The experience of being an occupational therapist with a disability.

OBJECTIVE This study addressed what it is like to practice as an occupational therapist with a disability. METHOD Open-ended interviews using a phenomenological approach were conducted with 10 participants until data saturation was achieved. Each transcripted interview was coded for categories, and the common themes across transcripts were identified. RESULTS These major themes were identified: "I am sensitive to their needs"; "The issue is how to cope with life"; and "Recognize your own strengths and limits." Each theme had several subcategories. CONCLUSIONS Occupational therapists with disabilities approach their practice from a unique perspective and may be able to motivate and challenge clients in a different manner than therapists without disabilities. Therapists with disabilities perceive themselves as uniquely skilled persons who have developed successful strategies to cope with the experience of disability.