Occupational role acquisition: a perspective on the chronically disabled.

Occupational therapists are aware that chronic disability restricts not only physical and mental skills, but also social skills and the resulting ability of the patient to function in society. The issue of quality of life for the chronically disabled requires assisting them in the acquisition of new, although not always remunerative, occupational roles. The occupational role defines daily activity and appropriation of time, as well as the contribution to society and societal worth. This article presents the sociological concepts of role, three critical points in conceptualization of the occupational role acquisition process, a model for evaluating and monitoring a patient's progress, and a case study.