Achieving personal freedom is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of being an adult human being.

However, for the Island's physically and mentally challenged residents, the path to independence is strewn with a few more difficulties.

Luckily, Bermuda's occupational therapists (OT) help put the goal of personal independence within reach.

The Bermuda Occupational Therapy Association (BOTA) is celebrating its 12th anniversary of service this week with activities geared to raise awareness about the association.

So... what exactly is an occupational therapist? According to community occupational therapist Sharon Godwin, an OT is "a person qualified in the treatment of persons with physical, psychological, or developmental disabilities'' -- and the purpose of therapy is to help them reach their maximum level of function and achieve independence in all aspects of their lives.

And, as Miss Godwin pointed out, we are all only temporarily "able-bodied'' -- an accident, the natural aging process, or disease can cause anyone to need the help of an occupational therapist.

"Stroke, dementia, arthritis or the natural effects of aging can make everyday activities difficult,'' said Miss Godwin.

"But quite of few physically challenged older people tend to improve when they're in their home setting.'' "The occupational therapist helps by working with the older person to help them adapt by introducing adaptive equipment to aid independence in daily living activities (such as bathing, eating and dressing),'' she added.

The OT also helps by teaching the person to make their home safer and more accessible when using a wheelchair or walker, how to prevent injury or fatigue and finding ways for them to return to recreational activities.

And as OT Anna Fulton noted, occupational therapy can also assist children and teens with mental and emotional problems.

"Child and Adolescent Services is a facility for young people with mental health difficulties to develop the skills necessary for independent living -- and to teach coping strategies to prevent rehospitalisation,'' said Mrs.

Fulton.

BOTA chair Jacqueline Kavanagh said occupational therapy is a diverse field that is becoming increasingly specialised -- and although there are now 19 OTs Islandwide as opposed to 12 when BOTA was first formed, there's plenty of room for more -- depending on how much funding is available.

This year, the organisation is hoping to set up a website and host a golf tournament to raise funds for student sponsorship, educational resources and continuing education.

Thus far, this week's awareness activities included a picnic at Windreach for children with special needs and a coffee morning at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St. Brendan's. Today there will be an open house on industrial therapy at St. Brendan's Hospital, with lunch prepared by patients in preparation for the re-opening of the Crock Pot Cafe.

And there will be a cocktail reception for BOTA members at Ascots tomorrow evening, and a display at the Ministry of Health will be set up until April 23.