Occupational Therapy, commonly known as OT, is a holistic science that uses client-centred treatments to develop, rehabilitate or maintain an individual’s ability to carry out activities of daily living. Occupational Therapy enhances active participation in occupational performance areas of instrumental activities of daily living, leisure, social, school and work in individuals who suffer from a mental, emotional or physical condition. Meet Lesego Mashishi, 30, a young entrepreneur and owner of Limitless Occupational Therapy Services as she tells us more about her business.
When did you finish school? (Matric)
2003
What did you study after matric?
I enrolled at the South African National Defence Force and received basic military training for three years. I was then given the opportunity to study occupational therapy with the University of Pretoria at state expense.
Where was your first job?
My first job was as a community service occupational therapist at the 1 Military Hospital in 2010 and I was paid approximately R8 000 per month.
When and why did you start Limitless Occupational Therapy Services?
In 2013. I wanted to be creative and explore a variety of treatment approaches within the scope of occupational therapy. I had new ideas that I wanted to implement and therefore needed the independence and flexibility to do so.
What exactly do you do?
Limitless Occupational Therapy provides medicolegal assessments and reports in third party claims. These include road accident fund claims, train accident claims, medical negligence cases and personal injury matters. Our therapists are required to act as expert witnesses in the court of law for adequate settlement of claims.
We also provide employee wellness packages to business and corporate for performance, absentee and disability management, as well as assist with recruitment of staff that have the functional capacity to meet the key performance indicators for the job that was advertised.
We have a paediatric department that focuses on treating children with learning disabilities and sensory integration problems. We also provide services to individual out-patients who have work-related problems emanating from any physical or mental health problems.
What challenges did you face with your company and how did you overcome them?
My first challenge was that I was passionate about taking occupational therapy services to disadvantaged communities. My first office was established in Witbank where people were not educated about the benefits of receiving occupational therapy intervention. I therefore did not have enough clients to cover the costs of operating the company. Establishing Limitless Occupational Therapy Services head office in Pretoria marked a turning point for the business. Clients were more regular, therefore we were able to run the company more efficiently.
What do you love and enjoy most about what you do?
Occupational therapy enables patients or companies to reach their full potential of functioning, making goals set more achievable. I enjoy seeing people who have received occupational therapy intervention experience positive outcomes from the strategies implemented.
What kind of personality traits does one need to have to survive in your industry?
One needs to be passionate, empathetic, resilient, innovative and hard working.
What advice would you give someone who would like to follow your professional path?
A good performance in matric is crucial for acceptance into the course. I would encourage people to seek volunteer opportunities in various occupational therapy practices in order to be exposed to the different facets of the profession (medicolegal, vocational rehabilitation, paediatrics, physical rehabilitation and psychiatric rehabilitation).
To get a hold of Lesego, visit: www.limitlessot.co.za
