Blog 8-Why are specialty areas needed in OT?

I have previously descried why OT needs to look to emerging areas, but how do those areas differ from specialty areas? Emerging areas are new areas of practice in OT that can be considered nontraditional. Specialty areas in OT are areas where an OT can get further certification from AOTA by taking a board exam to show their dedication to a specific area in OT. This describes a foundational principle of maturation. Maturation occurs when an OT has been in a specific area for a long period of time and has developed and honed skills to a practicing area. Examples are: low vision, driving and community mobility, and environmental modification. Many more are currently being developed as emerging areas are becoming more specialized.