Which individual is known as the Mother of occupational therapy?

Eleanor Clarke Slagle is recognized as the Mother of Occupational Therapy due to her pioneering contributions to the field. She was instrumental in establishing the foundations of occupational therapy and significantly influenced its development as a profession. Slagle was the first director of occupational therapy at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and played a key role in creating structured programs that utilized occupation as a therapeutic tool. Her commitment to the profession led to the establishment of the first professional organization for occupational therapists, and she was pivotal in developing the standards for education and practice.

Her work emphasized the importance of using purposeful activities to improve the health and well-being of individuals, fostering a holistic approach that remains central to occupational therapy today. Slagle’s legacy includes not only her innovative programs but also her advocacy for the profession and her emphasis on the educational preparation of occupational therapists, shaping future directions in practice and education.