[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 7988] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN RECOGNITION OF OCCUPATION THERAPY MONTH ______ HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER of california in the house of representatives Thursday, April 29, 1999 Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Occupation Therapy Month and in recognition of the invaluable services that occupational therapists provide to their patients. Occupational therapists provide people with the support, the rehabilitation, and the medical care that enables them to live full lives and function at the highest possible level, despite disability, illness, injury, or other limitations. Occupational therapists work in nursing homes, support individuals with mental illnesses, assist physically disabled individuals in performing ordinary life activities, and help children in our schools learn at the highest level. Occupational therapy is a necessary component of quality medical care in that it allows individuals who face physical challenges to retain their independence and to perform the daily activities that we all take for granted. I know from personal experience that this is true. A number of years ago, my father contracted Guillan-Barre Syndrome, a devastating illness which leaves the individual in temporary paralyzed state. We were truly fortunate that we had the highest quality medical care. The doctors saved my father's life. The therapists gave him his life. Their expertise and specialized knowledge allowed him to resume his daily activities and stay independent. My daughter Katherine is an active, energetic seven-year old who plays soccer and a number of other sports. Seeing her today, you would never guess that as an infant she spent a year of her life in a full body cast because of problems with her hip. Again, we had the most qualified and experienced doctors caring for her, but I believe that it was her therapists who were responsible for assuring that she would remain active and energetic for the rest of her life. Quality medical care is a composite and I would like to recognize the contribution that occupational therapists make in assuring that our medical system not only cures patients, but allows them to live their lives to the fullest. ____________________