Introduction / Rationale: Despite available and reliable knowledge in multiple platforms, parents of Khon Kaen struggle to notice the difference in their child’s development and has a somewhat negative perspective towards seeking professional support. Born and raised in this city, the researcher determined to provide occupational therapy services in the form accessible to its children and parents population.
Objectives: This study aims to share the innovative model of entrepreneurship to provide paediatric occupational therapy services in the form of a nursery and learning studio for children, instead of a clinic, to increase the population's engagement.
Methods / Approach: The researcher created the ‘Salmon OT’ model which focuses on supporting parents through their hardship and equipping children with tools to grow, like the salmons that swim upstream to breed and leave fresh water for the salty ocean as they mature. Derived from core values of occupational therapy such as being holistic and client-centred, the nursery and studio offer services that are occupational therapist-designed. There are prevention and health promotion services such as intake developmental screening, multi-sensory learning, parents workshops, and staff trainings for schools in the area, in order to support better understanding of paediatric occupational therapy.
Results / Practice Implications: This model has enabled the researcher to expand her business twice in the past 9 years, raise awareness on developmental disorders, reach more clients through word of mouth, provide appropriate parenting and teaching tools, and familiarise her community with the term ‘occupational therapy’, inspiring change.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: It is important for occupational therapists to understand the community that they serve, seek possibilities and be creative in our service provision methods.