profession that is client-centered and focuses on the

NEWTON Although this next individual was not a founder of the National Society of the Promotion of Occupational Therapy, Isabel G. Newton had an impactful role in making the formation of the organization possible. After originally working as a bookkeeper, Newton was offered a secretarial job by George Barton. Barton soon married Newton and would later become one of the primary founders of the National Society of the Promotion of Occupational Therapy (later and presently named the American Occupational Therapy Association). Her original roles and responsibilities entailed managing and organizing materials for the First Consolation House Conference, making her the first secretary of the Society. While Newton doesn’t get much credit for her contributions to the founding of occupational therapy, her contributions were critical to the success of the field. Her impact was highlighted by George Barton when he dedicated his revered book, Teaching the Sick: A Manual of Occupational Therapy and Re-Education, to Isabel. He wrote: To Isabel Gladwin Barton / My Wife, Helpmeet, and