Nick Feldstein is a disabled man who recently resumed occupational therapy for the first time since childhood, and he’s frustrated. After several months of treatment for so-called occupational therapy, he still finds himself without employment.
“This is kind of bullshit, isn’t it? You would think that they would help me find an occupation, but all they’re doing is finding adaptive clothing and helping me shower and cook and stuff. All well and good, but I still do not have an occupation!”
Feldstein’s occupational therapist, Patrick Benson, is sympathetic but still feels a bit cornered.
“Yes, I know what my vocation is called, but I never promise my clients careers. Some of them already have full-time jobs that they’re very happy with!”
Upon hearing this, Feldstein was even more perplexed.
“They have an occupation, so what the hell do they need an OT for?” he asked.
Benson then clarified he is there to help Feldstein with Activities of Daily Living. This confused Feldstein even more: “You know what an activity of daily living is? Spending money! I barely have any of that!”
“He needs to take one step at a time, and not just literally,” Benson said soberly.
“He can’t stand up straight and has been refusing to use his wheelchair out of some misplaced sense of pride. He falls often, he hardly showers — I mean, a job is the least of his worries right now. Like, calm down! If anything, he is a little too occupied with alternative definitions of words.”
Reporters relayed Benson’s assessment to Feldstein, who paused and then grumbled, “Still a misleading name, though.”